Exploring the Mythology Surrounding the Willow Tree

Trees hold a special place in our family. They are equally sacred to the Native American and Celtic sides of our family tree.

While Oklahoma isn't the best climate in which to grow willow trees, there are a few sprinkled throughout the state. Most of the Native American tribes associated with Oklahoma have a special place in their hearts for the willow.

The willow tree is used quite often in mythology, sometimes representing an association with certain gods or goddesses. Other times, they are the subject of specific mythological stories.

Because of the tree's slender, spiraling branches it has at times been associated with creatures such as the snake. Its deep roots also made certain that it would be associated with fertility. In Greece, it was often the custom to place willow branches in the beds of infertile women in hopes that they could somehow entice magical serpents into impregnating them.

Other cultures joined in the belief of the willow's fertility powers. Some Native American tribes would lay willow limbs in the marriage beds of newly married couples in hopes that they would help ensure immediately fertility. They also made gifts from both the limbs and the bark of willows and presented them to brides on their wedding day, as a symbol of their blessing upon the union.

Some say that the weeping willow once stood upright and strong, but the death of star crossed lovers so touched the heart of the trees that they bent in abject grief and were never able to straighten themselves again. Others claim that the trees weep for the loss suffered by the red man at the hands of the white man. Still others, say that they weep for the pain that mankind inflicts upon one another and that they will right themselves, once again, when a new era of peace and kindness becomes a reality.

But not all myths about the willow are pleasant. It is also often associated with witchcraft and mysticism. In fact, the traditional witches' broom was bound by twigs from the willow tree. Mystics often made divining rods from willow branches.