The supernatural characters and powers of sacred trees in the Holy Land

Abstract

This article surveys the beliefs concerning the supernatural characteristics and powers of sacred trees in Israel; it is based on a field study as well as a survey of the literature and includes 118 interviews with Muslims and Druze.Both the Muslims and Druze in this study attribute supernatural dimensions to sacred trees which are directly related to ancient, deep-rooted pagan traditions. The Muslims attribute similar divine powers to sacred trees as they do to the graves of their saints; the graves and the trees are both considered to be the abode of the soul of a saint which is the source of their miraculous powers. Any violation of a sacred tree would be strictly punished while leaving the opportunity for atonement and forgiveness. The Druze, who believe in the transmigration of souls, have similar traditions concerning sacred trees but with a different religious background.In polytheistic religions the sacred grove/forest is a centre of the community's official worship; any violation of the trees is regarded as a threat to the well being of the community. Punishments may thus be collective.In the monotheistic world (including Christianity, Islam and Druze) the pagan worship of trees was converted into the worship/adoration of saints/prophets; it is not a part of the official religion but rather a personal act and the punishments are exerted only on the violating individual.

The implications of ritual practices and ritual plant uses on nature conservation: a case study among the Naxi in Yunnan Province, Southwest China

“…A study states that sacred trees grow near holy water sources [15], and Baidi-Naxi also have ritual trees close to the Dragon Pool at the Baishuitai. The most common function of the holy trees is to serve as the abode of the spirit [16] and the white flower around the headwaters symbolize purity [17]. The incense has had a continuous religious significance throughout the history from the first civilization to the present day.…”

The reality of imagination: Integrating the material and cultural values of old forests

“…First, there is evidence that reverence for forests and old trees is expressed across societies, including those most dependent on material products and services of forests (Dwyer et al, 1991;Schama, 1995;Mandondo, 1997;Dafni, 2007). Whilst reverence may be expressed as both love and fear for forests, these more 'imagined' values are often inextricably linked with very real use of forest resources.…”

“…Particular trees, usually old and large, continue to be revered as sacred by contemporary cultures. For example, Dafni (2007) describes beliefs about the magical powers of sacred trees in Israel, exploring the views of both Muslim and Druze residents, and Mandondo (1997) describes reverence for specific trees in Zimbabwe. The latter asserts that old trees may be viewed with love or fear, and either protected or destroyed in part on the basis of this emotion.…”

On the Present-day Veneration of Sacred Trees in the Holy Land

“…Sacred trees are disappearing today especially due to agriculture as well as intensive road construction, particularly if they are not situated within the villages or on private property. The deeply held and widespread belief that any harm done to a sacred tree will immediately result in divine punishment confers some protection (Canaan 1927;Arráf 1993, Dafni 2007a and references therein).…”

“…Sacred trees are thus treated as any other sacred space, and it is therefore not surprising that many of the customs and ceremonies observed in sacred places, in general, are also observed at the sites of sacred trees. doi:10.7592/FEJF2011.48.dafni In the Muslim world and in the Middle East, sacred places are closely related to the worship of saints (Goldziher 1971: passim;Westermarck 1973Westermarck , 1968Canaan 1927: passim;Arráf 1993: passim;Anabsi 2008: passim;Subtelny 1989: passim;Culmsee et al 2005: 187-189), and in many instances sacred trees are connected with sacred graves/shrines and share common supernatural powers: to grant divine blessings, to cure, and to punish offenders of the saint to whom the tree is dedicated and who endows the tree with its miraculous powers (Canaan 1927: passim;Dafni 2002Dafni , 2006Dafni , 2007a.…”