Watching the Melia

I have been taking particular note of the Bead Tree in my garden (Melia Azaderach). You can see it back in this post when I had learnt more about it and the beads it sheds that are used for rosary and prayer beads.

Today’s photo shows my tree with lots of seeds, containing the beads, still on the tree. But at the same time there is evidence of new buds swelling at the branch tips as spring begins to influence the tree.

It got me thinking a bit more about the beads and how this tree and its cycles are like rosary or prayer beads. The tree has a slow, methodical, measured rhythm all of its own. As one part of the cycle ends, the new one is ready and waiting to begin. It has a patience about it, an unhurried quality to it and it can hold to its rhythm despite harsh winds buffeting and shaking the tree and despite bitter conditions at times over winter. It is steadfast rather like our belief in a higher being.

The seeds that were once green have turned through yellow and those remaining are now a cream colour as they shrivel and decay.

On our holiday last week I noticed lots of Melia. The trees I saw in Hawkes Bay were still heavily seeded with cream seeds in dramatic contrast to the barer tree in my garden.

I will keep vigil with this tree in the same way as people hold their personal prayer vigils with the beads and wait and see what more unfolds for me from this noble tree.

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What are these pray tell?

We have a Melia azedarach tree in our front garden and it has grown enormously since we first moved in over 22 years ago. We had it trimmed a few years back and the arborist told me he would refuse to cut it down because it was such a beautiful tree.

In the past year or two I have working hard on being more aware and noticing more and my attention on this tree has increased. Then in the last few months I have been reading Juliet Batten’s blog http://seasonalinspiration.blogspot.com and she too is watching Melia trees and we have shared our observations and findings.

I had, until recently known the tree as the Bead tree and I have just learnt why it is so named, thanks to Juliet. The green seeds that are visible on my tree right now, contain a hard, five sided kernel or bead and these beads are used to make rosary beads.

The word “azedarach” comes from a contraction of the Persian vernacular “azaddhirakt” or noble tree.

I have a new and deeper appreciation for my Melia and the small gifts it gives to spiritual seekers and for its ancient noble status.