The Tamil way of life is living in harmony with nature.
Today, many Tamils still maintain a strong connection to the land and have a deep understanding of the benefits and uses of the trees and plants around us.
However, as the Tamil diaspora continues to grow and gentrification becomes more prevalent on our ancestral lands, this connection and understanding of harmony are gradually slipping away.
In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook where our fruits and vegetables come from as we mindlessly grab them from store shelves.
We have become increasingly disconnected not only from the foods we consume but also from the land itself, which holds the very resources necessary for our existence.
It seems like majority of people today just view plants and trees as merely decoration.
After visiting my motherland, I was in awe to see how Tamils still embrace living in harmony with nature.
The beautiful landscapes and the diverse array of trees and plants captivated me.
However, alongside my joy and wonder, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment and sadness for having lived most of my life without incorporating and being unaware of this ancestral knowledge.
To shed light on this matter, let's delve into just a few of the many intriguing uses of the ancestral trees that are deeply intertwined with the Tamil way of life.
My hope is that this serves as an introductory starting point, igniting your curiosity and inspiring you to delve further into our magnificent natural world.
வாழை மரம் (vaazhai maram) or Banana Tree
The வாழை மரம் (vaazhai maram) is a staple item for Tamils. From being used as symbolism and decoration to food and medicine, Tamils utilize almost all parts of the வாழை மரம் (vaazhai maram).
One of most commonly known uses is for food. We use the வாழை இலை (vaazhai ilai) or banana leaf for steaming, wrapping and eating food off of. Not only is this environmentally friendly but there are also many medicinal benefits as banana leafs contain natural antioxidants.
The banana leaves are also used to help heal wounds or rid of the body’s toxins as per traditional Tamil Siddha medicine.
Aside from consuming bananas or வாழைப்பழம் (vaazhaippaazham), the ripe fruit we get from the வாழை மரம் (vaazhai maram) we also consume the unripe fruit or plantain, வாழைக்காய் (vaazhaikai). As well as the banana flower வாழைப்பூ (vaazhaipoo) and even the வாழைத்தண்டு (vaazhaithandu) or banana stem. The flower and the stem being very popular for their medicinal benefits.
பனைமரம் (panai maram) or Palmyra Tree
There are is abundance of பனைமரம் (panai maram) in our ancestral lands. Yaalpanam, or Jaffna, is known as the land of பனை (panai). The பனைமரம் (panai maram) is the official tree of Tamil Nadu.
பனைமரம் (panai maram) is known as the one of the only trees where every single part of the tree has over hundreds of uses. This truly deserves its own post as the relationship between Tamils and the பனைமரம் (panai maram) runs very deep.
The பனைமரம் (panai maram) can be used to make various items from furniture, mats, baskets, fans, roofs, jaggery, milk, to even alcohol.
Historically ancestral knowledge was written and passed down on dried பனை ஓலை (panai oolai) or palmyra leaves.
And on hot summer days, the fruit we get from the பனைமரம் (panai maram) called நுங்கு (nongu) is perfect to keep your body cool.
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தென்னை மரம் (thenai maram) or Coconut Tree
Most may know the தென்னை மரம் (thenai maram) as the tree that gives us coconuts, a common ingredient in Tamil cuisine.
Coconuts are also regularly used for religious and medicinal purposes. For example, coconut oil is used to cool the body, cure skin diseases and stimulate hair growth.
Even the தேங்காய் சிரட்டை (thengai siraddai) or coconut shell does not go to waste as they are an eco friendly dish that can be used for drinking soups, or drinks out of.
Other items we get from the தென்னை மரம் (thenai maram) includes fences, ropes, brooms, fans etc.
A traditional Tamil decoration called தோரணம் (toranam) is made by folding தென்னை ஓலை (thenai olai) or coconut tree leaves. தோரணம் (toranam) is used at all occasions from weddings to funerals. Traditionally, if there is a sad occasion then the triangles of the தோரணம் (toranam) face down and if there is a happy occasion the triangles face up.
It is also common to see woven தென்னை ஓலை (thenai olai) being used a roofs for its cooling properties.
இளநீர் (elanir) or coconut water is another great drink that is enjoyed to cool the body on a hot summer day.
அரசமரம் (arasa maram) or Peepal Tree
The sacred அரசமரம் (arasa maram) can be found in and around many places of worship. It is considered a divine tree because it generated oxygen 24/7. The name அரசமரம் (arasa maram) itself literally translates to royal tree.
Many may be familiar with the அரசமரம் (arasa maram) as it is famously known that the Buddha attainted enlightenment while sitting under this tree.
The parts of this tree are used for many aliments such as aiding with asthma, issues with reproductive organs, inflammation and indigestion. One commonly known use of the bark and leaves of the அரசமரம் (arasa maram) is to help get rid of issues related to the uterus.
மாமரம் (maamaram) or Mango Tree
We all know the மாமரம் (maamaram) for the delicious fruits it bears.
Tamils enjoy this fruit both when ripe as மாம்பழம் (maanpazham) or before maturing as மாங்காய் (maankai).
You may have noticed the Tamil tradition of hanging the leaves of the மாமரம் (maamaram) or மாவிலை (maavelai), at the entrance of homes or events. This is because the மாவிலை (maavelai), even when picked off the tree, will absorb carbon dioxide and release clean oxygen. Due to the leaves' ability to purify the air, மாவிலை (maavelai) are hung up at functions where many people gather.
The மாமரம் (maamaram) is another remarkable tree that holds great medicinal value. Tamils have long recognized its diverse benefits, utilizing different parts of the tree, from its seeds, flowers, leaves, roots, to its bark. The மாமரம் (maamaram) has been used for various purposes, including managing diabetes, addressing respiratory problems, soothing earaches, alleviating body heat, and addressing kidney-related issues, among others. It truly serves as a valuable resource for those seeking natural remedies.
The benefits and uses of these trees go far beyond what I have shared here, and it truly amazes me.
Our ancestors had a deep understanding of how every part of a tree could be utilized, from everyday items to healing remedies.
It's now clear why in the Tamil way of life, worshipping nature holds such significance. Without the land, our existence would be impossible.
In our homelands, there are countless ancestral Tamil trees, each possessing remarkable qualities and practical applications.
I've only briefly mentioned a few of them, but I hope this helps you see the abundance of resources that nature provides us with in a new light.
Perhaps now, you may also perceive the world around us a little differently...
Please note: this is not nutritional or medical advice, please do your own research.
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Check Out: What You Missed In Tamil Class on Youtube for explorative videos about overlooked parts of Tamil heritage.