Tree marriage
Tree marriage is a form of symbolic proxy marriage between a human and a tree that is said to be infused with supernatural life and may allow a bachelor to become a widower when the tree is felled and thus marry a human widow.[1] Traditionally, Hindus could not marry three times. To avoid this, anyone who had been widowed twice and wanted to look for a new wife had to first celebrate a marriage ceremony with a sahada tree (Streblus asper), which was then cut down.[2] It was once widespread in India among cults which believed trees contain hidden sacred medicine, fertility enhancers or souls of the dead and unborn.[1]
In 2007, the Indian actress and former Miss World winner, Aishwarya Rai, announced that she would marry a tree.[3]
The Inquisitr reported that women in San Jacinto Amilpas were marrying trees to protest logging.[4]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Tree marriage | rite". Encyclopedia Britannica.
- ↑ Edwards, S. M. (1922). "Tree-Worship in India". Empire Forestry Journal. 1 (1): 78–86. JSTOR 42594479. Retrieved 28 December 2023.
- ↑ Foster, Peter (February 1, 2007). "Film star faces lawsuit after 'marrying' a tree" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
- ↑ "'Tree Marriage': Women In Mexico Marry Trees". www.inquisitr.com.
 | This tree-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by adding missing information. |