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Lord of the Trees


Lord of the Trees
Photo Information
Copyright: Monika MvJ (thistle) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1317 W: 77 N: 3012] (9272)
Genre: Plants
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-03
Categories: Trees
Camera: Sony DCR-HC14E, Carl Zeiss
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-04-01 16:09
Viewed: 1866
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 26
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Everyone probably know this tree for it is very common. I don’t want to write here all the botanical staff about Oaks – after all you can find it very easy in internet for example.

I will write about Oak – magic, mysterious and holy tree.

As you can learn from my intro I love trees and I always did. I really esteem people who love them as well. My favourite writer was also a big lover of trees. Who is he? Well here’s a clue: I named this lonely Oak Haldir ;-)
It’s old Oak (I think he has about 100-150 y) that grow alone on a wide meadows. He has empty stock and as I found out it’s a home of Eagle Owl.

Trees, especially the majestic one, were in ancient times a subjects of worship. The tree-gods you can probably find in every European ancient religion. I’m sure every of you heard about Celtic Druids and their holy Oaks or Irish holy apple trees.
I’m very interested in Polish ancient mythology – it’s horrible but many people in my country have absolutely no idea that we actually have a mythology.
I don’t want to say to much, but the reason of it is Christianity – about 1000 years ago it came to my land and entirely destroy ancient beliefs (acknowledged as heathen and illegal).
Anyway, that ancient religion was very close with nature. Our ancestors worshiped water, earth, sky, storms, rain, Sun, Moon and of course trees. It was very peaceful and beautiful religion. They believed that there is one prime god and many other “of less importance” .
He had many names and could be seen in many shapes. One of his name was Piorun (Thunder) and his home were great Oaks. So Oak Woods were holy places and old Oaks were temples. Ancient priests task was to protect holy flame that was burning near the temple. It was a bonfire made up of Oak branches and when it died out the priest was punished with death.
Even the ancient image of world was of Oak shape:
It’s branches were the home of gods and other “higher creatures”, the stock was the reality – the world of men, the roots were underground world of death – mysterious and scary place where dwelt ghost of death men.

Oak was the symbol of great strength and nobility. Acorns were very often emblems of mighty knights. You probably know Greek “laurel wreaths” – we had Oak branches wreaths. It was a kind of honour gift for merit people.

Many of the ancient beliefs survived though few know they real origin. For example in countryside there is a custom of hugging trees. There is belief that the tree can give us good energy and strength. There is also a proverb: “Every man should build a house, breed a son and plant an Oak”.

I could write much more, but I won’t. I like learn and seek information it’s great fun and I don’t want to bereave you of it entirely ;-)

PS. Maybe some of you already read that note, for it was post with other photo. It wasn’t very good shot so I decided to delete it, but I kept that note and this photo is nice opportunity to post it once more. I hope you like it.
red45, LCannon, LordPotty, Signal-Womb, AndyB, dew77, marhowie, liquidsunshine, PDP has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To LordPotty: Treesthistle 1 04-02 04:30
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Critiques [Translate]

I too love the look, feel and mood of trees. This one seems very stately and proud. I like the mood you've created with this photo of the oak. I've posted an old oak tree also on my TN account. I enjoyed your note here very much Thanks! Well done.

Hi Monika. I love trees as well. I am happiest when I am in the forest surrounded by trees and can see nothing man made. About 11 years ago I planted a whole field of sweet chestnut trees. They grow very fast here and now it is like a forest.
My wifes parents have a farm not far from here where they have live for over 40 years. Jans dad is a tree fanatic and has covered the farm in every tree that can possibly grow in New Zealand. We even have stuff that the Botanical gardens doesn't have.
Have you seen Thomas Pakenhams books "Meetings with Remarkable Trees' and 'Remarkable Trees of the World'?
I tried to make a link for you,but I'm too dumb ;)
You can find it on Google anyway. Its an amazing book.
I like your notes about your old culture too. The same happens in many countries. A new civilisation or culture arrives and feels they have to 'civilise' the natives. Its quite sad really. I'm glad you still take an interest in your old customs and traditions.
Thanks for your interesting post.

Great shot Monika, nice silhouette against the hazy sunset I like it, well done.

  • Great 
  • AndyB Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1391 W: 32 N: 1350] (3982)
  • [2005-04-02 5:33]

A very nice shot.
A good capture with the sun behind the tree giving this nice silhouette.
A very interesting note too.
Great work,well done.

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4774 W: 294 N: 4020] (13209)
  • [2005-04-02 6:55]

Very good shot Monika!POV is very good and sun is a beautiful bonus.
I like your notes:) Thanks for sharing...

Very nice composition, it's juat a bit noisy. Nice colours.
Well done.
TFS

Monika, I like the dark moody feel of your shot..It has an overall somber effect on the viewer. Excellent note, I like it!

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2705 W: 74 N: 8864] (30243)
  • [2005-04-02 14:14]

Yeah, I remember your note about trees and favourite writer :-) Everyday on my walk to work I pass between many old and beautiful trees. I like to smell, touch and admire those plants with souls. Your photo has got mood which I can't describe now but I feel it!

PT.

Superb photo Monika ! I like very much this type of back-light with the silhouette of the tree which is revealed thanks to the sun in background.
Congratulations, you also have write a very interesting note.
Nico.

  • Great 
  • Graal Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 755 W: 31 N: 20] (5032)
  • [2005-04-03 12:18]

Ładnie, kontrastowo to wyszło ale efekt jest ok. Dobra kompozycja. Dobry komentarz.
Do tych białych obwódek czepili się u mnie przy ostach ale to się zawsze pokazuje po podostrzeniu.
Pozdrawiam
Aleksander

  • Great 
  • livios Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2156 W: 322 N: 4258] (16906)
  • [2005-04-03 21:56]

Monika, I do enjoy this. Excellent composition in this artistic shot.

Very nice idea in composing this.

This is a very nice shot Monika,
A very big dominating tree always looks excellent in these shots.
Fantastic composition and nice colours. I like the way the sun looks like it's burning through the tree.
Thanks for posting

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2005-04-06 17:30]

Hi Monika, nice shot, the sun is very well placed. It's a lovely shot, well done. Great note too.

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