Have you ever wondered why you often find cypress trees planted near cemeteries? They are certainly beautiful trees. Sadly, these evergreen trees have been associated with death and mourning for over two thousand years. The cypress has a sad history.
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the cypress was the first tree the dead would see when they reached the Underworld. This tree was associated with death. It was a symbol of eternal death; because once the cypress is cut, it will not grow again.
The ancient Greeks and Romans used the wood to make coffins. The ancient Egyptians also used the wood of the cypress to make wooden crates for mummies and coffins. It has been said that the wood of this tree was not responsible for insect attacks.
In the ancient world, they believed that the tree had a powerful protective force. The cypress was planted near the graves to protect the deceased from evil powers. As the soul was considered immortal, it was very important to protect the souls of the dead from the evil spells of potential revenge seekers.
Mourners at funerals in the ancient world always wore cypress branches to show their grief. In mythology, the goddess of love named Aphrodite carried a branch of the tree to show that she was in mourning when her beloved Andonis died.
The story of how the cypress became the tree of death is told in Greek and Roman mythology. It started with a young man named Cyparissus and the god Apollo. They were close friends, say some lovers. Apollo gave Cyparissus a beautiful stag. Cyparissus accidentally killed the deer. He was so devastated and remorseful, he begged the gods to let his sorrow last all eternity. The gods grew weary of her tears and granted her this last wish. The gods turned Cyparissus into a cypress. This tree would always be associated with mourning and eternal death, but also with the immortal soul.
If it gets too sad and gloomy, you can turn to Asia. In the West, the tree represents mourning and death. In China, the cypress symbolizes good health and a long life.