Yew Tree a symbol of resurrection hope
In England, the Common Yew Tree (or English yew, Taxus baccata) is often found in churchyards.
They are placed there as a symbol of long life, and to ward off evil some are known to be 2000 years old.
Britain is unique in having the largest number of ancient yews in the world:
Early Christian missionaries recognized the sacred nature of the trees and built their churches near them.
“This is how the Lord wanted his church to be: universal, a great tree whose branches shelter the birds of the air”
Yew trees have holy powers in keeping evil away, for guarding protecting travelers some say.
There is a yew tree in Fortingall Perthshire, Scotland it is estimated as being between 3,000 and 5,000 years old.
Yew is a poisonous tree. Arrow tips used to be dipped in a yew poison and the wood was used to make long bows.
Recently Taxol has been extracted from yew bark this helps fight cancer.
In churchyards the yew trees were usually planted in a deliberate manner, with one often beside the path leading from the funeral gateway of the churchyard to the main door of the church – a symbol of resurrection hope for the mourners and a practical place for the men of God to on a wet or windy day.
THIS TREE IS 2000 YEARS OLD I am standing in this tree thats how big this tree is.
angels
