Many primitive people of noble, highly developed civilizations treated trees with great respect. Trees were often associated with having supernatural powers, being gods, ancestors and associated with different forms of worship. The Druids, particularly, believed that trees possessed great mysterious powers. Since ancient times, man has been influenced by trees.

Perhaps today the idea of touching wood, to ward off evil and encourage good luck, is a living remnant of our ancestors’ practice.

The following is a list of mystical trees.

Apple – History tells us celebrations focused on giving thanks to the wood spirits and all spirits that safeguarded the apple crop. They sang songs and chanted and the remaining cider was thrown over the trees.

Quaking Aspen — There are many legends connected with the Aspen. The only tree reputed not to bend with compassion and continues to tremble as a result. The cross which Christ was crucified was made from the Aspen.

Beech — The God and Goddess Apollo and Athena sat in a Beech tree having transformed into vultures.

Birch — It is the favorite tree of mythical treetures known as forest devils. They viewed the world from the top of the tree.

Fir — According to folklore, the Fir has strong connections with the owner of the land where it stands.

Hawthorn — A good luck tree to the owner and prosperity to the land where it stands.

Maple — Passing a young child through the branches of a Maple Tree will encourage good health and long life for a child.

Yew — Since ancient times, the Yew has been viewed as the protector of the dead. It also is a symbol of immorality. The tree lives to an old age.

Jim Trainer is a local community forester and the owner of Treez Inc. He appears the last Saturday of the month in the CK Reporter.