Beech Tree In Tatar Literature And Folklore

From the earliest period onwards , the beech has been a sacred and accustomed tree among the Turks. It plays an important role both in seasonal and family traditions of Kazan Tatars. It is also considered as a sacred and enchanting tree, which accompanied people from their birth to death. Beech is growing in abundance in the geography of Kazan Tatars. The first information about its curing property had been narrated during the Bulgarian Era. Besides, there are many beliefs about beech, which rooted in shamanism. Even nowadays Tatars continue to maintain these beliefs in their daily life. Beech also takes a primary place in Tatar ballads and songs owing to its graceful and melancholic appearance. Although it generally heralds the feelings of anxiety and grief, it has also been preferred to define whiteness and purity as well as the beauty of a girl. Contemporary Tatar poetry also gives an important place to this tree along with these attributions.