The Bodhi Tree (2014-01-11) by Douglas MasonXuanzang Memorial, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
The Sri Maha Bodhi, Bodh Gaya, India
Monks Chanting Under the Bodhi Tree (2006-12-28) by Alok JainXuanzang Memorial, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
This tree is one of the four major pilgrimage sites of Buddhism and Hinduism. For over two and a half millennia, pilgrims have travelled from across the world to this exact spot, to pay homage and hopefully attain enlightenment themselves.
Tap to explore
The Chapel Oak of Allouville-Bellefosse, France
Many churches are found next to old trees, but few churches are found inside old trees. The oak at Allouville-Bellefosse is the oldest known tree in France, and houses two small chapels inside its hollow trunk.
Tap to explore
The tree was originally hollowed out by a lightning strike, which the local priest declared was an act of God. A small shrine to the Virgin Mary was built, and later replaced by the two chapels. Pilgrims visit to this day, and twice a year mass is celebrated in the chapels.
Tap to explore
Takeo Shrine, Takeo, Japan
Shinto sees all parts of natural world as inhabited by spirits called kami. Many trees around Japan, such as this giant 3000 year old camphor, are ancient sites of reverence. Takeo Shrine, dedicated to a god named Tenjin, is buried deep within the exposed roots.
Tap to explore
The Fortingall Yew, Perthshire, Scotland
In Europe, yew trees have long been associated with spiritual practices. Many churchyards often contain yews much older than the churches themselves - the Fortingall Yew is one of these. It's been standing here since the iron age, and may have been worshipped by druids.
Tap to explore
La-Haye-de-Routot Yews
La-Haye-de-Routot, in northwestern France, is home to a pair of yews whose wide, hollow trunks house small Christian shrines. Each year, on the 16th of July, a bonfire is held near the yews. It's believed that this tradition, named Feu St Clair, dates back to the middle ages.
Tap to explore
The Sahabi Tree, Safawi, Jordan
Tap to explore
The Cedars of God, Lebanon
These cedar trees are the last remaining of a great forest that stretched across Mount Lebanon. They are described in religious texts dating back to the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Psalms of King David, and were venerated by the Christian monks of the Kadisha Valley.
Tap to explore
Sarv-e Abarqu, Yazd Province, Iran
This large cypress is at least 4000 years old, and may well be the oldest living thing in Asia. It's said to have been planted by Zarathustra, the ancient Persian prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, as he made his way eastwards to the city of religious centre of Balkh.
Tap to explore
Thimmamma Marrimanu, Anantapur, India
According to a local myth, this Banyan tree is named after Thimmamma, a woman who committed sati - suicide by throwing herself on the funeral pyre of her husband's dead body. A small temple stands beneath the enormous tree, which spreads across nearly 20,000 square metres.
Tap to explore
It's believed that childless couples who visit the temple will have children in less than a year. Thousands of people make the journey, especially around the festival of Maha Shivaratri, which honours the Hindu god Shiva through fasting, meditation, and solemn prayer.
Meiji JinguMeiji Jingu Forest - Festival of Art
Meiji Jingu Forest
At the Shinto shrine of Meiji Jingu, Tokyo, Japan, there's not just one tree; there's 120,000 trees of 365 different species. Remarkably, this entire forest was hand-planted when the shrine was established in the early 20th Century.
Tap to explore
Today, this unique ecosystem is a much-loved recreation spot and nature sanctuary in the sprawling metropolis. Why not take a moment to breath, relax, and walk the grounds?
