The Legend of the Chios "Tears". What Does the Legend Say? Why Do Trees "Weep"?

In short: mastic is the resin of the mastic tree — and the Chios variety is unlike any other. Legend ties the "weeping" trees to Saint Isidore of Chios, martyred in 251 AD; today the resin droplets are still known as the "tears of Chios".

Nowhere else in the world is mastic quite like it is on the Greek island of Chios. But why are the resin droplets called "tears" — and why do the trees "weep"?

Legend has it that…

The story of the "weeping" trees dates back to 251 AD, when Saint Isidore of Chios was martyred.

Saint Isidore of Chios

He was a Roman naval soldier who, while on the island, confided to his commander that he was a Christian. He refused to renounce his faith and was beheaded.

The tears of mastic

After his death — so the legend goes — the trees in the south of Chios began to "weep" mastic. Hence the name: the "tears" of Chios.

And the science?

In reality, the "tears" are the natural resin that the Chios mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia) produces and that hardens into small crystalline droplets. Read more in what is mastic gum and about the mastic tree.

FAQ

Want to hold a "tear" of Chios in your hand? Try the original raw mastic.