Keywords
Death, Grief, Healing, Longevity, Peace, Persistence, Protection, Solace

Historical Background and Folklore
The cypress is believed to have originated in Persia and Syria and then introduced into Italy by the Etruscans. It was a tree that the Roman upper classes liked to plant around their villas and have trimmed into exotic shapes. In Greece, a sacred grove of cypress once grew at the ancient Nemea sanctuary of Zeus southwest of Corinth. The ashes of those killed in battle were kept in cypress chests to honor them as heroes. It was thought that cypress was one of the four woods, along with palm, cedar and olive, used for the cross of Jesus. This could be the reason that cypress was frequently used for the coffins of popes.

Cypress trees are tolerant of harsh conditions and symbolize persistence under adversity. It is a tree of mixed messages. In ancient Egypt, cypress wood was used for coffins, which began its association as a tree of death. Because it can live up to 1,000 years, cypress has also been associated with immortality. However, once a cypress is cut down it does not come back, which to the ancient Romans symbolized the finality of death. In addition to using cypress wood for coffins in southern Europe, garlands of branches were draped on funeral biers and sometimes placed in the coffins.

Other Beings/Characters: Cyparissus
Color: white
Zodiac: Aquarius, Pisces, Taurus Celestial Body: Pluto, Saturn
Gemstone: turquoise
Dates: January 25 - February 3 and July 26 - August 4
Miscellaneous: comfort in grief, life after death

© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods

For more information, refer to the full text in Whispers from the Woods.