Trees and animals in world religions

Abstract

This paper aims to encourage research on the role of trees, flowers, animals, and birds in religions in religions and religious traditions. We use the method of content analysis, primarily relying on the “scriptures” (Bhagavad-gita, the Bible, the Qur’an, and the Talmud). In the introduction, we point to how nature has been included in religions long before the emergence of modern environmental movements. This has recently led to the development of a separate theological discipline as well - ecological theology. Even the sociology of religion could not avoid the topic of the relationship between religion and nature. The first part of the paper deals with the topic that can rarely be found in the sociology of religion or religiology - the importance of trees and flowers in human religious life (tree as a totem, the role of mountains in religious traditions, trees in religious rituals…). We also discuss individual mentions of trees in mythologies and religious traditions (almond, acacia, oak, apple, linden, vine, olive, palm, pomegranate, fig…). We then look at the role of flowers in religions and religious traditions, especially ritual practices. We have selected those flowers that are most often mentioned and analyzed (cyclamen, iris, lotus, lily, rose). In the second part of the paper, we explore the role of animals and birds. We were particularly interested in the role of animals in sacrificial rites within different religious traditions; the tradition of divination based on a body part of an animal; avoiding meat consumption due to religious tradition, etc. We also give a brief overview of the symbolism of individual animals in religious traditions (bull, camel, goat, deer, horse, turtle, goat, cow, lion, fox, cat, donkey, sheep…). Birds also play a role in religious traditions (phoenix, dove, dove, swan, eagle, rooster, stork, owl…). We conclude that trees, flowers, birds, and animals have an important role in world religions and religious traditions, particularly religious rites such as ritual practices.