The juniper is full of meaning and symbolism. Let’s know the meaning and symbolism of this tree in different cultures.

A little on the juniper

The juniper grows naturally in Europe, Asia and North America, both in mountainous areas of up to 2500 m above sea level and in softest habitats that occupy uncultured, buzos, arid or thicket grasslands near marine areas. It is present in all temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and has the wider distribution area compared to any other woody plant.

In addition, it extended from the Arctic Regions of Asia, Europe and North America to the south to around 30 ° north latitude, although some studies have reported that natural populations have settled in the southern hemisphere. It grows well in areas where there are Hayas and Castaño live the trees, prefers well -drained and light soils, but also supports dryness and a bit of alkalinity.

It is also typical of the Mediterranean zone, where its unmistakable aroma extends between the native vegetation of European and North African countries.

Symbolism of the juniper

Juniperus Communis, a tree belonging to the Cupressaceae family, can boast a long pagan and Christian in its use. Its meaning is precisely linked to these varied stories that we will tell you. By translating the secret language of plants to one understandable for humans, we can talk about rescue and protection.

This is because, appearing in any tradition, has reinforced what was its Greek meaning. In this beautiful language, this plant is known as «Arkeuthos», of the verb «Arkéo», which means «repel the enemy.» Its physical characteristics, accentuated by the thorny branches, gave this idea of ​​protection.

Meaning symbolic of writing of the power of the purification and cleaning of negative energy. It associates with the sacred and the spiritual connection. Transformation It means transforming experiences and growth. Connexion represents a connection with nature and the divine. Saidsimbolize balance and harmony in life and energy.Table 1: Symbolic meaning of juniper

These trees were planted in many ancient countries to protect the house of evil spirits and malicious men.

People even used it in the cracks of the house, hoping to reject evil diseases and spirits. In Italy, its symbolic tradition has always been very strong; There was no house where his branch against witches and sorcerers would not be used.

The juniper and his language occupy a place of honor even in many Christmas legends, but the most beautiful is perhaps a German origin, which teaches how, according to a particular ritual, it could evoke a beneficial spirit capable of forcing thieves to return stolen objects.

In Christianity, this tree is linked to the protection of the Holy Family in its flight of Herod and the establishment of the Cross of Christ (although this «task» seems to have been attributed to several trees according to tradition, editor’s note). Whatever the tradition taken into consideration, it is clear that this plant is synonymous with protection.

In Estonia, they were planted next to the houses to move away the negative spirits and the cracks of the walls with their branches were hit to prevent them from sneaking by bringing diseases and misfortunes. In the mountains of the Pistoia area, shields of the plant were hung on all doors to prevent witches from entering the house.

How has this plant been used throughout history?

This plant, which does not seem to invite the contact and can show an «excess of acrimony and heat», has an excellent remedy in its essential oil in a cosmetic application and in general well -being. From a symbolic point of view, its repellent points could be read not as much as a rejection of contact. However, as a defense, in this sense, the plant has always been associated with the idea of ​​protection and durability.

In many ancient Indo -European cultures, a symbolic value of strength and protection against evil people and metaphysical creatures, such as evil spirits and diseases, have been attributed.

Promoted as a panacea, the juniper bath released the people of laziness and the body of rheumatic pain. This plant was also used to combat depression and return forces to exhausted people. On ulcerated wounds, it caused a repair effect that led to healing.

Being a perennial plant, it was used in fertility rituals. According to tradition, their berries are aphrodisiac.

Use it to protect the home, scare away negative people and entities, move sadness, foster luck, increase sexual vigor in men, and recover strength and determination.

The fumigation of the rooms with juniper wood was also usually practiced with the following purposes:

• perfume the place
• purify the air
• scare away demonic beings for sacred ceremonies.

Some customs practiced by the populations of the Alpine peoples have transmitted the tradition of making fumigations with juniors in the stables on May 1 to protect cattle from negative diseases. entities and diseases.

In addition, the custom of burning juniper wood was widespread because it was believed that their fragrant fumes had therapeutic properties against germs to protect the sick people and those who needed some special physical and spiritual protection.

Dawn’s thoughts about juniper

1hay more than 50 species of the genus Juniper and are found throughout the northern hemisphere.

Its size varies between that of a moderately high tree and that of a prostrated bush. The junners have flattened and spiny leaves that are arranged in the form of scales on a branch when they reach maturity. like Tejo leaves). They have a unique conical structure.

The male plants produce tiny cones with a structure similar to that of other conifers, but the female cones carriers of seeds have their fused scales to form what seems like a fleshy berry that is usually dark blue or sometimes red, brownish red. Some junctions are monoic, that is, they have cones of both sexes in the same plant, and others are dioacious, that is, each plant produces male or female cones.

Select juniper species

Common juniper Juniperus communis It is widespread by Eurasia and North America, and is also located in North Africa.

Savin Juniperus sabina. Although many junners can be called sabinas, this is he Sabina Albar is an shrub tree that grows on mountainous land and is originally from Western Europe and northern Asia.

Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana It is an American native, sacred for many indigenous cultures. Its wood is highly appreciated to build insect resistant furniture and to store clothes.

Juniperus horizontalis Low -popular bearing juniper in gardening. Many cultivars have been developed such as «Youngstown» and «Harbor Bar».

SCAMOUS JUNCLE Juniperus Squamata Short and trunk juniper very popular in gardening. There are many cultivars, such as the «Blue Star.»

Chinese juniper Juniperus chinensis A busy junction of moderate height and pyramidal shape, a popular landscape tree with many cultivars available.

Juniper of the Rocky Mountains Juniperus scopulorum

The juniper in history and folklore

The story entitled Little Red Riding Hood2 In the book The hero of Esthonia, tells how a mother places juniper branches and makes the cross sign on them to protect her sleeping children from demons. In the story, the compassionate shoemaker of the same book, the devil is defeated to be beaten by a juniper rod.

In Argonautics3Medea uses a newly cut junction branch to spray its somniferous potion in the eyes of the snake that custody the golden fleece.

THE HISTORY OF JUNE4 The story of the Grimm brothers speaks of a juniper that seems to act as a magical guide and guardian of the inhabitants of the house.

Juniper culture

In the nurseries trade there are several varieties of juniper as youth plants and it is important that, when you choose them, find out what species you are acquiring if you hope to use your plant as a food condiment or medicine. There are many different cultivars for the different species. You can also grow juniper from seeds collected from a positively identified wild specimen, although certain special care will have to be taken.

Juniper seeds can remain latent for many years. They are dispersed through the digestive system of birds and other animals that eat the «berries». To grow, you have to damage the seed cover, which can be done by cutting it with a sharp knife or rubbing it with sandpaper.

The juniper serves as a guest to several species of butterflies and moths.

Juniper collection

The juniper berries are mature when they are quite fat, dark green and with a bluish dust appearance on them. They are usually ready at the beginning or mid -autumn and it is possible to find immature berries in a bush with mature berries, since they can keep them for more than a year.

The berries are rich in essential oils, but it is very sensitive oils, so they must be kept in a fresh and dry place, shelter of sunlight, and dryly dry or freeze to preserve them.

Cure with juniper

The juniper is antibacterial, antiviral, diuretic, antiseptic, diuretic, abortive and emenagogue.
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