A little more detail…

The Maple tree

A magical tree which is universally known for its mesmerising autumn leaves. The Maple tree is associated with graceful beauty, elegance and balance. It is a symbol of serenity and tranquility. In Japan, the maple trees are known as kaede (楓) or momiji (紅葉), which means “become crimson-leaved.

The magical maples strengthens an individual’s connection and bond with nature.   In Canda and Japan particularly the Magical Maple embodies themes of national identity, particularly in Canada, and can be associated with love, generosity, and abundance. 

For me I have always loved the leaves in autumn.  The leaves are instantly recognisable and wonderfully symmetrical.

This gorgeous tree has been delicately handcrafted from an old English sterling silver Florin coin. Once the slier coin is flattened into the required shape, the star leaf maple tree design is roughly sketched onto the coin surface. This trace outline is carefully followed with an ultra fine piercing saw blade. The interior detail is revealed using the same hand saw and a pendant drill. Further dimensions and details are created using traditional fine chisels and graver steels.

Once crafted the tree is finished with a simple mounted charm hanging freely at the bale. 100% Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge, UK Size : Approx 38 mm * 28 mm

In mythology and folklore, the maple symbolizes a diverse range of qualities, including strength, resilience, and connection to the land for many Indigenous peoples; protection against evil spirits in English traditions; and autumn’s cyclical beauty, peace, and prosperity in East Asian cultures. The tree’s vibrant leaf colors also represent love and sorrow in some cultures, while the creation of maple syrup is central to various Native American myths about the gift of a hard-won sweetness.

For many Indigenous peoples, the maple represents the strength and resilience of life and connection to the earth, with its roots symbolizing ancestry and its branches embodying growth. Maple trees are seen as guardians against bad spirits in some cultures, embodying balance and offering a sense of safety and security due to their expansive canopy.

The vibrant colors of maple leaves in autumn symbolize the cycle of life, change, and renewal, a motif prominent in Japanese culture. The leaves of the maple are thought to represent wisdom and knowledge gained over time, reflecting spiritual guidance. The maple is deeply significant, particularly the sugar maple. Creation myths, such as the story of Gluskabe, explain the origin of maple syrup and its importance, teaching lessons about hard work.

The maple is a sacred tree for the Celtic goddess of fertility, Dana, making it a symbol of fertility. The Japanese maple is a symbol of peace, longevity, and prosperity. In China, the fragrant maple is revered as an ancestral tree, with myths like the “Butterfly Mother” born from its core.

In English and some Polish folk beliefs, the maple tree was associated with warding off evil spirits and demons, with pieces of it placed in doorways for protection. Red maple leaves are a frequent motif in Japanese poetry, symbolizing the autumn season, love, and even loneliness.