On the Symbolism of Trees
The assertion that humans
evolved within the forest environment is probably true, especially when
considered from a Darwinian perspective – after all is said and done apes and
trees do go together, do they not? Although I have heard it said that the
forest edge rather than the deeper recesses of the forest itself was our species
nursery. Whatever the truth may be, and it is unlikely we will ever know for
certain; be it depth or edge, trees have played a central role in our lives
from the very beginning of our existence.
The tree provides us with
food, warmth, building material, medicines, energy, shelter and much much more,
and has done so for countless millennia. Yet, until recent times, we were
completely ignorant of how absolutely dependent we are upon trees for our
existence. The very air we breathe gives us life. Why, because it is the bearer
of oxygen, that precious gas generated by trees without which we would survive
no more than a few minutes. At the same time trees not only supply us with
copious amounts of food but they also lock up immense quantities of carbon; so,
chopping them down without thought for their replacement is not a smart move –
but, lemming-like, we do, driven by some deep-rooted need, but for what…?
We now know that the
production of oxygen takes place through photosynthesis, which is the
conversion of light into food, and without it most life-forms, humankind
included, could not exist. In this process carbon dioxide and water are used to
produce organic compounds, particularly sugars, using the energy from sunlight.
This process takes place predominantly in plants and algae, but also in some
species of bacteria; all of which, it is said, release oxygen as a bye-product
…. A strange term for a component that is essential to most organic life-forms
on this earth - I think I prefer the term 'Manna'!
Whether or not we see
photosynthesis as science or divine beneficence, it is now becoming
acknowledged as the most important process taking place in our world and it is
easy to see why. The ability of plants to use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide
and water into sugar and oxygen forms the basis of all food chains in nature,
and one of the key vehicles of this process is the tree, for each individual
tree provides a vast area of leaf surface that is full of the molecule
chlorophyll, a unique molecule that is able to absorb sunlight and convert it
into the chemical energy we call sugar, and the precious gas we call oxygen.
Furthermore, the fresh water
we drink and take so much for granted would be a scarce commodity without the
presence of woodland, which plays a crucial role in triggering rainfall, and
subsequently in storing the fresh water that falls as such. Arguably, the
relationship between trees and all carbon-based life-forms is symbiotic,
although it may be more true to say that the tree is not so much a partner as a
surrogate parent assisting in the nurture of very special children.
In some circles it is
acknowledged that Nature’s ultimate objective is the creation of mature
woodland; an undertaking requiring thousands of years to realise. It is a view I feel is right even if it is
not an absolute fact. In the forest, which plainly is Nature’s workshop, light
is converted with quiet efficiency into the many forms and materials that are
used by Nature. This is particularly so through the alchemy, and I can imagine
no better word to describe it, of photosynthesis where each tree receives light
and transforms it into a ‘manna from heaven’ that sustains myriads of
life-forms, who are themselves patently, light in transition. It seems, then,
only natural that the forest should evolve slowly and gracefully, after all, as
creatures of light made in the image of God, the absolute source of light, we
humans are also seeking to fulfil the divine potential that resides in light,
and our evolution is evidently just as time consuming.
Paradoxically, given that we
are indeed creatures of light sustained by light, it difficult to comprehend
how the urban environment as we know it could have been designed and created by
men and women, creatures formed and shaped in and by the forest – yet it has;
and it is even more difficult to understand how such creatures could develop a
culture so firmly based upon technologies of destruction to facilitate its
experience.
Consider for example the
burning of fossil fuels; the petro-chemical engine; the smashing of atoms in
atomic power stations; mono-cropping; gmo-farming; factory farming; the
creation of chemical toxins that destroy both the soil and the atmosphere, as
well as a myriad of species – the list is frighteningly long. It would seem
that rather than living in harmony and concord, the relationship between
humanity and Nature is one of thesis/antithesis destined for a destructive
climax.
What is really extraordinary
is our enthusiasm for destroying each other. We (and I include all humans in
this), have an irrepressible lust for warfare and have throughout history
developed a vast array of weapons for the purpose of killing, maiming and enslaving
our fellows, subjecting them to a humiliating and miserable existence. Why does
this happen; is it simply our desire to dominate and control our environment
and everything in it, or is there something else, something beyond our biology
and psychology?
Other creatures compete for
resources such as food and water, for territory and the rights and space in
which to breed without the need to commit genocide. Yet, if the archaeology is
correct, there was never a time when it was otherwise. Clearly there have been
‘golden ages’, periods of peace and prosperity lasting a generation or two, but
it does seem that this world has in the main been a place of ‘tooth and Claw’
in which the alpha predators have their way. It is a curious thing that
humankind, a creature of light, should be so full of darkness and destruction.
Nevertheless, there may yet
be a more positive destiny awaiting us, for if we are not Nature’s children, we
are undoubtedly a close relative; being made of the same stuff – Light. Thus
one can only pray that this destructive process is a phase in the evolution of
an immature humanity, a phase that hopefully will pass; a kind of juvenile
delinquency if you will, and perhaps as we mature our understanding will grow,
and we will come to appreciate the exquisite economy, prudence and patience of
Nature, as did our ancestors, who in their appreciation invested trees not only
with respect but with reverence. A respect and reverence that is patently
obvious in the mythology and folklore that we have inherited from them, and in
which it is clear that the forest, and the trees of the forest figure
prominently. And despite the fact that in some instances these ancient myths
reach us, after the lapse of ages, in distorted and grotesque forms, they are
worthy of preservation, not simply as curiosities of folklore, but as emblems
or symbols of our place in this world.
