Cypress trees have been interesting to many scholars, mystics, and individuals around the world. This tree has been appreciated for its usefulness and it has held powerful symbolism in the lives of many people.
Many cultures also recognize the cypress as a special tree. The majestic height and shape of this tree have inspired many beliefs in various cultures around the world.
One thing to note however is that they cypress trees are simply evergreen conifers that fall under the genus Cupressus.
There are up to 12 main species of the cypress and various “false” cypress that actually look like the cypress trees and even belong to a similar scientific family but differ when it comes to the genus.
The true Cypress trees tower around 80 feet tall and grow in that distinct conical or pyramid-like shape.
Their barks are smooth and peel from the tree in thin strips while their scaly and aromatic foliage stays green throughout the year.
The Cypress trees have been used as both ornamental trees and have also been planted for their timber which is quite useful when it comes to creating wood products.
Cypress Tree Symbolism & Meaning
These visually compelling trees have common and very powerful symbolism. Some common cypress tree symbolism is as follows:
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Symbol Of Immortality And Hope.
The height and unique shape of this tree seem to point to the skies making them higher symbols concepts that are mostly associated with the heavens and immortality.
The tree seems invincible especially after it has grown to its full height and one would rightly believe if told that it is the symbol of immortality because it exhibits all hallmarks of invincibility as it towers seemingly endlessly.
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Symbol of life and death.
This tree is also a strong symbol of life and death. This is because it is believed that the tree stands between the worlds both literally and figuratively pointing towards immortality and hope as a powerful response human mourning when death has occurred.
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The Symbol Of Mourning
The Cypress is indeed one of the most ancient mourning symbols that has often been used in both Western and Eastern cultures.
It is actually known by the Greeks and the Romans as the “mournful tree”. During funerals or whenever death has occurred, the Romans especially would carry the branches of the cypress tree as a sign of respect for the dead.
The bodies of the beloved death were also placed on the cypress branches back in the ancient days as a sign of last respect.
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Symbol of protection in cemeteries
Cemeteries were believed to be peaceful places where the dead rested in peace. This is why cypress trees were and are still planted especially in Christian and Muslim cemeteries to help as protection against any evil spirits.
This is why they are commonly planted because it is believed evil spirits will be kept at bay.
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Symbol of sacred faith
The Cypress tree is considered sacred by some forms of Christian religions. This is because they believe the cypress tree was the source of wood that was used to make the wooden cross where Jesus was crucified and died.
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Symbol of Growth and Ambition
The cypress tree like most trees represents the symbol of the idea of growth. It is through hard work and endurance that this humble but very elegant tree can grow and reach an impressive height of 80ft. 80ft of a tree is no joke and not many trees attain that height.
In most cases for a tree to grow that high, it must also grow outwards to form a huge canopy. However, the cypress is different because it grows very thin and straight upwards.
The cultures that associate this tree with hard work and ambition have been known to use the slogan of shooting for the stars like the cypress tree.
Truth be told the cypress tree doesn’t have to grow so high into the sky but its nature which can be defined as filled with limitless ambition, allows it to achieve what is normally deemed impossible.
This is why you will see it towering endless high up and looking so beautiful in the process.
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A Symbol of the Trinity and linking worlds.
The conical shape of this tree can also be viewed as a pyramid shape. In both cases, the tip of the tree points upwards to the sky and then the base is wider.
The pyramid shape of the tree is a strong symbol of the Trinity in some cultures. It is actually believed to link the physical world with certain higher dimensions of consciousness.
Trinities, triplets and triangles have their own rich symbolism that is strongly related to the natural trinities that happen throughout human life.
These natural trinities are, for example, Birth, Life, and Death; Physical, Spiritual and Emotional; Lower Chakras, Heart Chakra and Higher Chakras; and finally the three dimensions planes we inhabit (3D).
The main idea in these trinities is linking the separate parts of a whole. These links actively apply to human life which is why balance always has to be achieved in these aspects of life lest the whole system collapses.
The universe too has a way of presenting things in threes but in all ways, this trinity affects human life in a certain way.
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Symbol of The Beauty of Nature
The cypress tree is no doubt beautiful. Picture the trees growing in rows and the places where it actually grows in such rows are considered beautiful landscapes.
The tree is therefore viewed as one of the strongest symbols of the beauty of nature. Few trees grow in that kind conical shape which makes them unique.
Staring at rows of these trees might make you feel like you are looking at a beautiful painting of a landscape even when it is right in front of you. This makes it one of the ultimate symbols of landscape beauty.
Conclusion
As we have seen, the cypress tree has had its fair share of the spotlight when it comes to symbolism of the trees.
Powerful symbolism like that found in the cypress tree has been known to provide valuable insight into human lives.
This is why a lot has been done in various cultures in order for the people to understand the ideas behind symbols.
This helps in the unlocking of great ideas in our minds and a better understanding of the things we do and those that happen in our lives.
On behalf of the author, thank you so much for taking the time to read this article !
