Even though Alder, Willow and Birch are all three trees that connect with water, they did not come here on their own but were planted. Yet this place makes it easy to imagine that the old river still shows itself a little here.
The Willow, which grows quickly and has deep strong roots, is often planted on the banks of rivers to prevent erosion. Alders grew in swamp forests in the delta of the major rivers. That is why we still encounter them everywhere in the park. The wood is soft, but very durable in water. It is used as bank protection and for piles. The Birch is also a pioneer tree strongly connected to water. Where the Alder is called the king of the water, the Willow the queen, the Birch with its mostly white bark, and in the spring with its hanging catkins and light green leaves, is called the Lady of the forest.
The 'blood' of the alder is said to heal wounds, and the sap of the birch, the 'birch blood', is used in folk medicine as a spring cleansing agent. While the Alder was seen as the embodiment of an evil spirit, the spirit of the birch was believed to be like a mature woman. Instead of 'birch blood', people also speak of 'birch milk', with the assumption that your strength will quadruple if you drink its 'milk'.
One of the most important properties of a willow is its fertility. Stick a branch in the ground and a tree will soon grow out of it. The willow plays an important role in the mythology and folklore of many cultures. The tree is associated with dreams and artistic inspiration. The willow seems to give you the motivation you need to start over after a difficult period. Strength to continue and survive, comfort and healing. The willow also represents the power of rebirth. If previous events and losses have not yet been processed, there can be no new beginning. That is why the willow is an archetype of sadness, silence, processing and reappraisal. A willow often has upright branches, but a so-called weeping willow leaves its branches hanging. Connected to this old folk wisdom, many cemeteries are surrounded by willows.
Translated by Google •
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