The Symbolic Meaning of Oak Trees
My student asked me what special meaning the OAK TREE has in English, so I thought I would share an explanation.
The oak tree is the national tree of England and has many symbolic meanings.
Another famous person who was protected by oak trees was Robin Hood who famously hid in Sherwood Forest. Today, you can still see a well-known oak tree near Nottingham called the Major Oak which was alive during Robin's time.
TASK
If you would like to do some quick listening practice, here is a short video about oak trees in England.
My student asked me what special meaning the OAK TREE has in English, so I thought I would share an explanation.
The oak tree is the national tree of England and has many symbolic meanings.
- STRENGTH
- WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE
- POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH
- PROTECTION
- ACADEMIC LEARNING
- DISCUSSION
STRENGTH
Oak trees are the biggest and strongest trees in the country so they represent strength.WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE
They also live for up to 1,000 years so they represent long life, but also history, wisdom and experience since they have witnessed a great deal during their time.POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH
Although they are so large and live such long lives, they come from tiny seeds called acorns. Because of this oak trees also represent potential for growth. We have a saying in English;From tiny acorns, come mighty oaks.This means that everybody has the potential for success in life.
PROTECTION
Another reason we chose the oak tree is that they offer protection. The trees offer protection from the weather, but also provide a safe place in difficult times. During the English Civil War, King Charles the Second hid in an oak tree when the army was hunting him. Because of this, many towns and villages in England have pubs called The Royal Oak to commemorate the protection given to the King.Another famous person who was protected by oak trees was Robin Hood who famously hid in Sherwood Forest. Today, you can still see a well-known oak tree near Nottingham called the Major Oak which was alive during Robin's time.
ACADEMIC LEARNING
The oak tree is also associated with academic learning. From the Middle Ages until recent times, ink was made from crushed oak apples. These are not actually fruit, but balls made by insects in the trees. Nevertheless, for 600 years academic study depended on the ink from the oak tree. Even Shakespeare probably wrote with ink made with the help of the oak tree!DISCUSSION
Finally, due to their size, oak trees provide a meeting place for discussion and decision-making in villages and towns across England. Around the oak tree, everyone is equal and able to learn and discuss in safety.TASK
If you would like to do some quick listening practice, here is a short video about oak trees in England.
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