Many religious traditions around the world have a tree of life, sacred tree, or world tree tradition. In some legends, a huge tree binds together the heavens and the earth. In others, the tree is located in "the centre of the earth" and often "protected by supernatural guardians." The tree confers continued life, perhaps everlasting life, to humankind... Read more
A family tree, also called a pedigree chart, is a visual representation of family relationships. These charts are often depicted in the shape of a literal tree. The oldest generations are located at the top. Branches come from both parents to connect to their children below them. The youngest generation, around which the chart is centered, can be located on the trunk... Read more
Forest ecosystems are found all over the world. Because they are home to predatory animals, many forests have become linked with danger in the human psyche... Read more
The olive is an evergreen tree that produces an edible fruit. The oil of the olive has been a staple in the Mediterranean diet and elsewhere for millennia... Read more
Trees are a vital part of the environment the world over. Trees produce oxygen, rid the air of carbon, offer shade, and produce food. Their wood allows humans to build structures and warm themselves over a fire. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, "To many, the word tree evokes images of such ancient... Read more
Jungles go by many names - tropical forest, rainforest, monsoon forest, and cloud forest. Jungles grow in regions where the weather is warm year-round. They are characterized by "luxuriant, tangled, impenetrable vegetation, generally teeming with wildlife." Interestingly, the Sanskrit word from which the term "jungle" is derived describes just the opposite; it means "dry ground or desert."... Read more
The tree limb, branch, or bough is a division of a tree where smaller portions branch from the main trunk. The tree's crown is home to many animals, including birds, squirrels, and in tropical areas, monkeys... Read more
There are about 450 species of oak trees found throughout the world's temperate zones. Oak trees produce acorns, a food source for animals and, in the past, for people. Corks used as stoppers for wine bottles are produced from the bark of the Mediterranean cork oat, and Aleppo oak is used to make ink. The wood of oak trees is also used in furniture manufacture and construction... Read more
Lakes are generally known as peaceful retreats. Popular lake activities include fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and hiking. Lakes represent a way of "getting away from it all" - especially modern distractions such as cell phones and social media... Read more
Pinecones are the seed-bearing fruit of about 120 different species of pine tree. Pines are found throughout the world, especially in the cold northern reaches... Read more
