Yew-FOR Erasmus+project
Collaborative dictionary of mythological plants
FUNDED BY EUROPEAN UNION
TARGET GROUP NUMBER: 2
Enara Garcia,Maria Zuazo,Ane Granja,Pasquale Paco Inserra, Eva Vertoudaki
Scientific name:TAXUS BACCATA
Genus:taxus
Species:T.baccata
Taxus brevifolia
Taxus cuspidata
Taxus chinensis
VULGAR NAME
Morphological description
Uses:
During the Medieval Period, hunters used to dip their arrows in yew's poison.It was one of the materials used in lute construction.
In 1021, Avicenna introduced the medicinal use of T. baccata for phytotherapy.He named this herbal drug "Zarnab" and used it as a cardiac remedyIn the Central Himalayas, the plant is used as a treatment for breast and ovarian cancer.
Threats:
SACRED TO:
The Erinyes (a yew branch was one of their attributes, used to drip purifying drops of water and as a flaming torch).
THE ERINYES were three netherworld goddesses who avenged crimes against the natural order.
SYMBOLISM
Symbolic Meanings of the Yew
- Power
- Honor
- Silence
- Mystery
- Illusion
- Victory
- Mystery
- Worship
- Strength
- Sanctity
- Longevity
- Leadership
- Introspection
YEW IN PLASTIC ARTS
HYPNOS- Hypnos puts the woman to sleep.
Pope's Villa at Twickenham,
Thomas Laqueur explores the necrobotany of the yew tree, “the tree of the dead”
The Yew Tree Ball 1745
In 1745, the marriage of Louis XV's son was celebrated with a masqued ball held at the royal château at Versailles. The event was afterwards dubbed the Yew Tree Ball because the king and his attendants had arrived dressed as topiary yew trees