Sycamore Tree Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Myths
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Sycamore Tree Facts
Disney’s Pocahontas has a memorable song “Colors of the Wind.” In the movie, Pocahontas sings “how high does a Sycamore grow?” To answer Pocahontas, the Sycamore Tree can grow up to 53 meters tall and 4 meters in diameter. The Sycamore Tree has a unique character wherein the outer bark sheds in large pieces. It has secondary trunks and the main trunk can be hollow.
According to engineers, around 6 people that are standing can fit in a square meter. Following this, 12 people can fit a full grown Sycamore Tree. In 1744, a settler in Clarke County, Virginia lived in a hollow Sycamore Tree with his two sons for two years.
The largest tree in Connecticut is a Sycamore Tree with a height of 30 meters and circumference of 8.5 meters. The tree is named after conservationist Gifford Pinchot and believed to be more than 300 years old. Sycamore Trees can live up to 600 years old.
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Sycamore Tree Uses
The Sycamore Tree has a strong timber which is difficult to split. It is traditionally used for vegetable and fruit crates, butcher’s block, and flooring. It is not usually a choice for furniture and woodworks, but wood from the Sycamore Tree has a smooth finish and subtle sheen. When camping or if you live near a Sycamore Tree, the fallen branches and twigs can be used to make a fire. The wood has low moisture content which makes it ideal for kindling a fire. It also produces good ember enough to sustain a fire for the night.
The Sycamore Tree is related to the Maple Tree. Just like the Maple Tree, the Sycamore Tree is an abundant source of sap. However, the tree sap of the Sycamore Tree is more on the watery quality with a little sweetness. The sap can be consumed as a refreshing drink on a hot day. It can also be turned into syrup but it will take a lot of boiling to process the sap.
The sap and inner bark of the Sycamore Tree contain medicinal properties. Tea made from the Sycamore Tree has been used to cure diarrhea, dysentery, colds, respiratory diseases, and measles. However, be careful with ingesting too much of the tea as it can induce vomiting and loose bowel movement.
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Sycamore Tree History
Sycamore Tree is one of the trees that evolved even before humans. It is estimated to have existed more than 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous Period.
The plant family of Platanaceae includes the Sycamore Tree. However, fossil records of the Sycamore Tree shows that it has more common properties with the plant family Proteaceae which is native to Australia and South Africa. Today, the Sycamore Tree is native to Europe, America, and Asia.
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Sycamore Tree Positive Symbolism
The Sycamore Tree symbolizes clarity and spiritual awakening in the Bible. In Luke 19:1-10, it tells of the story of Zacchaeus who was the chief tax collector in Jerico. When Jesus visited the place, Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus but could not because he was short. He then climbed a Sycamore Tree. Seeing Zacchaeus up the tree, Jesus asked him to come down.
Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house having the people murmuring that he will be going to a sinner’s house. At that moment, Zacchaeus repented and promised to give back his riches to the poor. This signifies clarity in the life of Zacchaeus which is attributed to the Sycamore Tree. Because of his repentance, Jesus said that salvation has come to the house of Zacchaeus signifying spiritual awakening and rebirth.
Sycamore Trees are symbol of strength and protection. It is notable that the Sycamore Tree grows large and strong. Aside from its large canopy, the main trunk of the Sycamore Tree can grow wide enough for people to live in. This tree is revered because it can give a lot of shade and protection to people and animals. Also, its wood has interlocking fibers which makes it hard to split.
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Sycamore Tree Negative Symbolism
A natural negative attribute of the abundant and durable tree, with having lots of them around, they become susceptible to fungal diseases making them look poor and naked. It represents the belief that in order for a sinner to face God, nakedness must be put to repentance.
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Sycamore Tree Cultural Symbolism
The Sycamore Tree is a symbol of hope where it served a significant role in American history. In a fight against the British army, George Washington set up headquarters in New Work. During the Battle of White Plains in 1776, the Sycamore Tree stood over and protected the headquarters of George Washington.
In Wales and other Eastern Europe, the wood of the Sycamore Tree was used to carve “love spoons.” Love spoons are given as a romantic gift by a man to a woman he likes. This is a wooden spoon made from the Sycamore Tree where different designs are etched in the wood. The practice started as far back as the 17th century. The love spoon determines the intent of the man to provide as well as his woodworking skills.
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Sycamore Tree Zodiac Sign
The Sycamore Tree is ruled by the planet Venus. This may have something to do with its connection to water, as Sycamore Trees are usually planted along coastal areas for reforestation. Besides, it also has the ability to contain a substantial amount of water.
The Roman goddess Venus was born in the sea which also explains a connection. Abundant of the water sign, the tree is associated with the zodiac Taurus and Libra.
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Sycamore Tree in Dreams
A wonderful dream of seeing the Sycamore Tree means that you are strong and protected in life. This tree reminds you of your inner strength just like the tree itself.
When it comes to protection, it can mean a lot of things. In general, the Sycamore Tree means that you are financially stable. Your earnings will keep on multiplying. On the negative, however, a sickly Sycamore Tree in dreams indicate that you might be suffering from heart or sight problems.
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Sycamore Tree Omens and Superstitions
Sanatana Dharma, or the eternal truth and teachings of Hinduism, proposes several use for the Sycamore Tree. Since it is related to the planet Venus which symbolizes love, beauty, and others, offering water to the Sycamore Tree will increase your chances of romance. You can amplify these intentions more by taking some roots from the Sycamore Tree and purifying it with sacred water every month.
When it comes to wealth and land problems, keeping a root of the Sycamore Tree in a silver amulet will help resolve your problems. The root of the Sycamore Tree is also believed to work as an evil eye charm to protect you from evil intentions.
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Sycamore Tree Mythology and Folklore
Ancient Egyptians emphasize the significance of the Sycamore Tree in their texts and arts. In the Book of the Dead, it states that two Sycamore Trees grow in the eastern gate of Heaven where the sun god Ra appears every morning. A wall painting discovered from the tomb of Inherkhau shows the sun god Ra, in cat form, slaying the snake god Apep. Apep is a deity of evil and chaos.
