The ginkgo tree has unique fan-shaped leaves.
The ginkgo biloba, or Maidenhair tree, has been known to live for 2,000 years. In the East, it is considered a symbol of longevity, hope, resilience and peace. The tree's delicate fan-shaped leaves have been prized for their beauty, copied by artists and heralded in literature. The ginkgo is the national tree of its native China and has also come to be used as a symbol of Japan.
Living Fossil
The Chinese consider the ginkgo biloba tree a symbol of longevity for many reasons. It is one of the oldest living trees still growing on the planet. Because ginkgo fossils over 270 million years old have been found, Charles Darwin called the tree a ''living fossil.'' The ginkgo biloba was once considered extinct in the wild, but it continues to thrive today.
Long Life
In China, it is a tradition for Chinese grandfathers to plant a ginkgo biloba tree for their grandsons. The tree matures and bears fruit when the grandson is of marrying age. Just as the tree is expected to have a lengthy lifespan, so it is hoped for the grandson. Also in China, the ginkgo nut is used in a traditional vegetarian dish eaten on New Year's Day. In this dish they symbolize silver ingots.
Fire Protection
Ginkgo biloba trees were grown by Chinese monks in temple gardens from about 1100 AD. They were brought to Japan in 1192 and planted near temples there, as well. Along with being valued for their great beauty and the shade they provided, the trees are thought to provide protection from fire. This belief dates back to the Tokyo earthquake of 1923, when fire destroyed most other trees. Many ginkgos survived, and the temple they surrounded was saved as a result.
Japanese Significance
In Japan, the ginkgo tree is venerated. Several ginkgo biloba trees survived the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 and continue to live today. For this reason, the trees are considered a ''bearer of hope'' and a symbol of resilience and peace on the island nation. That is why the distinctive fan-shaped ginkgo leaf is a popular motif in Japanese art and is used in the logos of the city of Tokyo and Osaka University.
Sacred Trees
Shimenawas, or cords of rice straw, are often tied around trunks of ancient ginkgo biloba trees in Japan. This is meant to indicate their sacred character and fend off evil spirits. In the United States, the tree is a reminder to Japanese-Americans of their Japanese heritage. Ginkgos are widely planted as ornamental trees and are used in Zen or Japanese gardens. This large shade tree can grow 80 feet tall and spread 60 feet across.
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