Mango
As the mango trees of India, we hold thousands of years of wisdom and stories in our branches, leaves, fruits, and flowers. We are a close family that truly enjoys all forms of storytelling. I am known by the locals as Ognam, the oldest of the Indian mango trees. From first impressions my family and I may seem like an ordinary tree but when you look a little closer you will understand the many little things that make us unique.
Let's start with what I am most known for, my fruit. The literal fruits of my labor are showcased through a mango so bright and magnificent it resembles the glorious sun in the sky. My sweet, delicious fruits provide a burst of happiness able to make even the weariest of travelers brighten up. It is no wonder then that the fruits are symbols of happiness, love, and even fertility. The long dark green foliage that provides many with relaxing shade often symbolizes life itself. The leaves provide protection, give healing benefits, bring prosperity and luck, block negative energy, and promote good karma. The alluring scents of my flowers fills anyone who encounters them with love and desire. Be sure to read the tree Ashoka's story as he will talk about my good friend Kamadeva, the God of Love, who is a fan of my flowers. Last but not least, when my family grows together in groves, we often witness many human marriages. We are all too happy to bless the new couple with a happy union as they in return bless us with a good crop.
Do you know of the great monkey-god Hanuman? His story is the most requested we mango trees receive to share during our storytelling sessions. Hanuman loved finding ways to get himself into mischief when he was a young monkey. He also loved to snack on my irresistible fruit. One day he decided that what he had wasn’t enough to fulfill his appetite. I watched from the ground as Hanuman leaped into the sky towards the sun. At the time his actions confused me. It was only later that I learned he wanted to snatch the sun right out of the sky, using the same techniques usually reserved for taking the mango fruits off my branches. Unfortunately for Hanuman he spooked the Sun God Surya who called the Thunder God Indra for help. Indra warned Hanuman to return to my grove and not bother Surya, but he did not listen. So, Indra threw a thunderbolt at Hanuman, sending him tumbling back down landing on the Earth with a thud. My family and I shuddered at the impact. We understood in that moment there would be negative consequences soon following these events.
Hanuman’s Wind God father Vayu was very upset. His son met death much too soon and he did not understand who would do such a thing to the young child. When the other Gods did not answer Vayu’s questions, he took the wind away from the Earth as punishment. We all suffered for a great time. It was only after the wind was gone that we truly came to appreciate its importance, something we trees can identify with as well. Thankfully the great Lord Shiva intervened to help resolve the terrible injustice. He was able to bring Hanuman back to life; some other Gods granted wishes and gave gifts, such as moving as fast as the wind, in apology. The numerous gifts he received make Hanuman the immortal figure we all know him as today.
There were a few more hiccups while Hanuman matured into an adult monkey man. At one point he managed to enrage a sage, receiving a curse causing Hanuman to forget he possessed special gifts. He did eventually find his powers once again during his journeys with Sita and Rama. Oh! Speaking of the wonderful Sita, I remember like it was yesterday her sitting under my leaves, mourning her separation from Rama. I like give myself some credit for Hanuman finding Sita and fulfilling his destiny. He always did love my tree and I believe his cravings for my delectable fruits subconsciously brought him over to me, finding Sita there amongst my family.
And so even after all this time I am here, telling stories like Valmiki himself. Sometimes I think about the similarities Hanuman and I share. We both needed time to grow and mature, find what we love, and gain a respected wisdom to share our stories. During every Ramlila, the dramatic celebration of Rama's story, my family and I watch the humans reenact Hanuman's adventures. It makes me happy to see the silly child who tried to eat the sun is now an important figure, providing inspiration to many. I have not seen Hanuman since the great war between the Pandavas and Kauravas but I know he is still around, because as long as I am living so is he.
Author's Note:
When researching the significance of the mango tree in India I came across a few stories but none as often or as significant as Hanuman’s childhood. My version doesn’t stray too far from the original I read, and of course there are many versions across the internet that change minor details. A commonality in almost all is Hanuman leaping towards the sun and facing serious consequences. Some versions didn’t include the comparison between the sun and Hanuman’s love of mangoes, but it made sense to me and my story, so I went with it.
The mango tree has been around India for thousands of years, making it a great source for stories from the past. People have found a use for every part of the tree. Leaves are hung in doorways for auspicious reasons, the wood is used in funeral pyres, and various worships and sacrifices feature the mango tree.
As I continue writing my storybook, I am hoping to successfully get across my understanding of each tree’s personality. Every tree will have stories to share, even if it’s not their own, so my goal is to essentially be the apprentice recording what the trees have to say before they are forgotten.