The Rowan Tree, A Metaphor for Nursing
The Rowan tree, so glorious in her elegant strength and Celtic mythological roots, has this year received attention outside of her native British Isles—in both song and film. In the 2022 film Living, Bill Nighy's character sings the two-hundred-year-old Scottish folk song, “The Rowan Tree,” as he confronts his fatal illness and ponders his purpose in life. Both the screenplay of Living, by Nobel prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro, and actor Bill Nighy (Love Actually) were nominated for Oscars. Ishiguro and Nighy felt the intense but delicate expression of love and loss in this song was perfect for Nighy’s character – he would sing what he could not say. Take a listen to Nighy or Lisa Knapp.
My interest in the Rowan tree began a number of years ago, well before the pandemic. There was something very magical about the tree, the more I read, the more I could see the Rowan as a metaphor for nursing.
At the beginning of the pandemic my Welsh colleague Ed Lord brought together a group of international health care providers and researchers for a Nursing & Nature Interest Group. We talked about the influence and healing power of nature. We had just given a presentation on the benefits of nature for the Northeastern University School Health Academy, school nurses were struggling with the ravages of the pandemic. And we talked about trees. Lots of trees. Suzi Tarrant, also from Wales, and Clodagh Connaughton from Ireland became our resident experts.
Now more than ever, I see the Rowan as a nearly perfect illustration of the strengths and resilience of nurses. The bough that doesn’t bend or break.
Rowans are found in the far reaches of the Northern Hemisphere, most commonly Ireland and Scotland. The ancient Celts considered the rowan to be a symbol of protection and transformation, and believed that it could turn adversity into creative opportunity. It thrives in the most hostile environments, such as mountainous hillsides and rock-laden riverbeds.
Parched for water and nutrient resources, the rowan’s extensive network of roots reaches deep into the ground for nourishment. Its strength is matched only by its graceful form and its potential for healing and hardiness. It is known as the Tree of Life.
The rowan is thought to protect and give courage and strength to those walking the path of spiritual growth and enlightenment. It calls us to be inspired, to be encouraged, to grow.
Like the rowan, we hang on, dig in, and spread our roots in whatever circumstances come our way.
From Courageous Well-Being for Nurses: Strategies for Renewal
In the most unassuming places, we find the power of self-acceptance, a divine connection. Just as the Rowan Tree may not boast height or graceful form, it stands as a beacon of strength and protection for ourselves and others.
Through the changing seasons, the Rowan teaches us about personal growth. Like the tree that bears beauty and fruit, we, too, experience seasons of challenge and abundance. Each season offers invaluable lessons, shaping our understanding of self and guiding us toward the future.
Embedded within the Rowan's essence lies purpose, mirroring the noble journey of nurses. They embody the spirit of protection and transformation, skillfully turning adversity into opportunities for creativity. Meaning-making becomes the compass that guides us, both personally and professionally. We weave narratives, seeking healing and wisdom.
Connection, like the Rowan's roots thirsting for nourishment, forms the lifeblood of nursing. Nurses find solace and support through intertwining roots, forging positive relationships with others. The shared journey becomes a source of strength.
Navigating hostile environments is a shared experience between the Rowan and nurses. As the tree clings to exposed rocks and mountainsides, nurses confront challenging landscapes. What may initially seem treacherous transforms into fertile ground for growth and development.
Autonomy stands as a pillar of the Rowan's existence, standing tall with unwavering pride. Nurses, the backbone of healthcare, embody this spirit of self-determination and independence.
May the Rowan Tree continue to remind us of the profound lessons within its branches, guiding nurses on their sacred path. Through self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose, connection, mastery of environment, and autonomy, we honor the vital role of nursing and the transformative power it holds.