Page 6 - Jul-Sep 2008

VOL 5 No. 3

The Bel The Christmas Tree

No Christmas celebration is complete without the Yule or fir
No ritual during the festival of Shivratri is complete without
the Bel fruit and leaves being offered to Shiva. The same tree, with Christmas lights and other decorations. This
tree is also sacred to the Jains, since it is believed that the tradition is said to have begun in Germany in the sixteenth
rd
23 Tirthankara, Bhagwan Parsavnathji attained Nirvana century. Across Europe there are many traditions about the
under a Bel tree. Christmas tree, its origin and meaning. The celebration of
Christmas, the decoration of the tree, the giving of gifts are
Illustration by Vaidehi V Vadhvana, Std 7, L.G. Haria High School,
ways to teach children about Christmas, and the birth of Jesus
Jamnagar
Christ. The decorated tree signifies Christ who is God's blessing
Illustration by K.R. Arjun, Std 9, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec and gift to mankind.
School

Illustration by Treving Wickramasinghe, The Chitra Lane School for the
Special Child, Colombo
The Plantain Tree

The Plantain is a tradition bound tree in south India. This
The Date Palm
tree is symbolic of growth, generation and prosperity. In
South Indian weddings, people tie a pair of banana trees at The first Mughal emperor Babur constructed several gardens
the entrance of the mandap. and his famous grandchildren and their children (Akbar, Shah
Jahan) continued to make India more green with gardens.
Text and illustration by K. Srimyuranath, Std 11, Sri Sankara The concept of a formal garden or char-bagh, was a metaphor
Vidyashramam Mat. Hr Sec School, Chennai for the garden of paradise with water channels, fountains,
The fruit of this tree is used as prasad. Even the food for bearing sweet smelling flowers and fruits.
any pooja, marriage or any occasion is served on a banana The favourite trees of the Mughal emperors in the gardens
leaf in the southern states. they created in Kashmir were the Chinar, the Aspen, the
Cypress and fruit trees.
By Mital Dirajlal Karia, Std 7, St. Ann's High School, Jamnagar
In Judaism, date palms represent peace and plenty. Prophet
Mohammad is said to have built his home out of palm since it
symbolizes rest and peace. Today each day's fast during
Ramadan is broken by eating a date.
Coconut Tree
Text by G. Brinda, Std 9, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam, Mat Hr. Sec School,
Found in abundance in South India, the coconut tree is an important Chennai.
part of the food and customs of the people. It is a must for poojas,
aartis and at inauguration functions. Coconut is used to make the
kalash or the water pot for poojas

R. Balakrishnan, Std 9, Sir Ramaswami Mudaliar Hr. Sec School, Chennai Parijata
The fragrant flowers of this plant are used in worship. Lord Krishna is said to have brought this plant
from heaven for his wife Satyabhama. In the Vishnu Purana, the origin of the name Parijataka given to
this tree is explained. Parijataka was a princess. She fell in love with the Sun, who soon disheartened
her. She killed herself and was burnt. This plant arose from her ashes and that is why its flowers
Illustration by Prutha P. Doshi, Std 8, Shree Satya Sai Vidyalaya,
cannot bear the sight of the sun.
Jamnagar
By Rathod Farzana I., Std 9, Madressa Taheriya High School, Jamnagar

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