Cypress Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
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Cypress Tree Facts
Evergreen trees are called as such because their leaves remain green all year round whatever the season or climate may be. Common evergreen trees are the Pine Tree, Fir Tree, Spruce, and Cypress Tree.
There are only 12 species of the Cypress Tree in the world, which is growing in temperate and subtropical areas of Asia, Europe, and North America. They are distinguishable by their needle-like leaves that grow out of branchlets. The tree, when viewed from top to bottom, has a triangular shape which is also the same with the structure of its leaves. Like other evergreen trees, the Cypress Tree has an earthy and crisp scent similar to Pine Trees.
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Cypress Tree Uses
Starting with its scent, studies across Asia show that essential oils from the Cypress Tree have medicinal benefits. Called as “hinoki” in Japan, the essential oil from the Cypress Tree can lower cortisol or glucose levels, treat asthma, fight bacterial infections, remedy respiratory diseases, increase cancer-fighting cells, and induce relaxation. Hinoki is popularly used in bathhouses in Japan for its physiological benefits.
Oil and extract from the Cypress Tree have also antibacterial properties. It can be used for skin inflammations, wounds, fungal infections, and other skin diseases. Hinoki essential oil is also popularly used as an ingredient for hair products because it promotes hair growth and improves the scalp condition.
In Japan, the Cypress Tree is also commonly used to build shrines, temples, and bathhouses for its natural scent. Cypress Trees grow near streams and riverbanks and have water-resistant abilities. It contains cypressene which is a naturally occurring oil that protects the wood from decay as well as insects such as termites.
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Cypress Tree History
Comparing the gene sequence of the Cypress Tree to plants that lived a million years ago, studies found out that Cypress Trees were already existing 153 million years ago. When the supercontinent Pangea drifted apart, the origin of the Cypress Trees was distributed all around the world. Some claim that this tree originated in present-day Persia or Iran, Syria or Cyprus.
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Cypress Tree Positive Symbolism
In some beliefs, the Cypress Tree symbolizes hope, life, and immortality. First, the Cypress Tree is one of the oldest plants known and one tree can live up to more than 2,000 years old. Its long-life span symbolizes life and immorality. In some cultures, the Cypress Trees are planted in cemeteries to represent the transition of the soul to the immortal world.
Cypress Trees can reach a height of 80 feet to 120 feet. Considering how tall this tree can be, the Cypress Tree is believed to connect heaven and earth. It symbolizes hope as it points and keeps growing towards the heavens.
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Cypress Tree Negative Symbolism
The Cypress Tree is associated with death and mourning. In some cultures, people place parts of the Cypress Tree outside houses or funeral homes to warn outsiders that death has occurred in the place.
During the Neoclassical era up to the 19th century, artists use the Cypress Tree to indicate death, sorrow, or grief in their paintings and other artworks.
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Cypress Tree Cultural Symbolism
In Ancient Persia, the Cypress Tree is a symbol of long life and eternity. Zoroastrian is one of the oldest organized religions that was founded in Iran. Followers of Zoroastrian incorporate the Cypress Tree in their worship. It is a sacred tree for them because the Cypress Tree stays green and never dies during the winter and it has a very long life.
The Cypress of Kashmar, a Cypress Tree believed to be taken from Paradise and given to King Vishtaspa, lived up to 4,000 years old. The importance of the Cypress Tree is seen today in Persian rugs.
The Cypress Tree is one of the important trees mentioned in the Bible. Starting from the book of Genesis, the ark of Noah was said to be made from gopher wood which was durable enough to withstand the great flood. The identity of the gopher wood is unknown but modern translators sided towards the Cypress Tree. In the book of 1 Kings, it was narrated how the temple of Solomon was built with Cypress Tree. Lastly, in Isaiah 44:14, the Cypress Tree is a tree strengthened by God himself. These verses allude to the Cypress Tree as a symbol of strength, uprightness, and eternal life.
In China, the Cypress Trees symbolize eternal life and abundance. The Cypress Tree is believed to be a bridge to the heavens or immortality. They eat the fruits of the Cypress Tree because they think it will help them live a long life. When given as a gift, the Cypress Tree means that the giver wants to wish the receiver promotion or better opportunities.
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Cypress Tree Zodiac Sign
The Cypress Tree is one of the symbols in Celtic horoscope. For people conceived from January 23 to January 31 and from July 25 to August 5, the Cypress Tree is your sign. Under this sign, people are described to be loyal, energetic, resourceful, and sociable.
Just like the Cypress Tree, those individuals are able to withstand struggles and they find a solution to every problem. They also don’t like to be restricted as they enjoy their freedom to wander and socialize. However, they also find time for their family and friends. Those who have the sign of the Cypress Tree are also believed to have a calming effect to people. But, they can also be indifferent and lazy when they are not in the mood.
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Cypress Tree in Dreams
Even in dreams, the Cypress Tree represents long life, good health, and positive energy. When you see a Cypress Tree in full bloom in whatever location, it means that you will be strong, energetic, and healthy. Or it can also mean that you need to take care of your health. If the Cypress Tree is dead or losing its leaves, it could mean that you or someone else is suffering physically. It can mean sickness or death.
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Cypress Tree Omens and Superstitions
Cypress Trees are usually planted in cemeteries. Across cultures, the Cypress Tree is associated with death and immortality. Romans decorate graves with branches of the Cypress Tree to help the soul of the dead pass to the underworld. They also plant Cypress Trees in cemeteries because the Cypress Tree links the earth to the heaven, thereby giving easier passage for the dead to the heavens.
In France, the number of Cypress Trees planted near the entrance of a house portray different meanings. If there is only Cypress Tree, it means that visitors are not welcome unless you are known to the family. If there are three Cypress Trees, it means that tired travelers may enter for resting.
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Cypress Tree Mythology and Folklore
In Greek mythology, the Cypress Tree came from Cyparissus. Cyparissus was one of Apollo’s favorites and he gave him a stag as a gift. However, Cyparissus accidentally killed the stag when he was hunting. Due to his grief, he cried and he was turned to a Cypress Tree. Eventually, the Cypress Tree became a symbol of mourning.
