Linden Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
Forming a large canopy with small, heart-shaped, green leaves, the Linden Tree is well known for being a reliable shade provider.
I
Linden Tree Facts
This deciduous tree is under the mallow family. It can grow from a height of 66 feet to 130 feet. During the spring season, its leaves are color green with a hairy texture. But during autumn, the color changes into yellow. The barks of young Linden Trees are like smooth gray in color. While the barks of old trees are brown and furrowed. The flowers are color yellow with a strong fragrance that often attracts bees for pollination.
Linden Tree is easy to grow as it can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas. It can also tolerate both high and low temperatures whether summer and winter respectively. Linden Trees usually have a lifespan of a few hundred years, yet some can live for over thousands of years especially in the wild.
II
Linden Tree Uses
In the field of medicine, Linden has been used to treat cough, nasal congestion, and throat irritation. It is also effective for lowering blood pressure due to its sedative effects. Added in lotions, it can be helpful in treating irritated skin. The flowers can also be made as tea where benefits include easing anxiety and relief from symptoms like vomiting, indigestion, and irregular heartbeat.
Aside from that, the flowers are also made to produce perfumes. While its wood is used as a medium for carving, as well as a material for musical instruments, doors, furniture, picture frames, window blinds, and a lot more. The inner bark contains fibers that are good for creating ropes, baskets, mats, and clothes.
III
Linden Tree History
The history of this tree can be traced back to ancient times. In Ancient Greece and Egypt, the tree was treated as a sacred thing and called the tree of maternal love.
In Germany, it was known as the tree of justice because conciliations of opposing parties are executed under it.
In the Middle Ages, areas near hospitals are being planted with Linden Trees to make the air and environment healthier and more peaceful.
Then during World War II, dried leaves of Linden were used as one of the solutions to the food shortage. People ground it into flour to make bread due to its high nutrient content.
IV
Linden Tree Positive Symbolism
The Linden Tree has many positive symbolisms. It symbolizes healing and protection because of its medicinal properties. It also signifies luck and prosperity to those who worship the goddess Laima. Other positive symbolisms include truth, justice, love, and fidelity.
V
Linden Tree Negative Symbolism
There may not be particularly a negative symbolism associated with the Linden Tree. However, because it is a symbol of holiness, cutting a Linden Tree would bring bad luck to the person who cuts it. It is like a retribution for committing an unforgivable crime.
VI
Linden Tree Cultural Symbolism
In both ancient and modern cultures, the Linden Tree has different representations or symbolism.
In German, the word “Lindern” translates to “to soothe” or “to calm” because every part of the tree is associated with healing properties from a simple cough to treating high blood pressure and more. Its wide trunk is a symbol of protection. Whereas the leaves and branches serve like an umbrella that shelters you from the sun.
Furthermore, it symbolizes the sacred tree of Laima for the Baltic region. Laima is the goddess of faith that has the power to control the marriage, fertility, and lifespan of humans.
VII
Linden Tree Zodiac Sign
In the Celtic zodiac, people born under the sign of Linden have pleasing personalities because they know how to approach other people with respect and politeness. They have rich imaginations and creative minds to solve things practically and effectively.
They are compatible with people under the rule of Figs, Poplar, and Rowan.
VIII
Linden Tree in Dreams
Did you ever had a dream about the Linden Tree? If yes, then good news! Dreaming about Linden Tree means that there is something good waiting for you in terms of growth, wealth, and happiness. It may also mean that you will overcome whatever difficulties you are currently experiencing.
Other interpretations are the following based on the scenario of your dream. If you are watering a Linden Tree, it is a sign that you and the people around you will be creating great memories together. If you are sitting under it, then you want your life to be stable and harmonious. If you are climbing on it, then that means you want to learn more especially about yourself and your skills. Lastly, if you are speaking to the Linden Tree, it is giving you a clue that some happenings in your life right now are out of your control so better not to stress yourself about it too much.
IX
Linden Tree Omens and Superstitions
For Polish people, planting a Linden Tree in front of their house will keep the bad spirits away from their homes. Also, back in the Middle Ages, arbitrations and marriages should be done under the Linden Tree because they cannot tell a lie within its shade. Moreover, according to popular belief in France, a marriage will never fail if the groom passes under two Linden Trees.
X
Linden Tree Mythology and Folklore
The Linden Tree is referred to as Venus – the goddess of love in Roman mythology. It was customary for couples in the Middle Ages to make a vow under the tree in the belief that the tree will compel both people to speak only the truth. Couples would also place Linden Tree flowers on the altar of the goddess to get her blessings.
On the other hand, the Greek mythology tells the story of Philemon and Baucis – a couple with intense feelings for each other that they longed to stay in unison even after their death. With that, their request was granted by Zeus, who turned the husband into an Oak tree and the wife into a Linden Tree so that they can be joined together forever through their intertwining branches.
