Symbolism and Origin of the Maple Tree
Acer is the scientific name for the Maple tree. The name “Acer” comes from Latin ǎcěr which means “sharp”, making reference to the sharpen tips of its leaves (the leaves of most species are palmated). Maple species are found in the Northern Hemisphere. They are originally from Asia. There is a number of them also found in Europe, Northern Africa and North America. Maples trees grow from 30 to 145 feet. Some species from Mediterranean region and southern China are evergreen.
Maple is a symbol of strength and endurance. Some species of maple are planted as ornamental trees and most species are used in the art of bonsai. In Japan, it’s a custom in autumn to see the changing color of maple’s leaves – in a similar way as they do in spring when cherries blossom. The reddish maple leaf symbol of autumn. Depending on the species, its leaves may turn from green to yellow, orange or reddish tones.
The Maple tree in different cultures
Maple syrup was well known in the time of the native Americans, and it was an important part of their diet. The maple leaf is the national symbol in Canada, and it can be found in its flag and coins. In English-speaking countries, this tree was believed to repel demons and evil spirits. It was customary to have a piece of a maple tree in the main door. Furthermore, it is an important tree in the Celtic mythology. It was a tree consecrated to Dana, the Celtic goddess of fertility. It is also known as the tree of the tolerance. In China, maple is associated with honor, and its leaves are a motif in Japanese ukiyo-e paintings representing love and autumn.
Red Maple have a moderate dormancy within them which requires a small amount of time to break. They have high levels of germination, and are simple and easy to plant. There is nothing that compares with seeing them sprout up through the Bios Urn!
1. Prepare a substrate into which the seeds are to be mixed. Generally a 50/50 mixture of compost and vermiculite work well. The chosen substrate needs to be moist (but not wet!) Mix the seeds into the substrate, and spread them evenly throughout.
2. Place the seed mixture into a clear plastic bag (a zip lock bag will work), and loosely seal it. Write the date on the bag so that you know when the pre-treatment was started.
3. Place the bag into the fridge for 2-4 weeks. During this time, the seeds may start to germinate in the fridge! If they do, simply remove them from the bag and plant them on top of your Bios Urn.
4. When the period of pre-treatment has finished your seeds are all set to go! Place them on the Bios Urn, and no more than 1cm under the soil.
5. Follow the instructions on our website for planting your Bios Urn, and your germinated seeds.
Growth in the first year is usually between 10 and 40 cm!
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