The Oak tree has been used as a sacred symbol throughout many different cultures and religions.

Oak trees were sacred to the Celts. They represented the centre of the world. The Celtic name for oak is daur, and is the origin of the word door. The root of the oak tree was literally the doorway to the Otherworld, the realm of Faery. The word Druid, is combined from the words for oak and wise – a Druid was one who was “Oak Wise,” meaning learned in Tree magic and guardian or the doorway.

The Oak is also significant in many other cultures and is commonly used as a symbol of strength and endurance. The Oak is the National Symbol of many countries including England, Wales, France, Germany and the United States.

In Classical mythology the oak was a symbol of Zeus and his sacred tree. In the Bible, Joshua erects a stone under an oak tree as the first covenant of the Lord (Josh. 24.25-7). The Oak tree is traditionally sacred to Serbs and is widely used on national and regional symbols both old and new.

I like to think that the Oak, and trees in general, are something that ties us all together, no matter what religion we believe, and it is only through our own efforts and concern that trees will remain for future generations to enjoy. Trees are not only significant to people they are imperative for bird life.

I am tired of seeing beautiful trees destroyed all in the name of progress and profit. What will be left for us to profit from when all the trees and birds are gone? There is a reason that trees are sacred, perhaps we need to go back and remember the basics: Trees = Oxygen = Life.