Ficus Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
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Ficus Tree Facts
Commonly found in Southeast Asia and Oceania, the Ficus is an evergreen plant that is one of the first cultivated trees in the world. Commonly known as fig tree, the Ficus is a genus with an estimated species of about 900 in number.
A well known tree is the Weeping Fig because of its drooping branches. This tree can grow up to 60 feet tall but it can also be grown up to 6 feet only where it is a popular bonsai plant to keep indoors.
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Ficus Tree Uses
The Ficus Tree packs a lot of medicinal benefits. For one, the Ficus Tree is a common ingredient in Ayurveda or the ancient healing system in India. Surprisingly, several studies back up the medicinal properties of the Ficus Tree for anti-inflammation and anti-microbial and wound healing. The fruit is also a medicine for diarrhea, constipation, and diabetes.
While it is not a sturdy tree, the trunk and branches of the Ficus Tree are also cultivated for small furniture and woodworks. In some areas, the Ficus Tree is a popular choice to reforest destroyed or damaged rainforests because of its deep underground root system.
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Ficus Tree History
The origins of the Ficus Tree are still not determined. Based on the bible, the Ficus Tree is the first plant mentioned where the leaves were used by Adam and Eve to cover themselves after they committed the original sin. However, there are records that trace the tree back to the fifth century AD as a widely cultivated plant throughout the Mediterranean region and western Asia. Based on carbon dating, fossils of the Ficus Tree reveal that it is as old as 30 million years.
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Ficus Tree Positive Symbolism
As one of the first plants on earth, the Ficus Tree has many symbolisms. It has connections to the earth energy and it represents unity with nature and among people. As an indoor plant, the Ficus Tree is believed to bring peace and harmony within the members of the household.
Interestingly, since the Ficus Tree traces its origins from the Middle East, the Ficus Tree also represents peace. According to believers, the reason why there is peace and abundance in some areas in the Middle East despite conflicts is because of the Ficus Tree.
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Ficus Tree Negative Symbolism
In Roman mythology, the Ficus Tree is associated with the god of war Mars. Though this plant encourages peace among people, it can adversely affect an individual to be oppressive and be domineering to other people.
Certain species of the Ficus Tree have negative symbolisms, too. In some places, the Ficus Tree affects male persons such that it makes them irritable and grumpy. Couples are advised not to put Ficus Tree inside the bedroom and single women should not take care of Ficus Tree at all.
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Ficus Tree Cultural Symbolism
In the Middle East, the many branches of the Ficus Tree represent abundance and prosperity. Believers of Buddhism in Asia, and other parts of the world, consider this tree as holy because this is where Buddha gained enlightenment. In addition, the Ficus Tree also symbolizes the connection of the physical and spiritual worlds. This tree means so much that it is the official tree of Bangkok.
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Ficus Tree Zodiac Sign
The planet Jupiter is associated with the Ficus Tree. Jupiter is associated with knowledge while the Ficus Tree is regarded as the tree of knowledge and life. In zodiac, Sagittarius is ruled by the planet Jupiter. Hence the Ficus Tree is believed to attract Sagittarians to knowledge which will eventually lead them to optimism, growth, and abundance.
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Ficus Tree in Dreams
The appearance of the Ficus Tree in your dreams has several meanings depending on what the tree looks like. If you are planting or harvesting, this means that you will soon receive good fortune or abundance in life. If you are eating a fruit, this could mean that you are being impulsive and not thinking about your decisions in life. Be careful if the fruit is rotten as this means bad news is coming.
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Ficus Tree Omens and Superstitions
Being referred as the tree of life, the Ficus Tree has been associated with fertility. In some cultures, women are advised to go around the tree for a few times to increase the chances of pregnancy. Others advise eating the fruit as the fruit itself looks similar to the female reproductive organ.
While the Ficus Tree represents life, it can also symbolize grave consequences to harm the tree. In places where the Ficus Tree is sacred, people are warned not to inflict harm upon the tree. Harming the Ficus Tree is believed to result in blindness or infertility in many cases.
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Ficus Tree Mythology and Folklore
Romans adore the Ficus Tree because of its significance in the life of its ancestors. In Roman mythology, the Ficus Tree nestled the Romulus and Remus who are the forefathers of the Roman empire. Both were suckled by a she-wolf before being found. Without the help of the tree roots, the baby Romulus and Remus would have drowned.
In ancient Egypt, Egyptians associate the Ficus Tree with fertility and life. In some cases, the Ficus Tree was used in making coffins or furniture for the dead along with its fruits placed inside the tomb. They believed that the Ficus Tree will nourish the dead in the afterlife since it is the tree of fertility and life.