CHAPTER I. 1

Characteristics of Trees--Naturalness of Tree Worship--Origin of the worship--The Tree of Life--Ancient Types--A Tree as a Symbol of Life--Poetical Associations--Sacred Fig-tree--India specially a land of Tree Worship--Trees identified with Gods-- Meritoriousness of planting Trees--Auspicious and inauspicious Trees--Ceremonies connected with Tree Worship--Invocation of Tree Gods--Banian Tree--Ritual directions--Santal Worship.