Abstract

This research investigates wish trees and tree adoration in Pakistan's Sindh region. In order to study the purpose, a series of questions and justifications derived from earlier research were taken and then adjusted to meet the Pakistani culture. The questionnaire had twenty-four statements printed on paper and distributed via a confidential survey of various areas and individuals in Sindh. One hundred twenty-four dependable respondents participated in the survey and gave the data evaluated to produce the study's conclusions. However, some of the known explanations were accepted while others were not, and the literature has validated the findings of the current investigation, which were mostly consistent with the literature. This research will provide fundamental facts and reality to the literature and fills a gap in the wishing tree literature. The scientific approach used to study the issue's basics. Where the results would help future investigations and assist literary and art students in comprehending Sindhi life.

Key Words

Wish-Tree, Pakistani-Culture, Sindh

Introduction

A wishing tree is a tree used to make wishes and offerings. Trees are considered to operate as spiritual instructors for those around them, and animals and humans are drawn to them for refuge and shelter. It is fantastic to see how various civilizations tie traditions and beliefs to nature (Urn, 2018). In addition, these specific trees have spiritual, traditional, and cultural significance in some civilizations. People from diverse areas gather to give contributions and pray or express wishes. Flowers, food, notes, cash, cloth, and more may be offered. These wishing trees are found worldwide (Urn, 2018).

This research focuses on wish trees, their believers in general, and the clothes people use to tie on a tree for offerings. Fabric is often tied to trees or plants. This practice is global. Katherine Applegate says trees cannot crack jokes but may relay tales and incidents they have seen. "Red" is a decades-old oak tree and a community wish tree, she says. Nearby residents tied their prayers and wishes on Red's branches. Red, the wish tree, cares for the community with her crow buddy Bongo and other creatures that find refuge in her hollows (Applegate, 2017). By the above incident, taken from Katherine Applegate's novel, it is clear that attaching fabric to a wish tree is not new and is utilized in many parts of the globe.




Research Background

Even in deserts, wish trees grow around Shrines and graveyards. Wish trees are essential to some. They believe tying a cloth or rag on a tree limb would grant their desires even though they don't know what will happen to the cloth and whether it will withstand the weather or blow away. It is their expectation. The cloth not only protects the body but also connects a person's religions with spiritual energies and enables them to connect with a heavenly realm that may fulfill their aspirations. Unfulfilled desires force them to turn to a hidden wish tree. Any tree chosen as a wish tree is overburdened by supplying little fabric pieces for a cloak. This proposal is for a study on wish trees, focusing on people's religions and the piece of fabric they tie to the tree. We will also analyze the wish tree's aesthetic influence on the environment, people, and wildlife.




Aim and Objective

This research's issue statement is twofold: to explore how people of Sindh alter their beliefs on trees and to analyze the piece of fabric they use to create their wishes and its strategic value in people's lives.

Research Methodology

A wishing tree is a tree used to make wishes and offerings. Trees are considered to operate as spiritual instructors for those around them, and animals and humans are drawn to them for refuge and shelter. It is fantastic to see how various civilizations tie traditions and beliefs to nature (Urn, 2018). In addition, these specific trees have spiritual, traditional, and cultural significance in some civilizations. People from diverse areas gather to give contributions and pray or express wishes. Flowers, food, notes, cash, cloth, and more may be offered. These wishing trees are found worldwide (Urn, 2018).

This research focuses on wish trees, their believers in general, and the clothes people use to tie on a tree for offerings. Fabric is often tied to trees or plants. This practice is global. Katherine Applegate says trees cannot crack jokes but may relay tales and incidents they have seen. "Red" is a decades-old oak tree and a community wish tree, she says. Nearby residents tied their prayers and wishes on Red's branches. Red, the wish tree, cares for the community with her crow buddy Bongo and other creatures that find refuge in her hollows (Applegate, 2017). By the above incident, taken from Katherine Applegate's novel, it is clear that attaching fabric to a wish tree is not new and is utilized in many parts of the globe.




Research Background

Even in deserts, wish trees grow around Shrines and graveyards. Wish trees are essential to some. They believe tying a cloth or rag on a tree limb would grant their desires even though they don't know what will happen to the cloth and whether it will withstand the weather or blow away. It is their expectation. The cloth not only protects the body but also connects a person's religions with spiritual energies and enables them to connect with a heavenly realm that may fulfill their aspirations. Unfulfilled desires force them to turn to a hidden wish tree. Any tree chosen as a wish tree is overburdened by supplying little fabric pieces for a cloak. This proposal is for a study on wish trees, focusing on people's religions and the piece of fabric they tie to the tree. We will also analyze the wish tree's aesthetic influence on the environment, people, and wildlife.




Aim and Objective

This research's issue statement is twofold: to explore how people of Sindh alter their beliefs on trees and to analyze the piece of fabric they use to create their wishes and its strategic value in people's lives.

Figure 1

Hindu women performing worship around a tree (Menon & Alien, 2014)



Figure 2

A woman worships a peepal tree (Menon & Alien, 2014)



Figure 3

Threads tied on peepal trees in India (Menon & Alien, 2014)



Wish Tree and different Forms

Katherine Applegate wrote a great book on wishtree culture. Jessica (2019) examines the book "Wishtree" by Kathrine Applegate, released in 2017. Jessica (2019) believes the book's language was beautiful, but she did not realize it was written from a tree's viewpoint. The author christened a tree Red and shared his narrative, bringing other trees to life. She thinks that while reading, some of the jungle's most significant trees were speaking with us. While trekking through a gorgeous forest, she hears some excellent biological information from a tree (Jessica, 2019).




Coin wish Tree

People deposit money instead of bills on ancient trees in British woods. It sounds weird to many listeners. Various coins are hammered into ancient trees in British woods. Fallen trees or old, dry trees are used to smash money for presenting in hopes of granting desires. Locals think this custom began in the 1700s. Locals think such trees house heavenly spirits. If a sick person puts a penny into a tree, their disease will pass. Pressing a penny into a tree gives wealth, too (Urn, 2018).

Figure 4

Coin tree in Woodland near River Barle, UK (Urn, 2018)

Native Americans consider these trees sacred. They travel the nation to honor ponderosa pine. Native Americans hang meat, cash, ribbon, tobacco, etc., from its branches, giving it a Christmas tree appearance. Around the globe, people honor trees. People think that honoring something makes it more blessed and holy. Trees give food, fuel, and shelter (Cumming, 2013).

Figure 5

Coin hammered in wish tree at High Force waterfall (Blackham, 2006)



Argyll, Scotland, has ritual monetary offerings. Near Ardmaddy are such trees. The tree's trunk and branches are packed with money. Locals think offering coins to a tree can fulfil desires (Rodger, Stokes, & Ogilve, 2006).

Queen Victoria visited an oak tree in Isle Maree, Scotland, in 1877. Her journal mentions this tree. This oak tree and its surrounds are covered with pennies. Before 1800, people sacrificed bulls and other animals (Sharp, 1997).

Figure 6

Hammering coin in coin tree (Zakhx, 2014)

Ireland's Mountrath has a shapeless ancient tree. The ancient tree is a local legend. Nearby well water appears in the tree's center, and people put pennies in the bark for good luck (Wilkinson, 1976). High Force is an English waterfall. This waterfall has a wish tree—a coin wish tree at Colby Woodland Garden, Wales. Bolton Abbey has a coin wish tree. Coin wish tree at Tarn Hows, England. Opposite Fairy Glen Falls on Scotland's Black Isle is a coin wish tree. Coin wish trees are abundant in Europe and the Middle East (Wikipedia, 2020).

Figure 7

Wish tree coins in timber at Aira Force (Rosser, 2011)



The use of paper on the wish Tree

Yoko Ono started a project. Wish trees and tree gifts inspired the concept. This lovely yet simple effort instals a natural tree in several locations and lets people fill its branches with wishes and prayers. The project began in 1981 in St. Louis, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Venice, Dublin, Finland, Argentina, New York City, Washington, D.C., Pasadena, Tokyo, Paris, London, and Buenos Aires. People's wishes and prayers on Yoko Ono's endeavour are genuine, honest, and true. One person stated he wished everyone was as happy as he is now, while another said he wished he could get a better job to support his family. Yoko Ono (2014) suggests making a wish, writing it down, folding it, and tying it to a wish tree limb. Ask a friend to do the same, and keep hoping until the branches are covered (Urn, 2018).

Figure 8

Yoko Ono Wish Tree (Urn, 2018)



Figure 9

Yoko Ono's wishing tree: A child is examining the wishes written on papers (Matthews, 2012)

Tanabata is an annual Japanese celebration. People commemorate this occasion by writing down their wishes and hanging them on a bamboo tree. People may provide complimentary offers or decorations with the paper. This practice began during Japan's Edo era (1603-1868) when the Tokugawa Shogunate ruled. During this time, documents were hung from bamboo trees. This practice involves writing a tree limb's hopes, wishes, and prayers. Japanese chose bamboo because of its long, straight growth. Japanese people believe bamboo may carry their desires and prayers to heaven, where God hears and accepts them (Urn, 2018).

Figure 10

Tanabata wishing tree (Urn, 2018)



The use of Cloths and Threads


Another Scottish tree custom is "Clootie Wells." In this custom, Scots tied cloths to trees. People soak clothes in nearby wells and hang them as offerings on trees (Urn, 2018).

Co Meade, Ireland, has a wishing tree behind Tara Hill. People pray at this tree. People left ribbons, jewelry, and colored fabric strips. They also yearn for a place in paradise for themselves and their loved ones (Rowe, 2011).

Figure 11: Strips of cloth are used for wishing and praying on trees (Rowe, 2011)

This practice was detrimental to nature since tokens tied to tree branches toppled it. The Tara Skryne Preservation Group was attempting to urge tourists not to hang anything on the wishing tree to increase its burden. The organization also argued that non-biodegradable wishing towels hinder branch development. Volunteer federation released a video of a massive wishing tree crashing. Another tree fell owing to wishes and prayers, exposing its roots. People keep killing trees despite warnings about this rite. The federation marketed a clear and loud tree message "Your burden is not welcome. They will listen, right?" (O'Shea, 2019).

Figure 12: The heavy burden of human prayers on the wish tree (O'Shea, 2019)


This is one-way individual’s view and experience things. The author explores how various communities practice the wishing tree ceremony and other associated traditions in this research work.


Wish tree in Pakistan and India
In Laki, men, women, and children were seen 
climbing a hill. On the hill lies a cave dedicated to Dharan Pir, a Hindu saint. When the writer reached the top, he saw a tree with multicolored cotton strands attached—this tree grants wishes. People tie threads and make wishes, then remove them once their prayers are answered. Laki had had Hindu temples, but only vestiges remained.

Figure 13: People go to the hill-top to visit Dharan Pir's cave(Jatt, 2019)


Nani Mandir is a temple in Hingol, Balochistan. When approaching Nani Mandir, glittering scenes are everywhere. Thousands of colorful fabric strips are tied on trees called "Mannat" by Hindus. Fluttering strips indicate entering the shrine. These strips are left by pilgrims who worship Devi Sati at the shrine every year.

Figure 14: Colored strips tied on a tree placed in Nani Mandir (Panhwar, 2009)


Sehwan Sharif's Lal Bagh has a remarkable tree. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar reportedly planted the centuries-old tree. 

Figure 15: Historical tree planted in the yard of Lal Bagh, Sehwan Sharif (Soomro, 2017)


From the initial literature assessment, it's clear that wishing and worshipping trees is historical and prevalent over the globe. Various faiths and civilizations worship different trees to have their desires and prayers granted. In this work, we examine how and why humans acquire beliefs about trees and rituals like hanging cloths, threads, and other objects on branches or trunks of notional trees. This study will address any queries a researcher may have on the topic.

Results and Discussions

Below are the respondents' questionnaire responses. When asked why certain trees are worshipped, respondents said the following. Historically, tree worship began exclusively in graves, dargahs, or mandirs. People visit wellies or sadhus to have their troubles solved and desires granted easily. Such areas must have trees that become holy over time and are worshipped. Over time, traditions like tying threads, hanging letters, and tying clothes arise.

Through trees, people may contact God, according to popular belief. Trees may carry people's prayers and desires to God as they grow high. The value of a holly tree is firmly dependent on the status of the saint. The reply said that such holly trees are recollections of associated saints, and their worth is tied to the saint's sanctity.

In Europe, holy trees symbolize prophets, but in Sindh and other locations, people consider them prophets because sanctity comes from God, not humans. Sindhis believe that each holy tree is protected by a ghost, angel, or demon. Some people think a tree is holy because a saint planted it with his hand or is buried underneath it. Faith gives humanity strength, and trees placed near a hallowed burial bestow benefits. Religious persons are sacrosanct, and God blesses trees. Hence trees associated with any religious figure are appropriate for worship and sacrifices.

The author uncovered important themes through field observation, personal contact, and comprehensive book review. People believe a tree is the residence of a saint's spirit if it is near the saint's shrine or burial. These factors are exclusive to Muslims and not Hindus. It was also observed that trees were a popular venue for social, economic, and religious gatherings. Saints used to preach, debate, gather, and judge beneath trees. Saints repose, pray, meditate, and live beneath trees. This was true for both Muslims and Hindus. All the causes are well-known in ancient European, Fertile Crescent, and North African literature.

Further investigation found that most wish tree followers are uneducated and do not comprehend life's intricacies. These individuals are weak, sluggish, and unmotivated; they have no objectives. These individuals look for shortcuts and quick ways to solve their issues and fulfill their objectives. Therefore, they tie fabric or thread around a tree's trunk or branches, believing it may help them. Educated people are less interested in such rituals and question how a tree can rescue someone from demons when it cannot prevent itself from being chopped or burned. Only God, not trees or anything else, is revered by most educated people.

Further, trees are sacrosanct beneath which any saint is buried; literature supports this. For example, in Middle East nations like North Africa, such trees may be found under various saints' graves (Curtiss, 1902; Frazer, 1919). Identifying a tree with a saint's burial reveals the saint's magical and supernatural qualities (Patai, 1942; Curtiss, 1902; Canaan, 1928; Hasluck, 1973). Literature suggests that people avoid chopping down holy trees near tombs out of dread of the saint's wrath (Westermarck, 1968).

In Morocco, there is a site of devotion with holy trees. Sacred trees not related to a burial do not have a religious or influential personality's name (Porteous, 1928). The present research reveals that it is not a rule that a sacred tree is only holy if it is near a grave or shrine. Sindh has some trees lying alone in the desert or where nothing else exists, where people flock to worship. There is a practice of burying essential people near trees and planting trees on their graves in memory of saints, so it is impossible to say which came first, the cemetery or the tree. Zarcone said certain trees are holy due to Islamic holy figures. Trees bless a location or a sheik's grave (Zarcone, 2005).

Conclusion

The literature review revealed the reasons for a tree's holiness and why people venerate it. These justifications were transformed into 24 questions and distributed. Through personal visits, the author of this research acquired the facts and insights of the Sindh public on why people believe in wish trees and rituals like hanging fabric or threads around the stem of a holy tree. Some of the 24 well-established grounds were rejected in Sindh due to traditional, cultural, and historical variations across countries/communities/sects, as described in the preceding paragraph. Most reasons are based on religious beliefs or traditions. Present-day wish trees and tree veneration are based on ancient occurrences that were hardly documented. When Sindhis witness others practicing certain rites, they emulate them to get the same advantages. There is a global uniformity of ceremonies and rituals, which shows that they have not altered much through time and are being practiced now. Sindhi rites and ceremonies are popular in Egypt, Greece, Etruria, and Rome (Birge, 1982; Lucas, 1968).

This research indicates that Hindus and Muslims in Sindh revere, venerate, and wish upon trees. The reasons for tree sanctification include prophets' and saints' admiration and love. Muslims venerate trees because saints' tombs and spirits are tied to them, whereas Hindus venerate trees because of saints' events, activities, and rites. Future research can be stimuli in the same area with an extensive sample size with other communities, including the survey. This little research may help the students and scholars to have sufficient knowledge and information regarding the wish tree. Still, this topic needs in-depth analysis.

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