The Wishing Tree: History, Meaning and Tradition

Our wishes make us who we are: they show that we look to the future with hope, and they are a precious energy that prepares tomorrow. Making a wish is, at heart, picturing what you dream of as if it were already real.

Tying a ribbon to a tree to entrust it with a wish: where does this gesture come from, and how do you do it? Here is the story of wishing trees.

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Why do we entrust our wishes to a tree?

The wishing tree tradition comes down from shamanism. Interestingly, it is found not only in Türkiye but in almost every society in the world.

Everywhere the gesture is the same: you tie a ribbon, a strip of cloth or a paper bearing your wish to its branches, to turn the wish into energy and entrust it to the tree, and through it to the universe. But why do humans need these trees so much?

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The origins: the ovoo of Central Asia

The Anatolian wishing tree culture has its roots in the ovoo of Central Asia, shrines made of trees and stones. They were built on high ground to honor the Sky God, and it was there that people addressed their wishes to the Creator.

These shrines were deeply respected. Those setting off on a long journey who came across one would walk around it while making their wishes: otherwise, it was believed, the road might end badly.

This belief took root in Anatolia. Even though the most widespread religion there is no longer shamanism or Buddhism, people still tie their wishes to trees to ask the sky for help.

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Why trees?

In many societies, the tree stands for wisdom, long life and the bond between sky and earth. It gives us its oxygen, its shade under the scorching sun, sometimes its food. In the past, people spoke to it or hugged it to receive its energy; even today, reconnecting with nature and trees is recommended to recharge.

With their tall, sturdy shape reaching towards the sacred, trees can also carry our wishes up to the sky. The color of the ribbons has its meaning:

👉 The same gesture exists elsewhere: in Japan, during the Tanabata festival, people hang wishes written on paper strips from bamboo branches; in Scotland and Ireland, ribbons are tied to “clootie trees” near sacred springs.

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Hıdırellez, the night of wishes

Among the traditions linked to wishes, Hıdırellez is surely the best known in Türkiye. It celebrates the day Hızır and İlyas meet on earth. On that day, people draw close to nature, harm no living being and share their joy with others.

During this day full of music, when people jump over the fire, everyone waits for the evening, the most awaited moment: wishes are then hung on a rose bush. Some, if they dream of a house, draw its shape with toothpicks at the foot of the rose bush. The next morning, the wishes are thrown into the water.

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How to make a wish on a tree?

• Choose a tree that inspires you, old and sturdy if possible, and approach it with respect.
• Phrase your wish in the present tense, as if it had already come true, and write it down if you like.
• Choose the color of your ribbon according to your wish: white for purity, blue for hope, or the color that speaks to you.
• Tie it without harming the tree, then thank it for its energy.

And let your wish make its way: the tree carries it to the sky, it is up to you to prepare tomorrow.

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