Tree symbolism in the ancient Rwandan Kingdom Eric KWIZERA ABSTRACT The article “Tree Symbolism in the Ancient Rwandan Kingdom”, shows the symbolism and utilization of some trees used in the ancient Rwandan Kingdom. There are many realities in the world as well as Rwanda that are used as symbols. In ancient Rwandan society, they had plants that were used in rituals and were considered as sacred. The sacred kingship of Rwanda had rituals that were used to support the kingdom of Rwanda, and the lower-class citizens had rituals to support them in their daily lives. During those rituals, they had tools they used in their liturgy. Some trees that took part in those rituals which we will discuss are Umuvumu, Umuko, Umurama, Umusumba, Umukore, Igihondohondo, Umwifuzo, and Umuduha. Some of them were used as symbols to represent Royal Residences (Ibigabiro), Royal Cemeteries (Imisezero), and places of Royal Sacrifices (Ibimana), and others were used in Rituals (Ubwiru) that were connected to the kingship.