Cedar Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
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Cedar Tree Facts
One of the commonly known evergreen trees is the Cedar Tree. Cedar Trees grow in places with high altitude and mild climate such as the Himalayas, Mediterranean region of Europe, Lebanon, and United States.
The Cedar Trees can grow very tall. It has the typical conical shape of evergreen trees, but the branches grow horizontal and appear to be flat. In reality there are only four species of Cedar Trees. Other trees that have resemblance to the Cedar Tree are called False Cedars.
The tree has a long life span and can survive for more than 300 years in forests.
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Cedar Tree Uses
Historically, the Cedar Tree has been used in construction projects. Based on Biblical accounts, the Cedar Tree was used to build the Temple of King Solomon. In fact, the Cedar Tree has natural insect-repellant, moisture-resistant, and decay-resistant properties. It can be used for furniture, fencing, boats, musical instruments, house interior and exterior designs, etc. Not only is the wood versatile and lightweight, the Cedar Tree wood also comes in different colors and patterns.
Similar to other evergreen trees, the spicy-woody aromatic smell of the Cedar Tree has several benefits. The tree alone can be planted to repel insects such as mosquitoes. Essential oils can also be derived from the leaves and the bark of the tree. The essential oil can be heated to purify the air, applied to the skin to repel mosquitoes, and used in aromatherapy healing. It is also used as pesticides to stop moths from eating clothing. The oil from the Cedar Tree can also be used to cure skin conditions because of its antibacterial properties.
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Cedar Tree History
Aside from the Himalayas and the Mediterreanean region, the Cedar Trees are also known to grow in the Cedars of God in Mount Lebanon. Cedar Trees were first identified by Pierre Belon in 1550 where he counted 28 trees in Mount Lebanon.
In 1646, the Cedar Tree was brought to Britain by Dr. Edward Pocock although some accounts claim that the Cedar Tree existed even before then.
In the United States, the Cedar Tree, particularly the Red Cedar, is a native tree. Research indicates that the Cedar Tree has lived in some areas as far back as the Ice Age.
But even before the tree was discovered, it has been used by ancient civilizations. Phoenicians have built merchant ships using the Cedar Tree which they used to sail throughout the Mediterranean region between the 1200 B.C. and 900 B.C. Wood from the Cedar Tree were also imported to Egypt from 3000 to 2001 B.C.
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Cedar Tree Positive Symbolism
With its majestic height of up to 180 feet or 50 meters, the Cedar Tree is a symbol of nobility and greatness. In the Bible, it mentions that eagles choose the Cedar Tree to perch and build their nests.
The Cedar Tree is also a symbol of immortality, endurance, and longevity. In the wild, the Cedar Tree can live to more than 300 years old. Furthermore, the wood of the tree is resistant to decay. The Egyptians use the Cedar Tree in mummification process because they believe that it will preserve and keep the immortality of their deceased loved ones.
The Cedar Tree is also a symbol associated with Jesus and Virgin Mary. The tree has been used in purification rituals for it was used during the time of Jesus to cleanse those who were afflicted with leprosy.
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Cedar Tree Negative Symbolism
The height and strength of the Cedar Tree can also represent negative symbolism. It lends the tree to reflect pride and arrogance. This reminds of people who think of themselves too great that they trust in their own strength and glory. Hence, many cultures burn Cedar wood in ceremonies to usher cleansing and drive away negative energy.
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Cedar Tree Cultural Symbolism
The Cedar Tree is one of the trees mentioned in the Bible. It is one of the first trees planted by God as stated in Psalm 104:16. It was mentioned around 103 times, described as strong, durable, graceful, beautiful, high, and tall. The Cedar Tree’s strength and importance was highlighted when it was used by King Solomon to build his chariot, temples, and ships.
In ancient Egypt, the Cedar Tree has many uses. The papyrus containing hieroglyphs was made from the Cedar Tree. The Cedar Tree, which is associated with immortality and incorruptibility, is used in mummification processes. Sawdust and resin of the Cedar Tree is prepared during the embalming process. The Cedar Tree can last long. This will ensure that the mummified bodies will be preserved for a long time which is believed to provide safe passage to the underworld.
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Cedar Tree Zodiac Sign
In Druid Horoscope, the Cedar Tree is the sign for people born on February 9 to February 18 and August 14 to August 23. People born under the Cedar Tree are optimistic, intelligent, and impulsive. Just like the Cedar Tree, people with this tree sign are majestic and ambitious. They are optimistic specially in career and personal decision.
Despite being optimistic and intelligent, they can be impulsive and careless in acting. They tend to ignore other people and the unavoidable circumstances which can make them look selfish.
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Cedar Tree in Dreams
Dreaming of a healthy and green Cedar Tree is a sign of happiness and success. This dream promises of greatness and longevity in health. Dried Cedar Trees however indicate despair.
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Cedar Tree Omens and Superstitions
In Christian beliefs, the Cedar Tree is good for building a house. Since it lives very long and never rots, using the Cedar Tree in a building will preserve the soul from corruption.
The oil from the Cedar Tree is also believed to drive away evil because it can repel snakes. Snakes, in certain cultures represent evil.
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Cedar Tree Mythology and Folklore
The Cedar Tree was also mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh. In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Gilgamesh was the king of Uruk. The divine forest, protected by the Sumerian God Enlil, was a battle ground between humans and demigods. When the demigods were defeated, Gilgamesh used wood from the Cedar Tree to build his city in the divine forest.
In Native American mythology, the Cedar Trees represent their ancestors. According to a Cherokee legend, the people asked the Creator to make it day time all the time because they thought it would be better without night. However, it was hot all the time, the plants kept growing until it was difficult to tend to them, and they had problems sleeping.
They eventually asked the Creator to make it night time all the time and the request was granted. However, the plants did not grow because there was no sunlight. It was also difficult to hunt animals for food, and it was cold. Many of the people died due to hunger and the cold weather. The people then realized that it was better with day and night like how the world was created. To honor the people who died, the Creator created the Cedar Tree and placed the spirits of the ancestors in the tree.
