why the ginkgo tree

I incorporate the ginkgo biloba tree and its leaves throughout my website and branding. Besides simply liking the look of it, the ginkgo tree holds a lot of meaning to me and its symbolism reflects my journey through and out of negative belief systems.

The ginkgo tree originates in Japan and is known for its longevity and hardiness. The tree represents strength, endurance, and perseverance. A healthy ginkgo tree can grow and survive for thousands of years. Its vivid green foliage turns into a brilliant yellow before dropping in the fall, signifying cycles of transformation and beauty at each stage.

One of my favorite stories of the hope and resilience of ginkgo trees are the incredible “A-bomb” trees of Hiroshima, Japan. Planted around 1850 outside of a monastery, six ginkgo trees survived the blast of the atomic bomb dropped by the United States military on Hiroshima. They were the only living things to survive the bombing, and the temple they adorned was destroyed.

The trees were damaged, but they survived. They are radiated due to the atomic bomb, but they persisted. Now, people from all over the world visit the rebuilt Myojoin temple to witness these resilient symbols of hope and to pray for global peace.

The story of these trees resonates with me on a deep level. Humans are resilient living things and can withstand great amounts of trauma and yet continue living and healing. The ginkgo tree is a living example of the possibility to recover and heal from trauma, disaster, heartache, and loss.

I consider myself strong after experiencing the negative aspects of a faith that produced a lot of fear, anger, and hurt in my life. I endured the seemingly impossible task of dismantling what I had been taught, down to the core questions of who I am. I bounced back and am healthier and happier for it. The ginkgo leaf is a little reminder that healing, peace, and hope exists.

You can learn more about the ginkgo trees of Hiroshima, Japan here: https://www.inverse.com/article/47833-hiroshima-gingko-trees-atomic-bomb