Human and tree

More similarities exist between people and trees than most of us realize. Below we share some interesting and wonderful things people and trees have in common and why the relationship between people and trees is so special and important. This includes the fact that humans and trees are mostly made of water, that we have similar physical characteristics, and that no two people are the same. In addition, humans and trees are interdependent - we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, while trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This extraordinary connection between people and trees is evolving even further as more and more people are electing to use a tree urn after they pass. With this, families can grow a beautiful living memorial tree from a Living Urn containing cremated ashes to honor a loved one and give back.

People and trees share a special bond that can be found in cultures all over the world, even in ancient times. As we admire trees today and understand the importance of their role for life on earth, so did early man. This is evident in the symbolism of trees recorded throughout history. In addition to providing needs such as food, shelter, healing, and protection, trees have also played an important part in the spirituality of various groups of people and religions.

The Tree of Life or trees used as a symbol can be found throughout various religious texts. This includes the Tree of Knowledge and Tree of Life in the Bible, the Tree of Immortality in the Quran, the Assyrian Tree of Life in Ancient Mesopotamia, and the Bodhi Tree in Buddhism, among others. In addition, ancient people in Greece, Persia and other regions commonly used the world tree motif symbol, which shows the roots of the tree wrapped around Earth and its branches in the heavens. This symbol represents a tree which supports the heavens and connecting the heavens to the terrestrial world, and, with its roots, the underworld.

Trees connect us to where we live. Our eyes are often drawn to them when we go outdoors and they can serve as landmarks and help us find our way. Many people consciously or subconsciously remember a place they visited by what trees were present and can have a feeling or memory come to mind when they see a tree. For example, people who are from or lived in coastal areas of California, Florida, or Hawaii can remember memorable times in their life and at those moments palm trees being present. If you’re from Ohio or Pennsylvania, many will remember a childhood filled with maple trees and the beautiful fall colors they displayed. Other people can remember the scent of orange or cherry blossoms from a nearby grove growing up , or the majestic pine and spruce trees from vacations in the mountains.

Trees and people have an interdependent relationship. One example is we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. Trees, on the other hand, take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. The role trees play in the ecosystem is vital for human and other life on earth. In addition, trees support us by providing shade and shelter, preventing soil erosion, serving as wind breaks, cleaning the groundwater, and by providing food.

There are no two people or trees that are exactly alike. With trees colors can vary, branches can grow and bend at different angles, and buds and flowers occur at different places. Similar to people, trees have different growth rates, with variation in height and volume. Some grow tall while others are short. Some remain skinny and others grow wide. The uniqueness and diversity evident in both trees and people helps to make the world a more interesting and beautiful place