The sprig of an Acacia is a very important symbol in Freemasonry, as it represents our faith in the immortality of the soul. According to Masonic tradition, a sprig of Acacia was used to mark the grave of Hiram Abiff.
Acacia is also associated with the goddess Inanna, known in Babylon as Ishtar. It was revered by the Israelites and Egyptians as a symbol of immortality, largely due to the evergreen nature, and was used by the ancient Hebrews to mark grave sites, a custom inherited from the Chaldeans.
In the Bible, acacia is called “shittim.” The Ark of the Covenant was first constructed of shittim wood and then overlaid with gold before being placed into the Holy of Holies (Sanctum Sanctorum) in Solomon’s Temple.
Acacia became a symbol of immortality due to its clairvoyant powers, which were observed by ancient man, during times of remote antiquity. Under the topic, Hormonal Sentience, Wikipedia reports:
“Acacia trees produce tannin to defend themselves when they are grazed upon by animals. The airborne scent of the tannin is picked up by other acacia trees, which then start to produce tannin themselves as a protection from the nearby animals. When attacked by caterpillars, some plants can release chemical signals to attract parasitic wasps that attack the caterpillars.”
Acacia is also associated with the goddess Inanna, known in Babylon as Ishtar. It was revered by the Israelites and Egyptians as a symbol of immortality, largely due to the evergreen nature, and was used by the ancient Hebrews to mark grave sites, a custom inherited from the Chaldeans.
In the Bible, acacia is called “shittim.” The Ark of the Covenant was first constructed of shittim wood and then overlaid with gold before being placed into the Holy of Holies (Sanctum Sanctorum) in Solomon’s Temple.
Acacia became a symbol of immortality due to its clairvoyant powers, which were observed by ancient man, during times of remote antiquity. Under the topic, Hormonal Sentience, Wikipedia reports:
“Acacia trees produce tannin to defend themselves when they are grazed upon by animals. The airborne scent of the tannin is picked up by other acacia trees, which then start to produce tannin themselves as a protection from the nearby animals. When attacked by caterpillars, some plants can release chemical signals to attract parasitic wasps that attack the caterpillars.”
