Magnolia Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
I
Magnolia Tree Facts
The Magnolia Tree is famous for its fragrant flowers. These large white flowers are known to give off a light floral and sweet scent that smells similar to champagne. There are around 255 species of the Magnolia Tree all around the world.
The Magnolia Tree was adopted as the state tree of Mississippi in 1952 whereas the flower of the Magnolia Tree was designated as the state flower of Louisiana in 1900.
II
Magnolia Tree Uses
The Magnolia Tree contains a lot of properties approved for medicinal uses. For more than a thousand of years, the tree has been useful in Chinese Medicine. One of its known benefits includes treatment of digestive problems such as constipation and indigestion.
The extract of the Magnolia Tree contains magnolol and honokiol which are ingredients found in weight loss products. Aside from assisting in the lose of weight, the Magnolia Tree extract is also useful in lowering blood pressure, protecting the heart from the build up of bad cholesterol, and aiding in the management of asthma.
The fragrant smell of the Magnolia Tree is a well-known scent which has been used in various products such as perfume, candles, and cleaning products. Also, the flowers of the Magnolia Tree can be effective in aromatherapy. Studies have shown that the floral and sweet smell of the Magnolia Tree helps release dopamine in the body which relieves stress and anxiety. The flowers are also recommended to help in the regulation of mood swings and menstrual cramps.
In woodworks, the Magnolia Tree offers a light and soft color wood. Though it is not very strong, the wood of the Magnolia Tree can still be used to make light furniture and crates.
III
Magnolia Tree History
The Magnolia Tree is believed to be the first flowering plant on earth. Tracing back to the Cretaceous period, or right after the extinction of the dinosaurs, the Magnolia Tree once spread in present day Europe, North America, and Asia. Unfortunately, much species of the Magnolia Tree in Europe did not survive after the ice age.
The Magnolia Tree was described by Charles Plumier in 1703 as a flowering tree in the island of Martinique which is in French territory. In 1735, it was officially named by Carl Linneaus as Magnolia in honor of the French botanist Pierre Magnol.
In the 1800s, the Magnolia Tree was brought to the United Kingdom by American missionaries. In the same time, botanists discovered native species of the Magnolia Tree in China and Japan.
IV
Magnolia Tree Positive Symbolism
The Magnolia Tree’s symbolism depends on the colors of its flowers in America. Magnolia Tree with white flowers represent purity, luck, and stability. Pink flowers represent joy, youth, and innocence. Meanwhile, purple and green flowers of the Magnolia Tree represent health and luck.
Generally, the flowers represent beauty. Not only are the flowers pretty but they are also very fragrant. Hence, the Magnolia Tree flowers are sought for to use in wedding bouquets and are even used in skin care and cosmetics.
Hanakotoba is the Japanese language of flowers or the way of giving flowers their meaning. In Hanakotoba, the Magnolia Tree means natural or love of nature. In the same way, Japanese people believe that consuming extract from the Magnolia Tree will invigorate “chi” or life energy.
The Magnolia Tree represents endurance. The tree evolved even before bees and butterflies. Although, it relied on beetles for reproduction. Having survived the years, the Magnolia Tree is seen remarkable for its endurance and perseverance.
V
Magnolia Tree Negative Symbolism
The Magnolia Tree represents a person’s duality. This shows that in the life of a person, every situation brings positive and negative aspects, good and bad elements.
VI
Magnolia Tree Cultural Symbolism
Known as the jade flower, the Magnolia Tree represents nobility, purity, and feminine in China. During the Tang Dynasty, the Magnolia Tree is being planted in temples as well as the Emperor’s palace.
The beauty and elegance of the Magnolia Tree is also a favorite subject of artworks. In the movie Mulan, a Magnolia Tree flower decorates the comb placed on Mulan’s head. This symbolizes Mulan’s beauty and her family’s dignity.
VII
Magnolia Tree Zodiac Sign
The zodiac sign Libra is all about harmony and balance. Ruled by the planet Venus, people with the sign Libra seek beauty, love and money. To achieve all these, the Magnolia Tree is one of the plants recommended for Libra people. The Magnolia Tree brings balance and symmetry like it does in its display of its fragrance and beauty.
VIII
Magnolia Tree in Dreams
The Magnolia Tree has a very special meaning in dreams. Take note how the Magnolia is one of the oldest trees on earth making it full of wisdom. When you see a Magnolia Tree in your dreams, it means that you have successfully tapped into your spirituality. The vision of a Magnolia Tree reflects that your inner spirit is happy with your progress in life. The dream can also mean that the spirits of your ancestors come with a message.
In relation to arts, the Magnolia Tree represents creativity. If you are an artist, dreaming of this tree can mean a creative breakthrough, fame, and inspiration. However, if you are playing under the Magnolia Tree or see it burning in the dream, it may have something to do with your childhood. You may be missing your childhood or you may have had trauma while growing up.
IX
Magnolia Tree Omens and Superstitions
Because the Magnolia Tree represents good luck, people often plant Magnolia Trees in flower beds and around their houses to wish the dwellers with luck and good fortune.
In Japan, a Magnolia Tree is a sensible gift given to a newly born child, or even during birthdays. The Magnolia Tree represents chi or life energy, and the act of giving a Magnolia Tree means you are wishing a good life for the baby.
The Magnolia Tree is also believed to secure fidelity in marriage. One way to prevent the husband from having an affair is by sewing the leaves of the Magnolia Tree in the mattress. This will cause the man to have difficulty in flirting or performing for other women.
X
Magnolia Tree Mythology and Folklore
A play, entitled “A Fairy Maiden Scatters Flowers”, also “Heavenly Maid Scatters Flowers”, is based on a Buddhist story mentioning the Magnolia Tree. In the story, the Heavenly Maiden scatters flowers of the Magnolia Tree in the room of Vimalakirti where the flowers went up into the sky and fell on the earth. The flowers of the Magnolia Tree is believed as a representation of the purity of one’s mind. As the flower falls, it attached to some people while it slid for others. The Magnolia Tree flower is symbolic in the story, referring to people who have control over their desires and lives a secular life.
