Interesting facts

The name arborvitae, tree of life, probably comes from the tree's evergreen leaves which make it appear full of life even in winter and which were regarded as a symbol of life in many cultures. The scientific name Thuja is derived from the Greek thyon meaning to sacrifice and refers to the burning of Thuja wood for ritual purposes which used to be practiced in ancient times. The epithet occidentalis means western and refers to the western origin of this species.
In its native America the Indians used the sturdy, durable wood of the arborvitae to build houses and boats. The young branches were used to prepare ointments for treatment of joint pain. The drug was also used internally as diaphoretic (substance that stimulates sweating) and diuretic (substance that stimulates urine production), and for the treatment of syphilis, worms, rheumatism and scurvy. It was because of this last use that European seafarers in the mid-16th century were in the habit of taking arborvitae with them on their return voyage.
In Europe arborvitae was planted as a symbol of life at the birth of a child, a wedding or the establishment of a village. If the tree grew vigorously this was considered a positive sign. Its use as a cemetery tree symbolizes the longing for eternal life.
Because of its toxic, organ-damaging properties arborvitae used to be employed as an abortifacient which did, however, also put the mother's life at risk.