ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Tree worship

Tree worship is when a group of people admire and respect trees as if they were a god or goddess. This is because trees are very important to our lives. They give us oxygen to breathe, fruits to eat, and wood to build our homes and furniture. In the past, many cultures believed that trees had spirits or souls living inside them.

Imagine that you have a very special toy that helps you do many things, like eating, sleeping, playing, and staying healthy. You would love and protect that toy with all your heart, right? The same is true for some cultures that believe trees are like a special toy that helps them survive and thrive.

Some people would decorate the trees with beautiful flowers, ribbons, and carvings to show their appreciation. They would also have ceremonies and rituals to ask for blessings from the tree spirits. This is like saying "thank you" to the trees for being such great helpers.

Nowadays, most people do not worship trees in the same way as before, but we still have a strong connection to them. We know that trees are very important to the environment and the health of the planet. By taking care of trees and planting new ones, we can show our respect and gratitude for their services.