Palms: symbols of victory, peace and fertility.

"In historical times palms have been symbols
for such ideas as victory, peace, and fertility.
Today, palms remain a popular symbol
for the tropics and vacations."

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_tree

date palms
"These rugged feather-fronded palms have long been associated with the Holy Land and figure into religious celebrations such as Palm Sunday. It has become a symbol of peace and of life because its shade and sweet fruit was vital to people in the deserts of northern Africa and the Middle East. Perhaps more important is that palms signal the presence of ground water, marking locations of wells and spring fed oases."

Master gardener Maureen Gilmer
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/gr_shrubs_trees/article/0,2029,DIY_13857_4718120,00.html


Symbolism

"Main article: Palm branch (symbol)
The palm branch was a symbol of triumph and victory in pre-Christian times. The Romans rewarded champions of the games and celebrated military successes with palm branches. Early Christians used the palm branch to symbolize the victory of the faithful over enemies of the soul, as in the Palm Sunday festival celebrating the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In Judaism, the palm represents peace and plenty, and is one of the Four Species of Sukkot; the palm may also symbolize the Tree of Life in Kabbalah. Today, the palm, especially the Coconut, remains a symbol of the stereotypical tropical island paradise [8]. Palms appear on the flags and seals of several places where they are native, including those of Haiti, Guam, Florida and South Carolina."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecaceae

I am thankful for the Needlework Palm Tree on our screen door. I love the Palm Trees of the tropics and it's so fun to have one stitched on the screen to help people remember to be aware of the screen when entering or exiting their rooms. I had fun taking the photo, of the screen, with my reflection showing in a framed photo in our room.

Photo of the Needlework Palm tree on the screen door of our studio apartment at the Mokihana, Kappaa, Kauai - 12/5/07