Symbolic of immortality and hope. In Bhutan it also symbolises bravery simplicity and considered sacred.
In Egypt, the cypress was represented as the Tree of Life.
The Cypress is known for giving greater awareness, the receiving of help during times of transition, and gaining insight into the root of problems
The cypress is linked with the planet Pluto.
The cypress is found in the mosaic decorations of the Imperial Palace of Topkapi in Istanbul
In Bhutan the cypress is revered and celebrated on the 15th day of the 8yh month.
One legend of the cypress dates back to the 8th century when the cypress ‘Kurjey Tree’ is said to have sprouted from the walkung stick of Sainy Guru Padmasambhava.
The cypress is known as the ‘Tsenden’ tree in Bhutan.
The Cypress is associated with Apollo and Artemis.
The aromatic wood and branches have been burned as incense for 1000’s of years.
A Persian legend has it that the cypress was the 1st tree to grow in Paradise due to the evergreen leaves and wood that was thought to be incorruptible.
The rootwood of the cypress, the extracted oil is used to cure inflammatory wounds and is an antiseptic
The Minoans worshiped the cypress as a divine manifestation
The cypress can live up to 700 years.
Hippocrates and Dioscurides mention cypress’s many uses for healing with its essential oils, and was especially important to the Babylonians
The cypress is often planted in cemeteries, temples and monasteries due to their pyramidal conical shape and symbolises a reaching up towards heaven.
In Ancient Rome, and China, young girls were gifted a plantation of cypress so that they had enough good timber to build a house and furniture when they grew up.
St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome , the doors are made of cypress wood and they were built over 1200 years ago. Cypress wood is rot resistant and very durable.
The cypress is represented in Pharaonic Egypt and is depicted in the carvings in the tomb of Inkerkhaoni.
Placing a cypress branch on a grave ensures the deceased a safe journey and guaranteeing love and good fortune.
It has lent its name to the island, Cyprus whose inhabitants used to venerate this tree in ancient times.