The Wood Spirit is a European legend originating from villagers who made long journeys through the forest. On calm days when the wind lays low, there is a sense of peace and tranquility in the forest. On days when storms are brewing and winds are blowing, the trees of the forest make sounds of moaning and sighing as though voices can be heard from spirits within. For centuries people believed the forests to be filled with mystical spirits and that those who dared to enter would earn the spirit’s wrath.
During the 15th century they believed that when the men went into the woods to hunt and didn't return, that they had been taken by the evil spirits. They also believed that the tree spirits were the most powerful of all spirits and were good and wise. They believed that the tree spirits would protect them from evil. So before they would venture into the woods to hunt, they would knock on the tree to awaken the sleeping spirit to protect them.
Wise travelers assured their safety by carving wood spirit images on walking sticks or pieces of wood and bark. These carvings appeased the spirits, thus the traveler was allowed to enter and leave the forest without difficulty.
Catching a glimpse of one of these elusive creatures is said to be a lucky thing, for if you are fortunate enough to actually see one, your health, happiness and good fortune are guaranteed.
Wood spirits are still being carved into pieces of wood and are often given as gifts. The wood spirit should be given a special place within the home in order for it’s presence to bring wisdom, prosperity, humor, good health and good luck to all that live there.
Any house which is home to a wood spirit will stand protected and be blessed.
I love your carving. The Wood spirit reminds me a little of the Tikis on Easter Island. We could all use a friendly wood spirit about now!
yorkiebyte
Loc: Scottsdale, AZ/Bandon by the Sea, OR
HOT Texas wrote:
The Wood Spirit is a European legend originating from villagers who made long journeys through the forest. On calm days when the wind lays low, there is a sense of peace and tranquility in the forest. On days when storms are brewing and winds are blowing, the trees of the forest make sounds of moaning and sighing as though voices can be heard from spirits within. For centuries people believed the forests to be filled with mystical spirits and that those who dared to enter would earn the spirit’s wrath.
During the 15th century they believed that when the men went into the woods to hunt and didn't return, that they had been taken by the evil spirits. They also believed that the tree spirits were the most powerful of all spirits and were good and wise. They believed that the tree spirits would protect them from evil. So before they would venture into the woods to hunt, they would knock on the tree to awaken the sleeping spirit to protect them.
Wise travelers assured their safety by carving wood spirit images on walking sticks or pieces of wood and bark. These carvings appeased the spirits, thus the traveler was allowed to enter and leave the forest without difficulty.
Catching a glimpse of one of these elusive creatures is said to be a lucky thing, for if you are fortunate enough to actually see one, your health, happiness and good fortune are guaranteed.
Wood spirits are still being carved into pieces of wood and are often given as gifts. The wood spirit should be given a special place within the home in order for it’s presence to bring wisdom, prosperity, humor, good health and good luck to all that live there.
Any house which is home to a wood spirit will stand protected and be blessed.
The Wood Spirit is a European legend originating f... (
show quote)
... Gotta' ask: What lens?? I've seen that effect (swirly) with a lens I reversed the front element on! You??
Hot
how do i get one, love the idea of what they do
we all need the peace in our lives during these
times a test they are so unique
chuck
What a neat and informative post, Johnny, and what a wonderful, expressive wood carving! Just beautiful!!!
CLF
Loc: Raleigh, NC
HOT Texas wrote:
The Wood Spirit is a European legend originating from villagers who made long journeys through the forest. On calm days when the wind lays low, there is a sense of peace and tranquility in the forest. On days when storms are brewing and winds are blowing, the trees of the forest make sounds of moaning and sighing as though voices can be heard from spirits within. For centuries people believed the forests to be filled with mystical spirits and that those who dared to enter would earn the spirit’s wrath.
During the 15th century they believed that when the men went into the woods to hunt and didn't return, that they had been taken by the evil spirits. They also believed that the tree spirits were the most powerful of all spirits and were good and wise. They believed that the tree spirits would protect them from evil. So before they would venture into the woods to hunt, they would knock on the tree to awaken the sleeping spirit to protect them.
Wise travelers assured their safety by carving wood spirit images on walking sticks or pieces of wood and bark. These carvings appeased the spirits, thus the traveler was allowed to enter and leave the forest without difficulty.
Catching a glimpse of one of these elusive creatures is said to be a lucky thing, for if you are fortunate enough to actually see one, your health, happiness and good fortune are guaranteed.
Wood spirits are still being carved into pieces of wood and are often given as gifts. The wood spirit should be given a special place within the home in order for it’s presence to bring wisdom, prosperity, humor, good health and good luck to all that live there.
Any house which is home to a wood spirit will stand protected and be blessed.
The Wood Spirit is a European legend originating f... (
show quote)
Johnny, awesome carving. I loved reading about the tradition and if I lived in Texas I would need to get one for myself. They are always great and the photo of the carving is also great.
Greg
Cwilson341 wrote:
I love your carving. The Wood spirit reminds me a little of the Tikis on Easter Island. We could all use a friendly wood spirit about now!
Thank you so much Carol!!!!!
Chuckwal wrote:
Hot
how do i get one, love the idea of what they do
we all need the peace in our lives during these
times a test they are so unique
chuck
Thanks Chuck, there all over e-bay!!!!
Dixiegirl wrote:
What a neat and informative post, Johnny, and what a wonderful, expressive wood carving! Just beautiful!!!
Thank you so much Donna!!!
CLF wrote:
Johnny, awesome carving. I loved reading about the tradition and if I lived in Texas I would need to get one for myself. They are always great and the photo of the carving is also great.
Greg
Thank you very much Greg, you don't need to live in Texas to have one!!!!
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.