If you ever happen to roam around certain parts of the United Kingdom, you might come across a bizarre spectacle. Everywhere you look, you’ll see trees adorned with coins – be it healthy trees that are still growing or stumps of fallen ones. Intrigued onlookers use rocks to hammer the coins into the bark, leaving an everlasting imprint of their visit. But what exactly is the story behind this peculiar custom?
The art of coin carving on trees has a fascinating story that transcends different societies and regions. Through the use of carefully crafted coins with sharp edges, skilled artists would spend hours creating intricate designs on trees as a form of self-expression and communication. The process requires patience, precision, and expertise to ensure that the resulting artwork is both beautiful and long-lasting.
Since the early 1700s, it has been thought that an individual could cure themselves of an ailment by placing a coin in a wishing tree, causing the tree to take on the illness. However, if one were to remove any of the coins from the tree, they would fall ill themselves. Alternatively, some believed that by inserting a penny into the wood beyond the bark of the tree, their wishes would be granted.
Wishing trees that encourage people to toss coins and make a wish have become popular in different areas of England and various European countries. These trees can be decorated with colorful fabrics, small objects, or even notes expressing desires and worries. The concept of a wishing tree has been around for a while and is well-known globally.
The art of carving coins on trees may seem like a beautiful way to express yourself, but it is important to acknowledge the impact it can have on nature. Cutting into a tree’s bark can negatively affect its growth and overall health. It is crucial for both artists and visitors to practice responsible and sustainable tree carving to ensure the preservation of the art form and the natural environment.
