1. The wonder plant
Appropriately named the wonder plant,
Aloe vera has been used all around the
world due to its medicinal properties and
as a symbol of longevity and immortality.
A sacred plant for many cultures, Arabs
refer to aloe as the ‘desert lily’ for its many
uses and properties in a harsh environment.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
Faith in plants trail
Cultural

2. The hot shot of culture
In some Ethiopian stories, coffee was seen as
the ‘devils work’, but it soon became referred
to as ‘liquid gold’. Regardless of faith or
class, coffee has great cultural significance
in Ethiopia, the original home of coffee. It is
integral to social life in the country. Certainly
not instant coffee, the Ethiopian coffee
ceremony can take a number of hours and is
considered a mark of friendship and respect.
Coffee (Coffea Arabica)
Cultural
Faith in plants trail

3. Food fit for the gods
The delicious chocolate we know and love
is made from the cacao tree. The Mayans
regarded cacao as much more than a tasty
treat; it was sacred and deeply embedded in
their culture. Not only was it used in spiritual
ceremonies as an offering to the gods, it was
also used as money. Because cacao was so
valuable during the time of the Mayans, some
people believe that cacao beans were forged.
Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Mayan
Faith in plants trail

4. A gift from the three kings
Once more valuable than gold, frankincense
is probably best known as one of the gifts
brought by three wise men to Jesus in
Bethlehem. Widely used in ancient times
for many different medical conditions,
frankincense is now being tested for its
properties in the fight against cancer.
Frankincense (Boswellia sacra)
Christianity
Faith in plants trail

5. A sacred crown of thorns
This is one of several plants that could be
the crown of thorns that was placed on
the head of Jesus. Also important in Islam,
it is suggested that this is the only tree
that is considered sacred by Muslims. The
fruits of Christ’s thorn have some medicinal
properties, such as fighting against infection.
Christ’s thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi)
Christianity
Faith in plants trail

6. A tough nut to crack
The name coconut comes from the Spanish
word ‘coco’ which means ‘head’. In Hinduism,
the coconut is known as the ‘fruit of God’.
It is an object of worship and in some Hindu
ceremonies, a coconut is broken on top of a
devotee’s head as part of their fulfilment of
vows. This is done so that a person’s negative
qualities can be broken and they become pure.
Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
Hinduism
Faith in plants trail

7. Love blooms
The rose has been loved, and associated with
love, for thousands of years. Cleopatra loved
roses. She sprinkled them in her milk baths,
sprinkled rose petals at Marcus Antonius’ feet
and even used roses in aphrodisiac recipes.
In Islam, the rose represents divine beauty.
Rose water is used in Islamic ceremonies,
particularly in weddings; the flowers are
blessed with rose water.
Elgantine (Rosa rubiginosa)
Islam
Faith in plants trail

8. The tree with a spirit
A well loved tree by many in Britain, the English
oak has been used for centuries for its strong
timber and in traditional medicine. Early humans
believed the oak tree provided fire as lightning
would often strike these trees. Deeply rooted in
paganism, the oak tree is sacred. It is associated
with the ‘green man’, a tree spirit with a face
represented by oak leaves. He symbolises rebirth,
representing new growth every spring.
English oak (Quercus robur)
Paganism
Faith in plants trail

9. Divine nutrition
The sacred lotus is an ancient super food,
and truly useful as the whole plant is edible.
It is still used in south-east Asia in many
dishes from salads and soups to desserts and
drinks. The sacred lotus has been revered in
many cultures and faiths in Asia and is sacred
in Buddhism and Hinduism.
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
Buddhism
Faith in plants trail

10. Olive (Olea europaea)
Judaism
Faith in plants trail
A symbol of peace and light
A dove brought Noah an olive branch after
the Great Flood to show that the waters
had receded and peace had been restored.
In Judaism, the olive is a symbol of light.
Hanukkah, also known as the ‘festival of
lights’, celebrates the rededication of a
Jewish Temple that was nearly destroyed
2500 years ago. When it had been repaired,
a Menorah was lit using olive oil and burned
for 8 days. Hanukkah is still celebrated in
this way today, but usually with candles.

11. Make a wish
This tree from India has many uses, such as
medicine, building materials, and even nail polish
made from a resin secreted by insects living on
the tree. The banyan is not only significant in
its uses but is surrounded by mythology and
symbolism in southern Asia. In India, it is sacred
to Hindus and Buddhists and widely known as
the ‘wish fulfilling’ tree. In Hinduism, the leaf of
the banyan tree is said to be the resting place of
the god Krishna.
Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)
Hinduism
Faith in plants trail

12. Holy wine, holy vine
The importance of wine is shown in Jesus’ last
supper. Bread and wine were served, representing
Christ’s body and blood, and are still taken as
part of Holy Communion today. Less widely
known is the symbolism of the vine. It is used to
express the relationship between God and his
people in Christianity. The vineyard is seen as
being the protected place where the children of
God (the vines) flourish under the tender care
of God, the keeper of the vineyard.
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera)
Christianity
Faith in plants trail

13. Ceremonial sweet crop
Sugar cane is one of the most important crops
produced in India. It is widely grown in the
Punjab region where Sikhism originates from.
Many Sikhs work in agriculture in the Punjab.
In some religious ceremonies, amrit (sugared
water) is drunk. The sugar is stirred in the water
with a ceremonial sword, the kirpan. Prayers are
said and at the end of the ceremony, and a dish
called karah parshad is eaten (semolina, sugar
and ghee that has been blessed).
Sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum)
Sikhism
Faith in plants trail