A Study on the Significance of Cypress, Plantain and Vine in Persian Culture, Art and Literature

Abstract

Tree has always had a special place and holiness in different beliefs and cultures. In ancient times it was believed that holy trees could nourish and develop human and animal lives with their innate power and it was for this reason that they were praised. Persians also admired trees so much. From the trees which have secret and symbolic meanings with mythological powers for Persians; cypress, plane tree, grapevine and pomegranate can be named. Due to their symbolic meanings and secrets, these trees have always been significant for artists and literary people and specially poets during different eras. In the present research the authors have a panoramic view to the history and role of cypress, plane tree and grapevine in the art, culture, and literature of the people of Persia.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s6p412