The Oak definitely occupies a huge part in our collective consciousness compared to the other trees. It is a mighty and ancient tree that is massive in stature both physically and spiritually.
This tree has been commonly associated with gods and kings from the days of the early European tribes, the Greeks and the Romans.
It is still one of the most popular trees in the world today and there are many reasons why this is so. The tree is mainly a symbol of strength, resistance, knowledge and great will.
All oak symbolisms portray positive things about life and this is with good reasons. The name of this tree can only be said in the same breath as all things that symbolize strength.
Some common oak tree symbolism and meanings are further outlined below.
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Symbol of Immortality In Greek Mythology.
The oak has been a dominant tree in the Greek landscape, which is why it is also a common tree in Greek mythology. In some instances, it has been linked to the oak.
There have been also instances where gods or nymphs in Greek mythology have turned mortals into oaks to give them some form of immortality.
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Symbol of Longevity
Naturally, the oak is a strong tree that grows slowly and lives for many years. Oaks can grow as old as 300 years. Its towering strength even after hundreds of years makes it the perfect symbol of longevity.
People have referred to others who have aged gracefully as being “still as strong as oaks”. Structures built by human hands that have stood the test of time have in some cases been referred to being as “Strong as oaks”.
This is a clear indication that oaks are a symbol of longevity and durability even in today’s society.
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Symbol of life and health
Oaks are known to be important in supporting life. First, they are known to support the ecosystem that has many species including humans. The boiled bark of the tree has also been used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.
The oak fruit known as the acorn is used as food for livestock and there have been instances when there is food shortage where the fruit has been used for human consumption too. It is therefore viewed as the giver of life.
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Symbol Of Spiritualism And Religion.
There have been many instances in history where the early Christian churches began their operations in oak groves. According to history, Christianity, especially in Scotland, was founded in oak groves and some of them to date are known as “Gospel oaks” in reference to the time when the gospels were preached under them.
Some ancient tribes in Europe have also been known to worship the tree and believe it to be a goddess. There are also accounts of Celtic history where their lore indicated that the spiritually advanced Celts would access the unearthly planes of higher thought which could be either psychic vision or soul-thought by doing what was referred to as “opening the oak door”
There are some Christians who also believed that Jesus was crucified on a cross made of the oak tree makes the tree even more special to Christianity.
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Symbol Of Family Unity
The oak tree is ancient and lives for hundreds of years. There is no better symbol of family unity than the oak. Families run for generations and they are endless because the roots run deep and can spread across the world.
In fact, the human race is one family scientifically because it is one species. There are many instances in today’s society where families have used the symbol of the oak as their emblem for the family business or simply referred to their clan as strong, ancient and deep-rooted as the oak.
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Symbol of survival
Survival or a person who has survived a lot of things and then came out triumphant has been compared to the oak both in past and present times.
The renowned author Napoleon Hill once wrote, “The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun.”
These words still ring true today and many have used it when comparing difficult journeys that required great survival.
They have compared themselves or organizations that they have built to oaks that have had to withstand the raging winds, rains, and scorching sun.
Actually, nations such as England and Germany have chosen the Oak as the national tree. In the United States, there are states such as Iowa, Illinois, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, and Georgia that have chosen the oak as the national tree for the main reason of survival of hard times.
Oak Tree Color Meanings
The oak tree varies in color because there are oak trees that are white, golden brown and rich red. A white oak is a symbol of spiritual purity and wholeness.
A golden oak, on the other hand, represents hospitality, charity, and prosperity. Finally, the darker-colored oaks are often a symbol of strong earth energies that are responsible for healing, grounding, stability, and security.
The colors of oaks are very important especially to those who gather pieces of oak wood for carrying out spells or making healing potions. The color they choose will play a huge role in the outcome.
Oak tree Superstitions
There are various superstitions that surround this tree. For example, back in medieval Europe, the people believed that driving nails into an oak tree would prevent future toothaches even though it doesn’t cure the current toothache.
It was also believed that sitting under an oak tree would result in an angel bringing you a good message.
It was also believed that when you knocked a hollow trunk of an oak tree, it would cause oak spirits to respond and bring you good fortunes.
The oak tree remains to be a special tree. It was revered back in the ancient times, it still is today.
For a tree that could be as old as a rock, there is no question about its longevity and strength, this is why many cultures around the world use it in symbolism.
On behalf of the author, thank you so much for taking the time to read this article !