Ginkgo

Ginkgo painting by Marco Tengu

Meaning: Perseverance, Courage, Wisdom, Strength, Longevity, Health, Hope

The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest trees on the planet. It has a very long lifespan due to its’ incredible resistance to disease and pests. Because of its’ durability and long life it is a symbol of wisdom and inner strength.

In its’ native China its’ leaves are symbols of peace and hope. It is also associated with duality because of the unique shape of its’ leave. The ginkgo also has many medicinal uses and represents healing and good health.

In Japan, a ginkgo tree was one of the only surviving things left after the atomic blast in Hiroshima. Its’ symbolism of strength and hope from this even cannot be overstated.