Tree-anthropomorphism is an important factor wherever tree-worship prevails, for example:
Every village in India has its sacred tree (fig. 258.55), which is clothed and treated exactly like a human being. The trees are anointed with sweet-smelling waters, sprinkled with powder, adorned with garlands and draperies
CW5 ¶ 545172 CW5 Ser: 2 Par 545 (a) FigNo 258.55
Just as the people pierce their ears as an apotropaic charm against death, so they pierce the sacred tree
CW5 ¶ 545Of all the trees in India there is none more sacred to the Hindus than the peepul or aswatha (Ficus religiosa). It is known to them as Vriksha Raja (king of trees). Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswar live in it, and the worship of it is the worship of the Triad. Almost every Indian village has an aswatha ( Negelein, ed., Der Traumschlüssel des Jaggadeva, p. 256 )
CW5 ¶ 545