The Oak

-Botanical

Latin name: Quercus

This Latin name come from the Celtic word "Kaerquez", which means "Nice Tree". From Western Europe to Asia the oak is considered as the most important tree. Its majestic silhouette, its longevity (it can live until 2000 years old), and its high economic value have always fascinated.
It's difficult to talk about one kind of oak, because there are about 400 different species of this tree. They can grow until 50 meters high. When it is young, its bark is clear and smooth, but when it's older, it began darker, with deep fissures. Like most of trees, it lost its leaves in winter.

-Customs, Legends and Mythology

Gaelic name: Duir

Month: May

Color: Black and Dark Brown

Letter in the Ogham: D

Magical properties: Security, strength

In each civilization, the oak is a strength, majesty and wisdom symbol. In numerous ancient pantheons, it's associated to the strongest Gods: Zeus and Jupiter for Greek and Roman cultures, Dagda and Thor for Nordic civilization.
It's the main tree in the Bible: God appeared to Abraham in the Membré Oak. And in the Koran, Oak is the Allah's Tree.
Oak is the tree of the Sacred Wood. In Celtic rites, it had a main place. During a long time these sacred tree received presents, and people revered it. Some of these believe are still alive today. Druids used to dig up the mistletoe, which grew very rarely on oaks. The mistletoe passed the soul of the tree on.

-Healing

In pharmacology, the oak is a strong astringent, used very often. It's also a medication against poisons. The only part of this tree which can be use in medicine is the bark.
It's traditionally proposed to cure hemorrhages and throat infections. The bark has antioxidant properties against virus.

-Physical uses

The wood is very noble, because it's in the same time hardness, resistance and longevity. It was used in naval constructions, because it has a strong resistance to water, but also to create roof structures, pieces of furniture, barrels, and railways. In oenology, the best barrels are made with oak wood.
And in gastronomy, it's known that the best truffles like to grow next to Black Oaks.
Sculptors really appreciate the oak wood, easy to work and hardening with time.
Its bark is used to work leather, because it contains tannin.