Oak wreath is a symbol of courage

The most revered human qualities are: courage, strength, savvy, the ability to stand up for oneself and others, courage. Not many people know that each of these qualities completely coincides with the symbols of such plants as the oak and laurel.

Symbols and symbols

Even the ancient Germans and Slavs believed in the great strength of the oak tree. According to pagan beliefs it was believed that in the oak crown live the souls of the dead ancestors, who contemplate what their descendants are doing.

The ancient Greeks, and later the Romans identified the oak with the gods of fertility, thunder and lightning. This was due to the fact that the tree itself could easily bear the lightning strike, survive and not burn during a thunderstorm.

During the Olympic Games wreaths from the leaves of oak and laurel were awarded to the winners. Oak wreath became a reward to courageous and strong athletes, and laurel was intended for poets and playwrights.

This division was due to the fact that the laurel is a symbol of the eternal, unforgettable. The Bay leaf symbolized peace and victory. Laurel groves grew in large numbers near the temples of Dionysus and Apollo.

Roman commanders and generals liked to decorate their heads with wreaths from the leaves of these plants, returning with a victory from the campaigns. Later, the living branches were replaced by wreaths cast from inexpensive metal or gold, which later became the prototype of the crown (the royal crown and the main attribute of any monarch).

Strength and Courage

The oak wreath and the wood of this tree were very much appreciated in ancient times. Researchers believe that the staff of Hercules was carved from the branch of oak. In addition, the oak tree symbolism appears in many legends, myths of different countries.

In Greek myths, an oak tree flashes every now and then. Jason removed the golden fleece from the ancient oak, and the mast of the ship was also made of his wood. The club of Hercules became the prototype of the staff of kings, as well as power, valor and honor.

The oak tree represents the male principle, and its fruits (acorns) are fertility and wealth. The wreath of oak leaves in the old days was used as a guard against evil spirits, to strengthen the body and the strength of the spirit of the warrior.

Heraldry

Symbolism of oak allowed for many years to use an oak wreath as a distinctive sign of servicemen from different countries. It can be seen on the uniforms of the military of the USA, Germany, Russia.

In America there is a special award in the form of an oak leaf of several degrees. It is handed to especially distinguished soldiers for the salvation of civilians. Depending on the number of awards received, the degrees as well as the metal from which the patch is made are different. The largest number of additional signs received is eleven.

During the Second World War, the Wehrmacht soldiers from special units wore a decoration badge - an oak wreath. He went as an addition to the award of the Knight's Cross with oak leaves.

The most original mark of distinction on the right can be considered special patches of soldiers Luftwaffe. Their emblem depicted a laurel, oak wreath with an eagle in the middle, where oak leaves meant valor, and laurels - glory.

Beliefs and magical rituals

On the territory of Britain in the old days there was a belief that headaches can be removed with a nail and a hammer. With these things it was necessary to come to the oak and to hammer into its trunk a nail.

Divination in pagan holidays associated with the solstice. For this, they took the acorns and split them to see their middle. If it was spoiled, it promised a financial loss.

A wreath made of oak leaves with their own hands was made as a home guard. With his help, they tried to protect and clean the dwelling. In the main church and folk festivals in the Middle Ages garlands and wreaths of oak, spruce, holly decorated the houses, streets, so that wealth, stability and health visited them.

In Christianity, the oak wreath, as well as the branch of the laurel, symbolize eternal life, resurrection and joy. And the very form of the wreath (vicious circle) means the eternal process of rebirth and cycling in nature, the path from birth to death.

In the former CIS countries, as well as Asia, wood, leaves, and the tree itself were considered a panacea for many diseases. Decoction from the oak bark was treated with dental, headache, muscle weakness, childhood sickness. In addition, parts of the tree were used on the farm to scare off snakes.