Evermore, Everlasting, Evergreen
Winter is the season that makes evergreens the star of the show. But evergreen trees have also played a significant role in various cultures throughout history, symbolizing enduring life, resilience, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. The diverse array of evergreens, each with its unique characteristics, has contributed to their widespread presence in myths, traditions, and celebrations.
One iconic evergreen is the pine tree, known for its needle-like leaves and distinctive cones. In ancient Rome, the pine held particular significance in rituals dedicated to Cybele, the Mother Goddess. The tree’s evergreen nature represented the eternal life force, and its branches were often used in celebratory garlands. In more recent history, the Scots pine became a symbol of Scottish identity, depicted on the country’s royal coat of arms and embodying strength and endurance.
Our native pine, the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), is common throughout our region and performs well in buffers as a visual screen or as a specimen tree in a designed landscape.
The spruce (Picea) tree, with its conical shape and evergreen needles, has deep roots in Greek mythology. The spruce was dedicated to Artemis, the Goddess of the moon, hunting, and nature. It symbolizes eternal life, resilience, and strength, and came to be a favorite for use as a Christmas tree for having such qualities. The Norway spruce (Picea abies) was commonly planted throughout our landscapes and can grow to be 60 feet tall with a fast growth rate that can be two to three feet per year. Their pendulous branches and long cones differentiate this evergreen from others.
Cedar trees, revered for their fragrant wood and towering presence, have historical importance in various cultures. In ancient Mesopotamia, the Cedar of Lebanon was highly prized for its timber and used in the construction of temples and palaces. Symbolizing strength and protection, the cedar also had a prominent place in religious texts, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh. The biblical references to cedar underscore its role as a symbol of stability and majesty.
The Cryptomeria, or Japanese cedar, holds cultural significance in Japan. Revered for its elegance and straight trunk, this evergreen is often associated with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The Cryptomeria, or “sugi” in Japanese, is a symbol of longevity and endurance, with some trees reaching impressive ages of several thousand years. These ancient trees are considered sacred and are protected as national treasures.
The yew (Taxus) tree, characterized by its dark green needles and red berries, has a deep-rooted history in European traditions. In Celtic mythology, the yew was associated with death and rebirth, as it was believed to have the ability to live for an incredibly long time. Yew trees were often planted in churchyards, connecting the cyclical nature of life and death with the eternal qualities of the evergreen. Its red berries are lovely to look at but use caution with kids and pets for they can be toxic.
Evergreens takes center stage during the Christmas season. The Christmas tree, typically a spruce, fir, or pine, has its roots in medieval Germanic celebrations of the winter solstice. The practice of decorating evergreen trees became more widespread in the 19th century, thanks to the influence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who popularized the tradition in England.
Evergreen trees have left an indelible mark on human history, serving as symbols of endurance, life, and cultural significance. Whether found in ancient mythologies, religious texts, or modern holiday celebrations, these trees connect us to the cycles of nature and remind us of the enduring qualities that have fascinated and inspired humanity for centuries. As we appreciate and celebrate evergreens evermore, we not only honor our shared history but also find solace in the everlasting beauty of these resilient and majestic trees.
Happy Holidays, and let’s garden together. ▼
Eric W. Wahl is Landscape Architect at Pennoni Associates, and President of the Delaware Native Plant Society.
Photo credit: Yoksel Zok on Unsplash.com