Balmy Breezes and Sultry Sways
By Laura L.W. Horan
What do you think of when you think of palm trees? Beautiful scenery? A day at the beach? Palm trees are more than just cement-like columns stretching skyward. They are more than a
landscape ornament.
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Palm trees go back as far as the Ancient of days. They are mentioned though out the Bible, and are used for decoration. “…and set on it palm trees and chain
designs.” 2 Chronicles 3:5 and Ezekiel 40:16 “…upon each post were palm trees.”
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Palms symbolize victory, peace, rest, and paradise. The early Christians used palm branches to usher in the triumphant trip of Jesus to Jerusalem. “Took
branches of palm trees and went out and cried, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel.” John 12:13
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Strengths of a palm tree. “The righteous will flourish like the palm tree…” Psalms 92:12. A few characteristics are:
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Grows straight upward towards the heavens. It focuses on its goal.
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Doesn’t break during a storm. They bend so the storm passes over them.
- Breaks the bands that try to stunt its growth. If a metal band is placed around the tree, the inner strength breaks the “hold” and is set free.
- Softest at the heart. The heart of a palm tree is soft and pliable
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Grows straight upward towards the heavens. It focuses on its goal.
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Palm trees are not trees. They are part of the family of flowering plants.
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How can you tell how old a palm tree is? They do not grow rings. Their life span is 50 years to 150 years.
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The fruits of the palm tree. The commonly known fruits are: bananas, dates, and coconuts.
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Products from Palm trees. Chopsticks, woven hats, palm oil, and syrup.
The next time you look at a palm tree; remember what they have to offer: decorating possibilities, symbolism, strengths, fruits, products they provide, and their ability to withstand the
test of time, all the way from the Garden of Eden until now.
