Why the Ginkgo Leaf?
The symbolism of the ginkgo is very appropriate for Bournewood and the adults, adolescents, and families we serve. The ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair tree, has been known to live for 2,000 years. It is considered a symbol of longevity, hope, resilience, and peace. These are the characteristics of recovery we strive to instill in our mission, our values, our clinical approach and, most importantly, in the lives of the individuals who come to Bournewood to heal from mental health and substance use conditions.
The ginkgo is a beautiful tree, revered in Japan and China. There is a story that tells of the ginkgo tree’s profound endurance. Not only has this exceptionally resilient tree survived three mass extinction events over the past quarter of a billion years, but it was found to be the only surviving plant species near the epicenter of the August 6, 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb blast. In September 1945, the area around the blast center was examined and six gingko trees were found standing. They budded shortly after the blast without major deformations and are still alive to this day.