Witch Tree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Witch Tree |
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| Location | Grand Portage, Minnesota, USA |
| Nearest city | Grand Marais, MN |
| Governing body | Grand Portage Reservation Tribal Council |
The Witch Tree is a very old and special tree. People also call it Manidoo-giizhikens, which means Little Cedar Spirit Tree in the Ojibwe language. This amazing tree is an Thuja occidentalis, or Eastern White Cedar. It grows right on the rocky shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.
This tree is super old! French explorer Sieur de la Verendrye wrote about it way back in 1731. Even then, it was already a big, grown-up tree. This means the Witch Tree is more than 300 years old today!
The Ojibwe people think this tree is very sacred and important. They traditionally leave small gifts, like tobacco, near it. This is a way to ask for a safe trip when traveling on Lake Superior. Because it is so sacred, and to protect it from harm, visitors usually need an Ojibwe band member to go with them.
Even though it's very old, the tree is quite small for a conifer (a tree that keeps its needles all year). It grows out of solid rock on the shoreline. Its branches are twisted and gnarled, making it look unique. Many photographers love to capture its interesting shape.
Contents
What is the Witch Tree?
The Witch Tree is an ancient Eastern White Cedar. It stands on the edge of Lake Superior in Cook County, Minnesota. Its scientific name is Thuja occidentalis. The tree is famous for its age and its special meaning to the Ojibwe people.
How old is the Witch Tree?
The Witch Tree is over 300 years old. The first written records by Europeans mention it in 1731. At that time, it was already a mature tree. This makes it one of the oldest trees in the region.
Why is the Witch Tree important to the Ojibwe?
The Ojibwe First Nation tribe considers the Witch Tree to be a sacred spirit tree. They call it Manidoo-giizhikens, or Little Cedar Spirit Tree. For many generations, they have honored the tree. They believe it helps protect travelers on the sometimes dangerous waters of Lake Superior.
What kind of offerings are left for the tree?
Traditionally, the Ojibwe leave small offerings of tobacco at the base of the tree. These gifts are a sign of respect. They are also a way to ask for good luck and safety during journeys on the lake.
Visiting the Witch Tree
The Witch Tree is a protected site. It is important to respect its sacred nature. To keep the tree safe, visitors are usually not allowed to approach it alone.
Why are visitors restricted?
In the past, some people did not respect the tree. There were problems with people trying to damage it. To prevent this, the tree is now off-limits to general visitors. You need to be with a local Ojibwe band member to visit it. This rule helps protect the tree and its spiritual importance.
See also
- List of individual trees
- Grand Portage National Monument
