Cedar trees, with impressive beauty, have a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. In the Bible, the meaning of Cedar is often associated with strength and longevity. These trees were important in the construction of ancient temples, ships and palaces.
Although cedars usually grow tall, they can also be found in gardens. These majestic trees with needle-like leaves are popular ornamental plants with impressive flat crowns.
In addition to the distinctive silhouette, cedar trees represent strength, durability and nobility.
This ultimate guide will explore the symbolism of the cedar tree in more depth to help readers understand its history, mythology, and cultural significance.
Table of contents
Majestic cedar tree features
Cedar is a tall, long-lived, evergreen conifer that reaches impressive heights. It belongs to the pine family and the subfamily of pine trees. Cedar is native to mountainous regions of the Middle East, especially the Lebanon Mountains.
This conifer with irregularly growing branches can reach a height of up to 60 meters, but usually around 20 meters. In rare cases, the diameter of the trunk can reach approximately 3 meters and the tree can live up to 1000 years. Young, fast-growing trees have a pyramidal crown. At the same time, older varieties develop a spreading, umbrella-like crown with branches approaching a more horizontal position.
The wood of these trees is sturdy and resistant to insects and fungal diseases.
Types of cedar trees
There are several types of cedar, each belonging to different species within the genus Cedrus.
Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica): The Atlas cedar, native to North Africa, stands tall with blue-green leaves and is distinguished by its sizeable cones of about 7.5 cm.
Cypriot cedar (Cedrus brevifolia): The Cypriot Cedar, which occurs exclusively in Cyprus, is very similar to the Atlas Cedar, but is characterized by shorter cones. This distinct cedar species contributes to the unique flora of the Mediterranean island.
Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara): Originating from the Himalayas, the Deodar Cedar impresses with its towering stature of up to 50 meters, adorned with hanging twigs and 5.5 cm wide leaves.
Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani): The Cedar of Lebanon thrives in dense forests and grows to an average height of about 30 meters, and some specimens are said to have survived for a millennium.
Yellow cedar (Cupressus nootkatensis): The Yellow Cedar, or Nootka Cypress, is native to the Pacific Northwest and subalpine elevations and is known for its durable wood and striking yellow hue.
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): Western Red Cedar is a large evergreen tree with fragrant wood that is highly prized for construction. Although yellow cedar is rarely found inland, red cedar can grow in coastal and inland areas.
The symbols and spiritual meaning of cedar tree
Cedar has been revered for thousands of years for its spiritual significance.
Resistance
Cedar is a well-known symbol of resilience, as shown in the quote:
“The affections of the heart are divided as the branches of the cedar tree; if the tree loses one strong branch; it will suffer, but it will not die; it will pour all its vitality into the next branch so that it will grow and fill the empty place.”
–Khalil Gibran (Source)
When we face difficulty or loss in our emotions and relationships, it is similar to how the cedar tree suffers when it loses a branch. But like the tree, resilience means we can move our energy and emotional strength to other parts of our lives, like the next branch. This helps us face challenges, learn from experiences, and overcome the emptiness caused by difficult times.
Wisdom
The cedar tree has wide branches that run almost parallel to the ground, creating the impression of stacked floors of greenery. In the late 19th century, author John Worcester compared the structure of the cedar tree to the acquisition of natural and spiritual knowledge. He wrote, “The spiritual tree must also extend its branches, put forth leaves, and ripen its fruits on successive planes of the mind.” Worcester explained that the scent of cedarwood symbolizes the joy people experience in uncovering knowledge and truth.
power
As a tree that has ensured human survival for thousands of years, Cedar has become a powerful symbol of strength and revitalization.
The Bible mentions the cedar tree several times, with an important reference in the book of Ezekiel. It describes the greatness of the cedar and attributes it to deep reaching roots that tap abundant water. This ability, unique to the Cedar, makes it “exalted above all the trees of the field.” This highlights the cedar as a symbol of strength and wisdom due to its exceptional ability to access deep waters unavailable to other trees.
Cedar is of great importance in Lebanon due to its ability to withstand challenging times throughout history. The Lebanese cedar is the central motif on the Lebanese flag and the unofficial state emblem.
To trust
The cedar tree symbolizes greatness, nobility, strength and longevity because of its size, width and how long it lives. In the third century Origen said: ‘The cedar never rots; using the cedar to build our homes is like protecting our souls from harm.” In Celtic astrology, the cedar represents trust.
Endurance and immortality
Like the oak, the evergreen cedar tree symbolizes endurance, eternal life and immortality. It wouldn’t surprise you to learn that ancient civilizations, especially the Egyptians, used cedar resin to mummify their dead. Cedar sawdust was discovered in the tombs of pharaohs.
Importance of Cedar in spiritual connection
Cedar supports our spiritual quest by reconnecting us with our earthly roots. When we seek answers that are seemingly beyond our reach, we remind ourselves that we are the ones who can achieve them. Many people believe that Cedar promotes peaceful thoughts and that its spiritual qualities are intended to interpret messages from the inner self.
Cedarwood was used for the doors of sacred temples and burned during cleansing ceremonies for purification and spiritual protection.
In ancient times, the cedar tree was thought to house important gods and provide access to higher realms. It was said to store and then release energy for important healing.
Many people believe that Cedar promotes peaceful thoughts and helps interpret messages from the inner self.
Folklore and Myth
The cedar tree has been revered for thousands of years for its spiritual significance.
In ancient Sumerian beliefs, the cedars of Lebanon were considered the abode of divine entities. Enlil, Lord of Wind, was the protector of these sacred groves. Temples were built of cedar wood throughout Egypt and Mesopotamia and symbolized sacred connections to higher realms. Notably, in 950 BCE, cedar trees, also called the ‘trees of the Lord’, were chosen to build King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, marking their significance in Hebrew folklore.
In Islamic traditions, the cedar is honored; Prophet Muhammad encountered the heavenly lote tree during his night journey. Its mention in the Tanakh emphasizes its spiritual importance, and the well-known Himalayan cedar, called ‘deva daru’ in Sanskrit, contributes to its mythical story.
Use of iconic cedar wood
Cedar is a well-known symbol of the Northwest Coast. For thousands of years, coastal First Nations in British Columbia have had wood that is versatile in many aspects of their daily lives. Almost every part of a cedar tree can be used, including the roots, bark and wood
Making baskets or boats
- Drying and plaiting cedar roots from the base of the tree creates cordage for making hats and baskets. The Coast Salish made a striking basket with cedar root. With the right technique, these cedar baskets can achieve waterproof and fireproof properties. That’s why people use cedar baskets as ‘pots and pans’ for cooking and boiling water. The process involves heating the baskets with hot stones, allowing food to be added once the water boils.
- Additionally, cedar tree spikes are strong and light and naturally grow in long strands. The cedar tree can be used to make great ropes and ties.
- Cedar wood is strong, lightweight and has a straight grain, making it easy to split and cut. People use it to make canoes, paddles, hooks, spears and fishing floats.
- Today, Cedar is known to make jewelry boxes or precious chests. This wood repels woodworms, insects and other pests that can attack different types of wood.
Uses of cedar bark
Cedar bark is incredibly useful. It can be dyed and turned into different types of yarn for making mats, clothes, blankets and hats. Like roots and sticks, the bark forms ropes, baskets and fishing nets.
In aromatherapy
The aroma of the tree’s essential oil is used for its healing, antiseptic, astringent and decongestant properties or simply to repel mosquitoes.
The smell and oil of the cedar repel mosquitoes and destroy snakes.
Healing
Cedar was also widely valued for its medicinal properties to heal and purify. Yellow cedar bark, which has anti-inflammatory properties, was frequently used as a wound dressing.
Plus, cedar leaves are beautiful incense and may be used with great success in smudging for purification.