12/17/2023
Took a small break last week to finish this project. He's headed to live at a beautiful camp on the Mississippi River. This is a Wood Spirit, and I'll share the story below. I've done many of these and folks love them at camp. This one stands 7'-3" and weighs about 150 lbs., and was carved from a Cedar tree. If you have a special place for a wood spirit, let me know!
Here's the story.....
The Wood Spirit is a European legend originating from villagers who made long journeys through the forest. On calm days when the wind lays low, there is a sense of peace and tranquility in the forest. On days when storms are brewing and winds are blowing, the trees of the forest make sounds of moaning and sighing as though voices can be heard from spirits within. For centuries people believed the forests to be filled with mystical spirits and that those who dared to enter would earn the spirit’s wrath.
During the 15th century they believed that when the men went into the woods to hunt and did not return, that they had been taken by the evil spirits. They also believed that the tree spirits were the most powerful of all spirits and were good and wise. They believed that the tree spirits would protect them from evil. So, before they would venture into the woods to hunt, they would knock on the tree to awaken the sleeping spirit to protect them. This is where we get the saying 'Knock on Wood' or 'Touch Wood'.
Wise travelers assured their safety by carving wood spirit images on walking sticks or pieces of wood and bark. These carvings appeased the spirits; thus, the traveler could enter and leave the forest without difficulty. Catching a glimpse of one of these elusive creatures is said to be a lucky thing, for if you are fortunate enough to see one, your health, happiness and good fortune are guaranteed.
Wood spirits are still being carved into pieces of wood and are often given as gifts. The wood spirit should be given a special place within the home for its presence to bring wisdom, prosperity, humor, good health, and good luck to all that live there. Any home to a wood spirit will stand protected and be blessed.
