The Winter Solstice and Inspiration from Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees have special significance, symbolism, and purpose, especially during the season of Winter Solstice. It is a mystical time of year for many traditions. It is a time of darkness and light, birth and rebirth, celebration and reflection, letting go, and restarting in a New Year.
The most ancient trees on the planet (Redwoods) have witnessed this cycle for thousands of years. Even in the darkest and coldest time of the year, when all the other trees have dropped their leaves, the evergreens thrive and keep their life and color. They represent eternal life, that goes on even in the midst of Winter when all the other trees seem "dead."
Our Modern Culture Holiday Tree
For some, the traditional Christmas tree name has been replaced by the name Holiday Tree. Another name could be Sacred Tree. Whatever name you choose freely to call it, the evergreen tree as known in our modern culture can be very inspiring, without even knowing the ancient roots.
The warmth of a lighted tree decorated with ornaments, special items, small gift cards, and an assortment of things that are meaningful to our families and us can be a centerpiece in the living room for all to enjoy.
Gifts are placed under the tree, so it represents a very special place of giving and love between family and friends. It is like an altar for the sacred season and can be like an object of worship for what it represents. Almost everyone loves having an evergreen tree in the living room.
However, just as holiday trees are cut and separated from their roots to be placed in a living room, has our culture been cut off from the ancient symbols of the evergreen tree? Have we been cut off from a connection to the roots and the living energy of the Earth?
Ancient Roots of Tree Symbolism
In the Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien developed tree symbolism in his writings, drawing from ancient traditions and myths.
Pre-Christian roots of tree symbolism, especially at the start of Winter connect with the Winter Solstice celebrations and traditions that are thousands of years old. These roots are still active in the astronomical and astrological significance of the Winter Solstice date, on December 21-22.
In the Southern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is precisely the opposite and occurs on June 21-22. The Summer Solstice in the Southern hemisphere occurs on December 21-22. It might seem hard to believe that there is a Summer solstice going on at the same time as the Winter solstice!
The Earth has both going on at the same time, as opposites, similar to the balance of the circular Yin-Yang symbol. Just like a full moon, the solstices represent a powerful shift in astronomical energy, the darkest or lightest day of the year, depending on which hemisphere you are in.
When we connect with ancient traditions and the symbolism of anything sacred, it can empower us to feel inspired that we are connected with the stories, the myths, the metaphors, and the archetypes of ancient tree wisdom in our DNA, our bones, our collective memory, and our souls. The redwoods are the most ancient of evergreen trees and can live for an average of 500-700 years and as long as 2000 years.
I had a profound experience with the redwoods and wrote a separate blog post about it > The Ancient Redwoods Spoke to Me >
What is the symbolism of evergreen trees during the Winter Solstice season that can provide us with reflection and inspiration?
> The evergreens represent eternal life, which goes on even in the midst of Winter when all the other trees seem "dead." Egyptians viewed evergreens as a sign of victory over death and brought greens into their homes during the Winter Solstice.
> The evergreen trees also are connected to the Green Man mythology and archetype, which honors the Earth, especially the plant kingdom.
> Trees in general and evergreens during the Winter Solstice season not only are symbols but contain their spirit connected to the Divine Spirit within all things.
> Holly and mistletoe are also evergreens that thrive in Winter, have their traditions, and are associated with using evergreen trees during the season.
Beyond symbolism, evergreen pines have been used as sacred medicine for thousands of years by indigenous tribes. In an article titled "A Winter Shrine to the Sacred Pine," different parts of the tree are described as having medicinal properties and provide some basic recipes such as pine needle tea.
"What we don’t often realize is that pine, spruce, and fir trees are powerful native medicines that hold many gifts for our mind, body, and spirit. I was stringing up lights around our Christmas tree (a potted pine) yesterday when it dawned on me. Whoa, we’re actually honoring sacred tree medicine right in the middle of our house." full story>
(reference: http://www.thesacredscience.com/a-winter-shrine-to-the-sacred-pine/ )
In this sacred season, it is inspiring to acknowledge the deeper symbolism and meaning of evergreen trees.
Especially at the Winter Solstice, the symbolism of evergreen trees can remind us to celebrate life, with inspiration, love, and gratitude within this season and all seasons.
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