The Oak Tree

Oak leaves                                       cross section of oak trunk

The Oak represents many  cultures right from the ancient Greeks, Romans, Celts and Aryans who have used it as a symbol of strength and firmness.  There is a famous old song….”Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree….”

The nuts are a delight for squirrels, monkeys and birds.  The oak manna is a sweet ooze from the tree which is used for making sweets.  The leaves are fodder for cattle.  Silkworms often feed on the leaves of the brown oak.  The wood is highly prized as  building material, fuel and firewood.

The oldest Oak tree in the world is believed to be 400 years old.  Most oak trees shed leaves in one season and  bear acorns when the tree is about 70-80 years old.  These acorns are roasted and made acorn coffee powder.

Japanese make use of oak in the manufacturing of Yamaha drums.  The higher  density  of the bark gives  the brighter and louder sound.

Oak bark is rich in tannin and is used in tanning leather.  The bark is dried and used in some medical preparations.

The Oak Tree is chosen as national symbol of many  countries for it is a common symbol of  endurance and strength.  Arrangement of oak leaves and acorns is traditional in the army of Germany & US.  Oak leaves are embroidered on the hats worn by Flag Officers and Field grade Officers in the US armed services.

Most of us are like an oak tree in a flower pot.  The flower pot is like the ego and our being is like the oak tree.  A woodpecker was pecking an oak tree.  A lightening struck the tree and the tree fell.  The woodpecker flew away and boasted, ‘I never knew I was so strong; I could make a tree fall.’