11/03/2023
Cypress tree, tree of life,
The Persian culture is ample with different symbolic elements and motifs and each has its own distinctive meaning and interpretation. One of the most notable one is cypress trees, A symbol that has its roots in the ancient times.
It is believed that Zoroaster, the old Iranian prophet and founder of the Zoroastrian religion, has brought cypress tree from heaven to earth. It’s the most sacred tree in their religion, and is used in their religious rituals. Cypress tress are the most common tree planted in Persian Gardens, which is also a symbol of heaven on earth
Cypress trees are also a commonly used motif in Persian art, especially in carpet designing and other forms of handicrafts. Cypress motif is also present in Persepolis carving, proving their importance and antiquity in Persian culture.
Cypress trees are evergreens, and probably for this reason they are representing everlasting life in old Persian culture. For this reason, Iranian would plant a cypresses tree near the grave of their loved ones as a symbol of eternity.
Many old and remarkable cypress trees are still found in the country. As an instance, Sarv-e Abarkuh (the cypress of Abarkuh) in Abarkuh Yazd, is believed to be the second oldest living organism on Earth. It is believed to be of 4000 years old, though the exact age is hard to estimate.
The next time you traveled to Iran, observe these symbolic trees with much more attention.
یکی از بارزترین تمدن‌هایی که سرو را مقدس می شمارد، تمدن ایران باستان است. ظاهر مخروطی و بته جقه‌ای سرو که تظاهری از شعله آتش است، آن را به نماد آتش مقدس تبدیل کرده است. طبق روایات، زرتشت نخستین بار سرو را از بهشت آورد و به کشت آن همت گماشت. در سراسر تاریخ ایران، این درخت مقدس زینت بخش باغهای معروف ایرانی بوده است. در نقوش برجسته تخت جمشید، نقش سرو فراوان دیده می شود که حکایت از نمادین بودن این درخت کهن سال دارد.
همیشه سرسبز بودن سرو آن را به نمادی از جاوانگی تبدیل کرده که در حیاط و یا اطراف اماکن مقدس چون امامزاده ها کشت می شده و حتی در نقاشیها و کاشی کاری ها ترسیم می گردد. ایرانیان از دیر باز بر مقبره درگذشتگان خود سرو می کشاتند تا نمادی از جاوانگی و زندگی ابدی پس از مرگ باشد.
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