The Cypress has always been associated to the dead. In some oriental traditions it is considered as symbol of eternal life, particularly in Persia in areas of Zoroastrianism (600 B.C.).The Greeks considered Cypress woods to
be sacred and these trees were often planted close to sanctuaries or other sacred areas.
A myth tells the story of a young prince of extraordinary beauty named Ciparisso, who by mistake killed his stag. Not being able to find solace he was transformed into a Cypress. Romans and Etruscans also considered it a tree connected to death and funerals.
In Christianity instead it is believed that the wood of cypress was one of the four (palm, olive and cedar) used to build Jesus’ cross.