Tree of Life Meaning
The Tree of Life meaning is explained by means of different belief systems in the following article. The Celtic Tree of Life meaning along with other beliefs followed across different cultures are considered in the article below.
The concept of Tree of Life has been used in different fields such as religion, science, mythology, philosophy, etc. The Tree of Life meaning differs in different contexts. In different mythologies, theologies and philosophies across the world, it is used as a motif. The concept of Tree of Life is also used in reference to evolution. The Tree of Life is used as a metaphor to explain the concept of common descent. Read more on human evolution.
Tree of Life Meaning
The Tree of Life meaning is presented in different ways by different sources of knowledge. As per the Britannica Encyclopedia, the Tree of Life and tree of knowledge are two forms of the world tree/cosmic tree. Tree of Life connects different forms of life/creation, while the tree of knowledge connects the heaven and underworld.
Significance in Different Cultures
There are different concepts and mythologies associated with the Tree of Life in various cultures. Let us have a look at them one-by-one in the following paragraphs.
- Egyptian Culture: Acacia tree of ‘Saosis’ is considered by Egyptians as the Tree of Life. As per the Ennead system (nine deities) of ancient Egyptian culture, Isis and Osiris are believed to be the first couple. They emerged from the Tree of Life i.e. the acacia of Saosis. Read more on ‘Creation Theories’.
- Baha’i Belief System: As per the Baha’i faith, manifestation of God in reality takes place through the Tree of Life. In today’s times, ‘Baha’u’llah’ the founder of Baha’i is considered to be the Tree of Life. The ‘Book of Covenant’ is also associated or identified with the Tree of Life.
- Assyrian Beliefs: In the Assyrian civilization, a series of criss-crossing lines and nodes were used to depict the Tree of Life. The meaning of this symbol is said to be multi-valent and the priests have not yet concluded as to what is the exact interpretation/translation.
- Chinese Mythology: A dragon and phoenix are included in the depiction of Tree of Life in Chinese mythology. The dragon is revered for immortality and ‘Fenghuang’ a creature similar to the phoenix is second only to the dragon in terms of the respect offered. There is a reference to a tree in a Taoist story, which bears a peach once in three thousand years.
Read more on:
- Greek Mythology
- Norse Mythology
Celtic Tree of Life Meaning
The Celts of ancient times believed that trees had several powers and also provided people with food, shelter and warmth. Different life forces including insects and animals took shelter in these trees. These creatures were in turn sustained by the Tree of Life. The symbol of Celtic Tree of Life has been preserved for centuries and is portrayed in various ways today. The different parts of the tree are assigned specific meanings. Roots of the Tree of Life are considered to be the foundation and they symbolize the Otherworld. The trunk of the tree joins branches and roots. It is therefore associated with the mortal world. The branches connect the worlds that are present above and below. The reason behind the Tree of Life becoming popular is that ‘Nature’ is worshiped through this symbol. In the Gaelic language, the Tree of Life is known as ‘crann bethadh’. Read more on:
- Celtic Symbols and Meaning
- Celtic Art and Culture
Tree of Life Symbolism
The Tree of Life symbol meaning represents different qualities/virtues like wisdom, strength, protection, beauty, bounty and redemption. It is also considered to be the symbol of ‘Creator’. The tree is associated with the creator because it provides protection, supports abundant fruit production and thereby, regeneration. This analogy can also be used to describe the life of humans. We as humans develop ‘roots’ of our beliefs, ‘branch out’ by means of wisdom and the ‘trunk’ (mind & body) keeps them connected.
The Tree of Life meaning as perceived in different faiths, belief systems and cultures, resonates with a simple and strong message of unity. The Tree of Life symbol indicates that all forms of life are connected through a cosmic energy and that we as humans should live in harmony with rest of the living beings.
