We’ve all heard about the idea of a money tree. Our parents told us, “money doesn’t grow on trees,” or implored us to “go shake the money tree” when we wanted something we didn’t need.
It’s a good metaphor to instill the fact that money requires hard work and time to earn. That said, you might be surprised to find that there actually is something called a money tree.
We’re going to take a look at this plant, the symbolism it holds, and give you a little insight into the true money tree. Let’s get started.
The Chinese Money Tree
Pachira Aquatica is a tree that originates in China and can grow upwards of 60 feet tall. In most cases, these trees are Bonzai and kept as home decorations or potted office plants.
There’s an interesting myth that surrounds this tree, though, and it might be the source of all of the “money tree” talk that we’re all so familiar with. The story goes that there was a farmer on his last leg.
He was broke, had nothing, and the crops weren’t coming in like they normally did. As a last-ditch effort, the man prayed to God to ask for some kind of money to get him by. Shortly after, he came upon an unusual plant.
It was a small tree, and it was so unique that he thought it was a sign from the gods. He took it home, planted it in his field, and it grew to a monstrous 60-feet tall.
Year after year, more trees sprouted up on his land. People were interested in the trees and wanted to purchase them from him. Over time, he became rich and his crop was changed out for the money tree that he had found after his prayers.
Modern Symbolism
Nowadays, there are a lot of associations attached to the money tree. It’s a sign of good luck, change of fortune, positivity, and a number of other positive things.
Even as bonsais, money trees can grow up to five feet tall and serve as an excellent decoration for any home. This also makes them a perfect gift to give someone.
Offering a gift that symbolizes good fortune and wealth is never a bad thing, especially if you’re gifting that tree to an office or business. It’s important to note that there might not be any distinct attachment of the tree to actual success.
That said, knowing the symbolism and believing in it might generate a little good fortune for you. You might be more confident that things will go well, take more chances, and wind up succeeding.
Symbolism is a great tool in that it opens up broad categories of experience for us, sometimes letting us access parts of ourselves that we wouldn’t have otherwise.
Want To Learn More?
Hopefully, our look at the Chinese money tree was interesting to you. There’s a lot more to explore about the money tree meaning, though, and we’re here to help.
Explore our site for more ideas on the money tree plant, great gifts to give, and much more.
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