Araucarias (Araucaria) are conifers that belong to the Araucaria family (Araucariaceae). The bizarre appearance of the Chilean araucaria (Araucaria araucana) suggests that various meanings are attributed to it.
What is the significance of araucaria in South America?
Araucaria has cultural, religious and historical significance in South America. It is closely linked to the indigenous Pehuenche, who used the seeds as a source of food and revered the tree as their greatest sanctuary. By planting this endangered species you are contributing to its existence.
Where does the plant name Araucaria come from?
The name Araucaria comes fromNeo-Latinand is derived from theChilean province of Arauco. In the symbolism of trees, the Chilean Araucaria stands for fire and ice. In English, the common name for the evergreen Andean fir is “Monkey Puzzle Tree” or “Pewen”. The former goes back to a comment around 1800. An Englishman said that not even monkeys could climb the tree. Pewen is derived from the language of the indigenous Mapuche / Pehuenche people.
What is the significance of araucaria in South America?
In South America, more precisely in Chile, the importance of the araucaria is related to the indigenous people of thePehuencheSince the seeds of the araucaria are used by the indigenous people as afood source, they are also called araucaria people. Because of this, the Pehuenche are credited with the survival of the Andean fir, which was almost wiped out by massive deforestation by the Spanish conquerors.
Does araucaria also have a religious significance?
The religious significance of the araucaria also relates to thePehuenche, because for the indigenous people the conifer is thegreatest sanctuary So become everyday prayers addressed to the ornamental fir tree. There is also a Midsummer ceremony (Nguillatun) associated with the tree. Here, a young Araucaria plant serves as an altar around which the Pehuenche gather. As a bridge between cosmos and earth, we pray for a good cone harvest and for a long life for children and the elderly.
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Planting threatened araucaria
Although the araucaria survived the massive deforestation by the Spanish conquerors, it is an endangered species. Since the Andean fir also thrives in this country, you can contribute to its existence by planting a tree in your garden.
