I thought I might share this interesting concept with you.  Gnome had planted a “Kapok” tree right at our gate, when we first moved in, just as a marker.  So we wouldn’t get lost??!!  It is known for its seed pods which produce a cotton-like material which can be used to stuff pillows, mattresses and the like.  Moreover, the material can be woven to make fibre.  It sounded like a useful tree to have around.  The tree was a fast grower and in about three years, it was really, really tall…sorry for not being very technical but it just appeared to stretch right up into the sky. Because it was so tall, it was definitely not hard to miss (we always found our gate…Ha-Ha) and so it was always one of the first things that Belizeans commented upon if they chanced upon seeing us at the farm.

We were then told that this tree was known locally as a “Ceiba” tree. That makes sense since the latin name is Ceiba petandra.  Further enquiries reveal that this tree is actually sacred to the Mayas.  It is known as a World Tree which embodies the four cardinal directions. According to Mayan Mythology, this tree also connects the centre of the earth to the sky; it is the gateway between these two worlds.  This is indeed an esoteric concept that appeals to our imagination especially when it is planted right at the Gateway to our Farm.

Our Gateway:

It really does look quite magnificent in real life, like something out of a fairy tale.  Every morning, we watch the toucans on the tree making their funny ribbbitting noise.

Other nice birdies on the tree:

Very popular tree all around…magical!!