Why a tree becomes immortal: Grief over felled English icon and decaying Malagasy sanctuary

The recent felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree in England and the ongoing decay of the ancient Tsitakakantsa Baobab in Madagascar have sparked widespread public grief and contemplation. These events highlight a profound human connection to specific trees, elevating them beyond mere flora to symbols of heritage, sanctuary, and hope.

In England, the Sycamore Gap Tree, made famous by the 1991 film "Robin Hood" starring Kevin Costner, was illegally cut down by two men in September 2023. The tree, over a century old, stood near Hadrian's Wall and had become a beloved landmark. People had proposed under its branches, picnicked, and scattered ashes of loved ones there. Its destruction led to an outpouring of sorrow, with many laying flowers at the site, treating the loss almost as a desecration of something sacred.

Meanwhile, in southwestern Madagascar, the Tsitakakantsa Baobab, estimated to be over a thousand years old with a trunk circumference once measuring nearly 29 meters, is crumbling. For the nearby village of Andombiry, this is more than the death of a remarkable tree; it was their sanctuary. Residents sought its intervention for wishes like having children or ensuring good harvests, offering sacrifices of rum and money. The local chief expressed deep sadness, calling the Baobab's decline a significant loss for the region.

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It is just a tree.

While the Sycamore Gap Tree was not a religious site, the intense emotional reactions to its destruction suggest a deep-seated need for connection to nature and history. In Madagascar, however, the Baobab was explicitly revered. Following Tsitakakantsa's decline, the community has chosen a new tree, Mandrosoa, after a spiritual selection process, continuing their tradition of seeking protection and blessings from a chosen arboreal guardian.

These contrasting yet similarly emotional responses underscore a universal human tendency to imbue certain trees with profound meaning. Whether through cultural fame, personal memories, or spiritual reverence, these trees become anchors in our lives, their fate resonating deeply when they are threatened or lost.

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All are very sad.