Winter Tree Sounds for Tree Climbers

Here is an obscure word for tree climbers to banter around. It’s “psithurism .” It’s a mouthful of a noun not often heard these days but certainly appreciated by practicing tree climbers and other outdoor folks.

 

Here is what Wordcraft has to say about it:

“psithurism – the sound of the wind rustling the leaves

 “A lovely concept, but a strange-looking word. I wonder if this is in any way related to the genus name of parrots, Psittacus.

“A reader notes: I'm almost certain that ‘psithurism’ comes from the Greek word ‘psithyros,’ which means whisper.  A second reader confirms, from OED.  Thank you!”

The sound of wind passing through a tree has always fascinated me. To me, trees have vocal chords and wind passing through creates the “voice.” Some trees have a high hissing voice, like hissing pine trees. Oaks have a particular voice, depending on leaf size and density. Magnolias have a leathery flapping sound much lower in pitch because of the leaf size. But winter brings an entirely different sound to the voice of trees we are familiar with while in leaf.

The bare tree’s voice produces a moaning quality in winter that brings a feeling of something lost. The level of emotion changes with the wind. One moment it gently groans while the next moment it moans with a piercing melancholy. 

“Something is lost,” the trees say. “I’ve lost my leaves that gaily twitter in the wind. I don’t make food for myself like I used to do. I don’t have sex and I’m not having babies sprout up nearby.” It’s a lonely world for the tree as it snoozes, waiting for spring to arrive.

Mood is something for the sensitive tree climber to notice. It’s something that is never static because it changes with the seasons and weather.  It’s a world of contrast for those with ears to hear.

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Comments

[Nature Boy]

Very astute, treeman. And here I thought you were just another crunchy with a wierd sense of humor. Once again you show us the quiet path is one of enlightenment. Many thanks!