Fir Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
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Fir Tree Facts
Famously known as the Christmas tree, the Fir Tree is an evergreen belonging to the Conifer family. Fir Trees look similar to pine trees and spruce because of the needle shaped leaves and triangular shaped structure.
Fir Trees are common worldwide and its height varies with the species. However, the real Christmas Fir Tree, which can be found in United States and Canada, is one of the shortest with a full grown height of up to 12 to 18 meters.
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Fir Tree Uses
Fir Trees are widely used as ornamental decorations and source of timber. As far as we know, the classic Christmas tree is based on the Fir Tree but with added snow and decorations. In some areas, the Fir Tree is cultivated as bonsai tree to sell as indoor plants. Aside from its symmetrical appearance, the Fir Tree also freshens the room with its sharp, woodsy, and camphor scent.
Fir Tree essential oil is also known to be an alternative cure for cough, colds, and muscle aches. It has a cooling effect when applied and even helps with rheumatism and stiff muscles. For students who need to study overnight, the Fir Tree essential oil helps wake up the senses and stimulate focus and memory.
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Fir Tree History
Around 133 B.C., the Romans started a pagan celebration during December or winter seasons. This celebration, called Saturnalia, was a feast to honor the agriculture god Saturn and to offer gifts for the winter sowing season. The temple of Saturn and houses would be decorated with evergreen including Fir Trees. Fir Trees were usually used because this tree symbolizes abundance and it also adds color to their houses during winter. Later on, the practice of using Fir Trees during Christmas was adopted by Christians in Germany during the 15th century. Back then, Fir Trees were hanged upside down from the ceiling. The oldest decorated Fir Tree was found in Strasbourg.
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Fir Tree Positive Symbolism
The Fir Tree has relevant symbolisms in pagan culture especially that it is commonly used during celebrations and rituals. As one of the trees that thrives and remain green throughout winter, the Fir Tree is associated with hope, endurance, and determination. The Fir Tree represents how one should persevere and remain hopeful for spring while enduring a long and cold winter. The Fir Tree also represents longevity because it never loses its vibrant green color whatever the weather or season may be.
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Fir Tree Negative Symbolism
The genus name of Fir is Abies, in Latin this means “to rise.” While the Fir represents the determination, it also implies ambition in the negative sense. It may imply discontentment with what you have and the desire to rise above without regard to its consequences to others. In Chinese, trees like Pine and Fir Tree connote sadness and death. But this is more about having life after death and not an indication of an impending death.
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Fir Tree Cultural Symbolism
In Celtic beliefs, the Fir Tree reflects honesty and strength because of its narrow trunk straight structure. They also associate wisdom and perception with the Fir Tree because of how its cones open during sunshine and close before rain falls.
Romans decorate their homes with Fir Trees during the Saturnalia. The Fir Tree is believed to symbolize eternal light, which is the coming of the light, during the winter solstice.
Native Americans believe that the Fir Tree purifies negative energy and has protective abilities in warding off evil spirits.
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Fir Tree Zodiac Sign
People born during the first weeks of January and July have the Fir Tree as their Druid horoscope. Under this sign, Fir-born brings intelligence, logic, and asceticism. They possess strength in their intuition and ambition. Druid horoscope also suggests that Fir-born are ambitious, stubborn, and would do everything to achieve their goal.
In Celtic horoscope, the Fir Tree is called Ailim and have similarities with the Druid horoscope. People born under the Ailim sign are harmonious and kind but they are also ambitious and gifted. Just like the Fir Tree, these people value decency and practice self-restraint to avoid showing off.
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Fir Tree in Dreams
As with evergreen trees, Fir means wealth, knowledge, and longevity when it appears in dreams. The association of the Fir with knowledge and wisdom cannot be stressed more as a lot of beliefs support the intelligence of the Fir Tree in dealing with nature. Also, the Fir Tree is the symbol of immortality and longevity as it can stand harsh winters and never loses its vibrant green color.
In business and work, the Fir Tree can also mean success, promotion, or getting employed. If you are decorating the Fir Tree, it can mean that a happy or harmonious event will happen. A dying Fir or if the needles are brown can mean sickness. Sitting under a Fir Tree is a sign that you will be having a moment of peace and tranquility.
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Fir Tree Omens and Superstitions
The Fir Tree is considered sacred. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and witches. Before the practice of Christmas, the Fir Trees were cut down and brought inside the house to protect the house from evil spirits during the new year. For some Christians, it is bad luck to keep the Fir Tree inside the house after the Epiphany. Some suggest taking down Christmas tree before January 5 or else it will bring bad luck.
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Fir Tree Mythology and Folklore
The Celtic people that occupied Europe have a high regard for trees because they believe that they are inhabited by spirits of nature. In the Caledonian forest, 95% of the trees are Fir Trees. The Fir Tree is being grouped with the evergreen trees that represents longevity, hope, and strength.
In Greek mythology, the Fir is a sacred tree which came from the body of Pitys. Pan, the god of fertility, hunters and shepherds, loved Pity and turned her into a sacred tree when she died.
Native Americans also believe in the magical powers of the Fir Tree. According to a folklore, the Fir Tree provided shelter to mice during a forest fire. Thus, it is now a symbol of protection and spirituality.
