Trees were there long before men walked the earth, and hopefully will still stand once we're gone. Unfortunately, we often take them for granted. They all have meanings, some better known that others. The majestic oak tree speaks of long life and solidness, while the maple tree invariably makes our mouth watery at the thought of sweet sugar and syrup. Few know, however, that according to Northern Saga, the ash tree is the stuff the very first man was made of. Trees are so much part of our life we don't notice anymore. Still, we'll look for a sturdy branch to hang a tree swing and always call on an ornament tree to add relief to our garden. And what better symbolize the Holidays than the traditional Christmas tree , towering proudly on a tree stand in a corner of our living room and all aglow with sparkling tree ornaments . But even in the summertime we enjoy dressing our trees, with chimes singing in the wind or other tree decorations . According to Celtic beliefs, trees mirror peoples, each with its own personality; Birch are reflective; Elms look at the mysteries of the world; Pines always call on reason. Trees give us shadow in the sun, a touch of green in wintertime, a kind of perennial peace we sorely need in this ever changing world we live in.