maple leaf looks like a open palm.Botanical name "Acer" (Latin for "sharp") was given the Roman scholar Pliny the plant.According to some researchers, maples growing along the banks of the river of sorrow, Acheron, which is passed through in the last journey of the soul of the dead Greeks.In most cultures of the world as a symbol of autumn maple.In Japan, this tree symbolizes eternity, learning, life wisdom.Because it is often planted in their gardens elderly people with great experience.The Germans, it is associated with the beauty of life.Poles to put their dead to burial on unpainted maple wood: it was thought that it scares the devil.
Serbs believed that Maple will help to restore justice: wood become green from embracing innocently condemned man.In the folklore of eastern Slavs often called sycamore maple.It is believed that this tree turns a man who "took an oath".So just in case, do not use maple wood for firewood oven, utensils and manufacture of coffins, when baking bread in the oven do not insert a loaf of maple leaves.
But in the old days were made of maple legendary harp, and in our time - bassoon, guitar and drums.The Slavs believed that musical instruments from Sycamore singing and crying, complaining of fate.On the Trinity and other religious holidays were made to decorate the house with branches of maple, to the souls of dead relatives could arrive to live, hidden among the branches.Some folklorists believe that it was a sacred sycamore tree among the Slavs, as the mention of maple are found in all regions, and the use of names of other trees has a distinct location.
In Russian villages, there is an interesting tradition - "threading through the maple."Newborn baby "threaded" between the branches of the maple that his life was long.Those who believe in the special energy plants, convinced that Maple is able to "caress" the person carry peace of mind.Wood takes on human emotions, sometimes without our desires.Because under the crown of the maple is well relieves stress and bad declaration of love.Especially strong energy has a maple avenue, that's why they are often planted in the vicinity of hospitals and psychiatric hospitals.
red maple leaf in your home will bring love, charmed chosen.The branches of a sycamore seed and defending against the dark forces that even the count to pierce the hearts of vampire tales could not be aspen and maple.After the running water of the river built a maple bridge, to not miss a witch or sorcerer.
Canada Symbol
However, there is a country for which the maple leaf is not folklore, and an official state symbol.It is emblazoned on the flag and emblem, coins and logos of leading companies.And, of course, the national team of Canadian sport - hockey - dressed in shape, decorated with maple leaf.Why is that?Normally telling a story that displaced Europeans arrived in North America, saw a flaming red maple, and he became for them the symbol of a new life on another continent.However, the maples are grown almost all over Europe, and also red and yellow in the fall, our "in crimson and gold-clad forests."
Some uglyadyvayut maple leaf in the contours on a map of Canada.The most plausible seems to still the next version.Symbol of Canada was not the maple in general, and the specific form of a maple - sugar maple, Acer saccharum, which grows only in the East of Canada and of great importance in the national economy.
Slavs in ancient times also extracted maple sap, a kind of native maples have another, because maple syrup rusichi not used, but the brew based on maple syrup is delicious cooked.But back to Canadians.Even the Indians extracted from tree sap, and obtained from him the sugar.Following them become engaged in this fishery and the white settlers.From one tree received 50 to 100 liters of juice out of which comes up to 5 kilograms of sugar.
made of maple sugar candy, add it to the cream, caramel and cream.To this day, Canadians eat pancakes with maple syrup, ham and even pickles.Moreover, today it has become a popular souvenir for tourists.
on the Canadian flag maple leaf symbolizes the unity of the country, and he settled there not so long ago - in 1965.
respect that tree growers and manufacturers of furniture.Leaves, twigs, bark, flowers, maple juice is widely used in medicine.Crafts from maple leaves are popular as teachers of schools and in professional master florist.Skilled bouquets of roses, collages, applications retain the gentle power of maple and decorate any interior.
