Significance of Palm tree
Synonyms: Coconut tree, Date palm, Fan palm, Sugar palm
In Dutch: Palmboom; In Finnish: Palmu; In Spanish: Palmera; In German: Palme; In Malay: Pokok palma; In Swedish: ±Ê²¹±ô³¾³Ù°ùä»å; In French: Palmier
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Palm tree'
In Buddhism, the palm tree symbolizes both a physical location of contemplation and a metaphor for the irreversibility of harmful actions, akin to a palm tree that cannot regrow its top sprout once removed.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The location where the monkey crouched beside while trying to devise a plan to warm himself.[1]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A metaphor illustrating the inability to recover from actions taken with bad intention, similar to a palm tree whose top sprout is removed.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Palm tree'
In Hinduism, the Palm tree symbolizes spiritual heights, is associated with significant stories such as the defeat of Dhenukasura, showcases transformation through water, and serves as a metaphor for wealth without charity.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Used as a comparison to emphasize the length of the demon's legs.[3] (2) The type of trees that populate Talavana and serve as a backdrop for the demon Dhenukasura's defeat.[4] (3) The tree into which Lord Balarama threw the demon Dhenukasura, resulting in his death.[5] (4) A representation of spiritual height and fulfillment in comparison to other worldly pursuits.[6] (5) A type of tree characterized by its tall trunk and large, fan-like leaves, often signifying tropical or exotic themes.[7]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A type of tree used in an analogy to describe the height of Shankhacuda.[8] (2) A type of tree referenced in the text, held by Shri Krishna, contributing to His depiction during the chase.[9] (3) Refers to the quality of His arms, comparing them to the tall and strong nature of palm trees.[10]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A type of tree characterized by a tall trunk and fan-like leaves, often found in warm climates.[11] (2) A tall tree characterized by its height and lack of fruit, metaphorically comparing to uncharitable rich individuals.[12]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Tall trees with dark-blue trunks and fruits that adorn the forest.[13]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Refers to the specific type of tree under which the events occurred, significant for its role in the story.[14]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Examples of plants that illustrate the different outcomes of transformations initiated by water, highlighting the relationship between natural elements and growth.[15]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) Another type of tree that provides fermented juice used in the preparation of varuni.[16]
The concept of Palm tree in local and regional sources
The term "Palm tree" is a multifaceted symbol in the text, representing metaphoric contrasts in status, a mistaken location, refuge for a girl, safety in a narrative, and specifically referring to the Kitul Palm in tropical settings.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A tree that springs from the girl's skin scurf, serving as her refuge from her family's intentions for her impending marriage.[17] (2) The location where the monkey took the children for safety from the rakhas.[18] (3) The trees near where the bride's party mistakenly believed Raj Jogeshwar's palace stood, leading to their realization of his true status.[19]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A metaphor used by Ganeshnath to illustrate that high status does not equate to usefulness or contribution.[20]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A general term for tree types that are often associated with tropical climates; here, it specifically refers to the Kitul Palm tree.[21]