As the spring clears away all the cold and inaction of the winter, the world begins to show signs of life once more. Usually, the easiest way to tell the seasons are transitioning is by looking for the return of the buds and blossoms of local flora. In fact, many pagan and other religious groups throughout history have viewed the return of plant life with a sense of reverence. Spirits and gods were thought to hide in the leaves and trunks of nature, meaning a failure to show proper respect could lead to serious ramifications. From enticing dryads to superstitions about luck, there are all kinds of interesting spiritual beliefs surrounding plants. Explore these tidbits to learn more about the spirits of plants.
Knocking on Wood
To get things started, consider an old saying you’ve probably used in your life a handful of times. The phrase “knock on wood” is typically said after a person states a positive fact that he or she doesn’t want to change. For example, someone who has not caught a cold that everyone else in his or her household has caught might say, “I haven’t gotten sick yet, knock on wood.” The person will also look for wood to knock on, though simply saying the statement is usually enough to placate the superstition.
Though a common turn of phrase, its origins are less familiar to most. This is largely because cultures all over the world have some variation on this phrase. The Western superstition is believed to be Germanic in origin and connects to the idea that trees house powerful spirits. To touch wood would be to invoke the protection of the spirit of the tree, even if the tree is gone and the wood has been transformed into another object.
Going on a Trip
Using specific substances comes with serious connotations in the Western world. For example, smoking cannabis or taking other substances can be viewed as illicit and, in many places, illegal. However, the use of plants in religious and recreational activities is far from a modern practice. In fact, practically every culture on the planet has used plants for more than just food and medicine. Connecting with the self by way of hallucinogenic trips guided by a shaman or other spiritual guide can be found in customs across every populated continent.
While this doesn’t mean you should rush out and indulge in substances deemed against the law where you live, it can help provide perspective on the nature and uses of plants throughout human history. Context is everything, and people in modern societies often lack the willpower and responsibility required to use certain substances in a moderated and sensible way. Even tobacco has been viewed as a holy plant by many groups, though the idea of smoking a cigarette is far from a comparable spiritual experience in the modern age.
Dryads: Spirits of Plants
The Ancient Greeks personified everything. When it came to natural elements like water, wind, and trees, such personifications were typically feminine spirits. The dryads were the spirits of plants. Though their origins and exact purposes varied from century to century, most Greek writers viewed dryads in the same way as any other nymph. Namely, the dryads acted as spirits who attempted to entice or avoid men. Those human males “lucky” enough to have a physical encounter with a dryad would usually be punished severely by the gods and spirits of the wood.
While the human race no longer lives in the woods and at the mercy of the elements, there still remains within many a powerful respect for the natural world. By looking back at the various ways spirits of plants have been viewed and used throughout history, you can discover an appropriate way to show reverence in the current day.