Page 1 - Jul-Sep 2008

INTACH

THE HERITAGE CLUB NEWSLETTER

July-September 2008 VOL 5 No. 3

Trees and Traditions From Us to U

Hi Heritage Pals!
Hope you had a wonderful holiday and are
Legend of the Tree of Life and World Tree happy to be back at school!
Forests and individual species of trees have
come to represent different concepts in the
imagination of people of all civilizations of
the world. This bond between humans and
trees can be seen in the numerous myths,
legends, traditions and customs of every
The 'Tree of Life' is a universal and most ancient belief. It is a society.
widespread motif in myths of many cultures of the world.
The Olympics start in China in August 2008
Several legends speak of a Tree of Life that grows above the
and we are sure you will be following the
ground and gives life to gods and humans, or of a World Tree,
games like many children around the world.
linked with the 'centre' of the earth. The Tree of Life was The Olympic Games were first played in 776
seen to bind together heaven and earth, representing a B.C. in Greece. Olympic champions of these
vital connection between the worlds of the gods and early games were crowned with wreaths
from a holy olive tree that people believed
humans.
was planted by the Greek god Hercules, who
was the founder of these games.
In Judeo- Christian belief, the Tree of Life was said to grow For this issue we have received exciting
stories about the respectful relationship
in the Garden of Eden, and those who ate its fruit would live
between humans and trees from Heritage
forever. A similar myth exists in Chinese culture, where the Club members around the country, that we
Tree of Life is depicted along with a dragon - a symbol of hope you will enjoy reading.
immortality. In India we have the Kalpavriksha - the wish
fulfilling tree. Find out about the myth and its meaning.

Festival of Trees!

Remember that 1 st to 7 th July is Van Mahotsav- the
festival of trees! This annual festival was started in C
1950 by K.M. Munshi, Union Minister for Agriculture O Guardians of Sacred Groves around the World 2-3

and Food, a noted educationist and nature-lover, to N The Mighty Banyan 4
create public enthusiasm for the conservation of forests T Trees and Traditions 5-6, 7-8
and the planting of trees. So go ahead, Be Green, E Painting Contest! 9
choose your favorite tree from this issue, plant its N Heritage Alert 10
sapling and watch it grow! T Heritage News, Subscription form 11
S What's Next? Prize Winners 12

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