The 14 Evergreen Trees defined in the Book of Enoch

Recently, I’ve been studying the Book of Enoch and discovered something quite fascinating (at least to me) – the depiction of Evergreen trees.

Now, before we get into the thick of it, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Book of Enoch isn’t exactly your everyday scripture. You won’t find it in Catholic or most Protestant Bibles. However, it’s a canon scripture in the Ethiopian Christian Bible, and fragments of the texts were unearthed in the Dead Sea Scrolls!

Whether you see it as divinely inspired or an ancient text of wisdom, it’s undeniably intriguing. If your interest is piqued, you can check out a full translation by Professor Michael A. Knibb over at Andy McCracken’s site (thebookofenoch.org), available in both HTML and PDF formats.

Now, let’s get to the part relating to Evergreen trees:

Contemplate, and see, how all the trees appear withered, and all their leaves are stripped; with the exception of the fourteen trees which are not stripped, which remain with the old leaves, until the new come after two or three years.

Enoch 3:1

Here’s the interesting part: Wikipedia lists exactly fourteen tree families as Evergreen. Coincidence or knowledge way ahead of its time? Remember, many scholars think the Book of Enoch was penned in the second century BC! Could it be that those ancients knew a thing or two more than we give them credit for?

The fourteen evergreen families are:

While it’s uncertain if the specific trees mentioned in the Book of Enoch match those we’re discussing, the similarities are too striking to dismiss as mere coincidence. Let’s call it speculative but with decent grounds.

To better understand these references, let’s delve into the family names of these trees, translating them into more commonly known names. This approach might shed light on the intriguing connection between the trees in our world and those described in this ancient text.

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1 Aquifoliaceae Family

The Aquifoliaceae family is best known for its most famous member, the holly. The evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs are renowned for their distinctive glossy leaves and bright red berries, often symbolising festive winter cheer.

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Esoteric Traditions of the Holly Tree

In various esoteric traditions, the wood of the Holly Tree is believed to carry protective qualities. It is often used in the making of wands, staffs, and other ritual tools in practices that involve protection, dream magic, and enhancing spiritual strength. The wood’s connection to the Holly tree’s symbolism of resilience and protection makes it a choice material in such contexts. The tree is often associated with strength, protection, and the balancing of masculine and feminine energies.

The term “Hollywood,” famously synonymous with the American film and media industry, carries an immense influence on modern culture and societal norms. “Hollywood” as an entity wields a comparable influence in shaping narratives, trends, and ideals in modern society. The industry, much like the tree, has roots that delve deeply into the fabric of modern life, extending its branches across global cultures and communities, thereby profoundly impacting how we perceive, understand, and interact with the world around us. The Druid wizard Merlin, from the legend of King Arthur, is said to have used a wand made of Holly wood.​

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The Holly in Celtic Mythology and Druidism

In ancient Celtic traditions, the Holly tree was highly revered. It was believed to possess protective qualities, warding off evil spirits, witchcraft and bad luck. Druids considered the Holly as a symbol of fertility and eternal life. The tree’s ability to remain green throughout the year made it a powerful symbol in a culture that revered nature and seasonal cycles. The Holly King was said to rule the second part of the year.

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The Holly In Christian Symbolism

In modern Christian symbolism, the Holly tree is often associated with Christmas. Its evergreen nature symbolizes eternal life, while the red berries are thought to represent the blood of Christ. The pointed leaves have been interpreted as a symbol of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifixion.

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The Holly in the Winter Solstice

The Holly was an important plant in winter solstice festivities, especially in pre-Christian times. Its evergreen nature was a reminder that life would return to the earth after winter. It was often brought into homes to provide shelter to good spirits during the cold, dark winter months.

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Roman Mythology related to the Holly Tree

In Roman culture, Holly was associated with Saturnalia, a festival in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. Holly wreaths were given as gifts during this festival, which could be seen as a precursor to the modern Christmas wreath tradition.

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Holly Tree – Folklore and Protection

In various folklore traditions, Holly trees were believed to have protective properties. Planting a Holly tree near a home was thought to protect the inhabitants from lightning strikes and evil spirits. It was also believed that cutting down a Holly tree would bring bad luck.

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Healing and Medicinal Uses of the Holly Tree

In some New Age practices, Holly wood is used for its perceived vibrational properties. It’s thought to resonate with energies that promote healing, particularly emotional and spiritual healing. Practitioners might use Holly wood in meditative practices or carry it as a talisman for these purposes.

Historically, parts of the Holly tree were used in traditional medicine. The leaves, berries, and bark were used for various medicinal purposes, though it’s important to note that Holly berries are toxic if ingested.

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Astrological Associations of the Holly Tree

In some traditions, Holly is associated with the planet Mars, symbolizing its fiery energy and protective qualities.

Each of these aspects reflects the deep cultural and spiritual significance of the Holly tree, illustrating how it has been interwoven into various belief systems and practices throughout history.

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2 Araucariaceae Family

The Araucariaceae family is a fascinating group of ancient conifers that has been gracing our planet for as long as we can remember, and possibly Enoch. The family stands out for its unique features and historic significance.

Let’s take a closer look at its three main types:

1. Araucaria: Often called ‘Monkey Puzzle Trees’, Araucaria species are known for their distinctive, spiral arrangement of branches and tough, scale-like leaves. These trees are not just a visual marvel; they’re living relics, with some species dating back to the Mesozoic era. They’re commonly found in South America and Australia, where they play a vital role in their ecosystems.
2. Kauri (Agathis): The Kauri trees, native to New Zealand and parts of the Pacific, are revered for their massive size and longevity. These giants of the forest can live for thousands of years and have been an integral part of the indigenous Maori culture. The Kauri’s resin, known as Kauri gum, was historically significant for various uses.
3. Wollemi Pine (Wollemia): A sensational discovery in the world of botany, the Wollemi Pine was known only from fossils until it was discovered alive in Australia in 1994. Dubbed a “living fossil,” the Wollemi Pine is a rare and critically endangered species, offering a living snapshot of ancient ecological history.

Each of these trees tells a story – a story of survival, adaptation, and the incredible journey of life in our realm. The Araucariaceae family is a testament to the resilience and diversity of conifers, standing as a living link to the Earth’s distant past.

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Araucariaceae Tree Family in Folklore and Legend

The Monkey Puzzle tree, native to South America holds cultural importance among the indigenous Mapuche people. In Mapuche mythology, these trees are sacred and are often found near religious sites.

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Healing and Medicinal Properties of the Araucariaceae Tree Family

While prominently known for their medicinal properties, certain species within the Araucariaceae family have been used in traditional medicine by indigenous communities. For example, the resin or sap of some Araucaria species has been used for treating wounds and skin ailments, owing to its supposed antiseptic properties.

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3 Arecaceae Family

The Arecaceae family symbolises tropical allure. Commonly known as palm and coconut trees, these plants are celebrated for their distinctive role in tropical landscapes. Their ecological and economic significance extends from providing coconut and palm oil to featuring in numerous cultural and religious practices.

• Palm
• Coconut

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4 Cupressaceae Family

The Cupressaceae family includes a range of coniferous trees and shrubs. Known for their aromatic wood and scale-like leaves, these trees are integral to both ornamental gardening and timber industries, and their distinctive, often columnar, forms are a staple in landscapes worldwide. The Giant Redwoods of California are some of the largest trees in the world.

• Cypress
• Juniper
• Redwood (Sequoia)
• Thuja
• Cryptomeria

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5 Cyatheaceae Family

The Cyatheaceae family comprises tree ferns. These ancient plants, with their towering trunks and large fronds, are living fossils that offer a glimpse into the prehistoric world. They are essential to the undergrowth of the forest ecosystem.

• Fern

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6 Cycadaceae Family

The Cycadaceae family is home to the cycads. These ancient, palm-like plants have a prehistoric lineage and are known for their distinctive crown of stiff, evergreen leaves and stout trunks. Cycads are known for their ornamental value and intriguing reproductive structures, resembling cones

• Cycads

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7 Fagaceae Family

The Fagaceae family features prominent trees like oaks and beeches. These trees are known for their strong wood, lobed leaves, and fruits such as acorns. They play a crucial ecological role in temperate forests and are highly valued for their timber, ecological significance, and historical importance.

• Beech
• Pine
• Oak

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8 Lauraceae Family

The Lauraceae family includes notable members like laurels, cinnamon, and avocado. These evergreen trees and shrubs are celebrated for their fragrant leaves and significant contributions to both culinary and medicinal uses, alongside their ecological importance in forest ecosystems.

• Laurel
• Bay

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9 Magnoliaceae Family

The ancient and magnificent magnolias are renowned for their large, showy flowers and represent a vital link in the evolutionary history of plants. Magnolias hold a special place in horticulture and traditional medicine across various cultures.

• Magnolia

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10 Myrtaceae Family

The Myrtaceae family is a diverse group including eucalyptus, guava, and clove. Known for their aromatic leaves and variously sized flowers and fruits, these plants have widespread uses in medicine, culinary arts, and as ornamental plants.

• Myrtle
• Rum
• Clove
• Guava
• Spice
• Eucalyptus

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11 Oleaceae Family

The Oleaceae family of trees is known for its economic and cultural significance, particularly the olive tree, which symbolises peace and is vital in culinary traditions. Their flowers and fruits provide various uses, from perfumery to food.

• Olive
• Tropical Ash

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12 Pinaceae Family

The Pinaceae family is home to many well-known conifers like pines, firs, and spruces. These trees are known for their needle-like leaves and conical growth form.

• Pine
• Spruce
• Cedar
• Hemlock

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13 Podocarpaceae Family

Mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere, the Podocarpaceae family are conifers mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere. These trees and shrubs are known for their diversity in form and size, from towering trees to low shrubs, and are important both ecologically and culturally in their native regions.

• Real yellowwood

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14 Taxaceae Family

The yew family, known for their longevity and distinctive red arils. These conifers, often with dark, evergreen leaves, are celebrated for their ornamental value and medicinal properties, notably the cancer-fighting compound found in some species.

• Yew