In our hearts, oak trees are deeply connected to a sense of endurance, strength and stability. Acorns are said to be man's first food. We have remembrances of sitting under an old stately oak, surrounded by its protective spreading limbs, encouraging us to dream and gather strength under its guardianship. Because these trees can live to be 1000 years old, many family crests and emblems use symbols of oak leaves and acorns to avow their faith in the strength of succeeding generations.