For those we care about and hold dear in our hearts, the world becomes slightly less bright when they are no longer around. When seeking comfort, we tend to seek something that is permanent, something that will remain when all else is forgotten. Planting memorial trees fits this bill and is exactly as the name suggests; it’s a way of honoring a deceased individual. It offers a tangible point of focus for individual mourning while adding to the environment—a testament that the deceased remains a part of the world as a whole.
The act of selecting a tree, planting it and later taking care of it is one of the most personal activities that an individual can engage in. It lets us convey emotions that are sometimes too difficult to put into words. When the tree is growing, it openly represents the life of the person that we have in mind. Each new leaf can symbolize a memory, and the growing trunk can serve as a pillar of their history.
Emotional Aspects of Memorial Trees
Planting a memorial tree in the deceased’s honor can help relatives and friends find closure. Such actions as watering the tree, observing its growth, and simply noticing how it develops, may resemble the stages of healing. The tree also changes with the seasons, which means that life goes on, and the bond with the lost family member remains strong over time.
This living monument can also be a place where families and friends can come together. It is a place of contemplation – people can recall the joyful moments and tell their relatives or friends about it. It assists in preserving the memory of individuals who are deceased, and thus provides a connection between the past and the present.
A Memorial Tree and the Healing Process
Spending time with nature in the form of planting and nurturing trees can be considered as having a healing power. It is a task that can be very calming and have a healing effect on the soul. To most, it offers a place for rest and restoration and escape from some of the noise and pressure often associated with day-to-day life.
In addition, growing with time, the memorial tree provides an environmental advantage to the surrounding area. It offers shelter to animals, creates oxygen, and even adds aesthetic value to a community or a garden. This growth from a seedling to a tree could represent the process of grieving, which begins small and vulnerable but gradually develops into a stronger form.
Conclusion
Memorial trees are a unique and befitting means of honoring the memories of our departed family members and friends. They offer a special kind of comfort, converting loss into redemption. While these trees grow, they prompt individuals to think about the effect one existence can make – to families, friends, and even to society. When we plant a tree, we pay homage to a lost loved one with a gift that will live on; and so does their memories in our hearts.
