According to popular beliefs, tree species have different qualities. Most of the trees give a person strength, protect him from bad influences, but sometimes they can also cause trouble. Therefore, it is important to know the place and importance of each tree in the complex system of beliefs and customs.
One of the most common mythical symbols of the universe is the so-called. The World Tree. Its individual parts embody the idea of ​​a three-partitioned world. The crown is a symbol of heaven, where God, saints and angels live. The stem is earthly life, and the roots are understood as representatives of the lower, underground world. All these spaces are inhabited by different supernatural powers, according to popular belief. Apart from being a model of organized outer space, the "World Tree" contains an archaic understanding of the ability to move from one world to another. This passage is the basis of many rituals. Under the centuries-old crowns of trees, they once performed ritual ceremonies. They sacrificed sacrifices to the temple, and made sacrifices. In the life of our people, the role of the "World Tree" is usually accepted by several tree species - oak, maple, walnut and pine. They enjoyed special respect. Tradition has strictly forbidden such trees to be cut, even if their branches are broken.
The oak, also called tsar, gorun or bogunjak (from "good" - sweet) is the tree of Perun - the supreme god in Slavic mythology. Therefore, on Christmas Eve, a large short oak tree should burn in the hearth. It also produces household items. At one time, the bat used to wash clothes could only be oak. The same is true of the mare with which women carried water. It is important to know that both subjects participate in maiden customs.
The maple is also of great honor. It is believed that under the shadow of a maple one can sit or sleep without fear of bad spirits. In folk tales and songs it is said that even Saint Nicholas, when he was tired of battles with the sea elements, lay down to rest under a maple tree. The sweet-eyed kaval that the shepherds played throughout the day were also made of maple. Yavorova is also the wedding cup, which is used to ritually give wine to the newlyweds to live in love and collusion. The bucket that will bring water to the bride for the first time the next day after the wedding is also pungent. Because only this tree can keep the bride and the girl from snakes and scams.
Although walnut is a sacred tree, popular belief does not recommend sitting under its shade for long. It is believed that if one falls asleep under a nut, he will become ill.
The pear is not among the sacred trees. But the people's faith ascribes to her protective qualities. The pear grows here and in the forest, in fields and meadows. Its shade is good for harvesters and mowers. Our people believe that the pears can be used to tie the cradles of young children without fear of harm to bad "influences, breaths and spirits." In the folklore perceptions around the cradles of babies are always hovering various mythical creatures, ready to harm them. During the arduous fieldwork, mothers had to leave their children for a long time. That is why it was very important that the tree under which the cradle was tied was a pear, because all these evil forces were running very far from the pear. Ever believed that pear prevents a bad date. Therefore, in the summer, the girls wore wreaths wrapped in leaves and branches of this tree. And in the winter - on Christmas Eve, the table does not burn without having dried pears on it.