Simply from this community’s name, Oak Park is directly linked to one of the most praised and feared gods in Greek Mythology, Zeus.
In Greek mythology, Zeus, also referred to as Lord of the Sky, was a mighty god. He was notorious for his questioning morals and, most importantly, his ability to wield thunder and lightning.
Only when all the similar traits of Oak Park and Zeus are laid out in front of us can we see that there was a hidden connection all along.
Oak trees are a significant factor in the Oak Park community. The trees can be seen in almost every park and mountain. Their lifespan has outlasted many generations, and the trees’ thick bark creates an abundance of resources for both animals and people. This is one of the big reasons they earned the community’s name.
Around the time when the tales of gods were flourishing, oak trees were symbolic of Zeus. The reason they were given this prestigious role is the same reason how Oak Park got its name.
Around 2000 B.C Greek priests “would listen to the rustling leaves of the sacred oak trees and interpret their meanings as the words of [Zeus].”
Oak trees are most likely to get struck by lightning because of their towering heights and electrical resistance, yet the tree can still survive because of its high water content and thick bark. The trees’ connection with a god who can wield lightning becomes clearer. These trees are among the few species that can resist the deadly lightning strike.
The majestic oak trees surrounding our lands are also well known for the acorns they produce to help their species live for generations longer.
Since oak trees are associated with Zeus, so are acorns. In Zeus’ stories, acorns were a symbol of life. This comes from the fact that many people back then used acorns as a food source, similar to how the Chumash harvest and prepare acorns.
Oaks and their acorns were used in many ways back then to construct portions of houses, agricultural tools and including it in their respective societies’ regular diet. Acorns had such an impact on civilization back then they were even inscribed in the Ancient Greece money system, in c. 420-385 BC.
Hesiod, a Greek poet, asserted in his “Works and Days” that acorns were a staple diet, “On the mountains the oak bears acorns upon the top…They flourish continually with good things.”
Zeus’s oracle was said to be located in Dodona, the land of the oak trees. This perfectly aligns with Oak Park’s scenery. The acorn is shown as a symbol of life, the oak tree as strength and the whole area of oak trees as being sacred; this gives Oak Park a depth that shows others without words how divinely structured this community is.
Zeus’s most sacred symbol is the eagle, representing a good omen in times of trouble. Coincidentally, Oak Park High School’s mascot is also an eagle. This connection deepens the background of OPHS and empowers our mascot. It is no longer just an eagle. It is the right-hand man of Zeus.
It is unknown whether all these similar traits that crossover with Oak Park and Zeus are coincidental. However, whether it was fated in the stars or not, Oak Park will always be able to be associated with the most powerful of Greek gods.
