A Cultural History of Conifers in China

Conifers form a distinctive group of trees which are characterised by the form of the leaf, general shape and being mostly evergreen. Yet they come in a wide variety, and many conifers come in extraordinary shapes and forms that easily distinguishes them from broadleaved trees. In addition they can inhabit conditions that are often difficult and extreme. They are also of economic value and have been used for various purposes, from providing timber, to edible nuts and ink. As a result of the characteristics and uses they have since ancient times been imbued with meaning that has resulted in sets of rituals and veneration. There are rituals respecting felling of trees for building, whereas evergreen species have been used to symbolise eternity, long life and good luck. As a result they have become associated with places of burial, temples and monuments.

This is not only so in the West but also in the Far East. This dissertation explores the evolving meanings of conifers in China, from the earliest history to the present. It does this through a series of selected case studies that investigate a range of species with respect to the evolution of meaning, uses and rituals.