Citrus trees are aromatic trees grown for their bright yellow, orange, or green fruits. Citrus trees have been cultivated for thousands of years and have influenced many cultures across the world. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, symbolism, and cultural significance of citrus trees.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Citrus Trees – The Essentials
Citrus trees symbolize vitality, abundance, and rejuvenation. They represent the cycle of life with evergreen foliage and seasonal fruits. Symbolically, citrus trees often evoke feelings of joy, prosperity, and the sweetness of new beginnings.
About Citrus Trees
Citrus trees come from the Citrus genus in the citrus or rue family (Rutaceae). Citrus trees are originally native to parts of Asia and Australia. However, they quickly spread to other areas via trade routes. Popular citrus tree types include lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and pomelos.
Citrus trees are evergreen shrubs and trees with fragrant blossoms and fruits. Most citrus trees produce round fruits protected by a thick layer of peel. Citrus trees also have aromatic elliptical or oval-shaped leaves.
The Meaning, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance of Citrus Trees
Citrus Tree Meaning and Symbolism
Citrus trees have a diverse range of meanings across many cultures. Most commonly, they symbolize abundance, cleanliness, prosperity, happiness, and healing. Citrus trees are also seen as symbols of fertility and protection.
Some citrus trees also represent different qualities. Lemon trees represent optimism and love, while orange trees are associated with kindness, loyalty, and strength. Grapefruit trees are linked to rebirth and renewal, while pomelo trees represent good luck and new beginnings.
Citrus Trees in Feng Shui
In feng shui, citrus trees are commonly associated with prosperity and wealth. Like many plants, citrus trees are strongly related to the Wood element, which governs family and prosperity. Lemon or lime trees are considered to be the most popular citrus trees for feng shui.
According to the Bagua map, you should position citrus trees in the eastern or southeastern areas of your home. These locations are associated with family and prosperity, respectively. Placing citrus trees in these areas could boost the power of these attributes.
Citrus Trees in Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome
In many ancient cultures, citrus trees were symbols of wealth because they had to be imported. Citrus trees are not native to the Mediterranean but were introduced to the region via the Silk Road. They were often grown in the houses and gardens of wealthy citizens.
Citrus Trees in China and Other Asian Cultures
Citrus trees have several meanings in China and other Asian cultures. For instance, in China, oranges were seen as symbols of immortality, happiness, and good luck. In Japan, oranges represent happiness, love, and the sun. In Korea, oranges are linked to happiness and wealth.
Pomelos are also linked to Chinese New Year as symbols of good luck and good health. Pomelos and other citrus fruits are given as gifts and eaten during the celebrations. This is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
Citrus Trees in Christianity
In Christianity, citrus trees can represent clarity, friendship, longevity, and purity. In Catholicism, lemon trees were seen as symbols of love and fidelity due to their association with the Virgin Mary. However, lemons were also believed to represent bitterness due to their taste. Early Christians believed that lemons symbolized hope, possibly of eternal life or resurrection.
Citrus Trees in Other Religions
Both Buddhism and Hinduism identify oranges as symbols of the purification of fire. In Islam, oranges and other citrus trees were associated with wealth. In Sikhism, oranges are linked to courage, knowledge, sacrifice, and strength due to their color.
Citrus Trees in Victorian Floriography
The Victorians developed a complex language of flowers known as floriography. In Victorian floriography, orange trees represented eternal love, fidelity, and marriage. As such, orange blossoms became popular wedding flowers during the Victorian period. Queen Victoria even wore orange blossoms during her wedding ceremony.
Citrus Tree Meaning and Symbolism FAQs:
What Do Citrus Plants Symbolize?
Citrus plants symbolize abundance, healing, fertility, prosperity, and protection. In China, citrus plants represent immortality and are linked to good health and good luck.
What is the Spiritual Meaning of the Orange Tree?
In terms of spiritual meaning, orange trees are strongly linked to prosperity, abundance, and protection. Orange trees can also represent eternal love and fidelity.
Does Citrus Bring Good Luck?
Citrus trees are thought to bring good luck and prosperity, especially in Chinese culture. During Chinese New Year, citrus fruits like pomelos are eaten to cultivate good fortune for the coming year.
Wrapping Up
Citrus trees represent abundance, cleanliness, healing, longevity, and prosperity. In Chinese culture, citrus trees are believed to promote good luck and good health, especially during Chinese New Year. The Victorians associated orange trees with eternal love and fidelity.
For more, see our in-depth guide to whether citrus trees are pet friendly.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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