Life, Death and the Meaning of the Tree of Life.

Christian References: In the Bible, the garden of Eden had a tree forbidden to Adam and Eve. Which famous tree could it be? None other than the tree of eternal life. The tree of life also represents wisdom and the love of God.

Celtic Culture: Celts cherish trees for their spiritual connections to family, ancestors and deities. The tree of life represents the afterlife, and connection between the earth and heaven. The bond and affection to trees is so deep that Celts believed the actual trees were their ancestors, gatekeepers to the Celtic Otherworld. As such, the tree of life in Celtic Culture is sacred. In the Irish language, it is known as ‘Crann Bethadh’.

Ancient Egypt: In Ancient Egypt, the tree of life’s branches represented the heavens and symbolized abundance. Alternatively, the roots reaching into the earth represented death.

African Culture: There is a tree called the Baobab tree, which is generally regarded as the tree of life. The Baobab tree produces fruit despite the dry climate; therefore, it is treated with reverence and high-esteem as a provider of life and nourishment.

Buddhism: Buddha reached enlightenment under the sacred Bodhi tree. In Buddhist culture the tree of life is symbolic of enlightenment and existence.

There are multiple interpretations of the tree of life symbol, most popularly it represents connection and unity. However, the evolution and depth of this design is multi-layered. 

• Connection: Circles represent connectivity and inclusion. The roots of the tree reach deep into the earth while the abundant leaves flesh out and upward. The tree poses as the linchpin, connecting the earth and sky is symbolic of how we are all connected by the circle of life.

• Strength: If we explore nature for the perfect symbol of strength, we think of the unwavering quality of a tree. Trees are deeply rooted pillars of strength, often surviving storms and natural disasters. It takes profound strength to uproot a tree, which is why this symbol represents strength and stability.

• Growth: Trees grow slowly over the course of hundreds of years. From a tiny seed to sapling to fully mature, trees are in a continuous cycle of growth. As humans, we never stop growing but constantly absorb new information and knowledge.

• Rebirth: With each new season, the trees shift and change. In spring, they flourish with leaves and come autumn, they are leafless. Still, trees are resilient and full of life. They grow and adapt with each season, each bringing a new opportunity to change. As humans, we endure the seasons of our lives, just like trees. To turn a new leaf is to embrace change.

• Family: Trees represent a connection, so it’s no surprise that we use a family tree to connect our heritage and ancestry. With each new branch representing a new life. The circle represents a continuation of ancestry, a cycle of birth and life.

• Tranquillity: Nature is a tranquil haven. Ever pack a picnic and enjoy it under the shade of a large tree? Trees provide shelter, peace and tranquillity and evoke feelings of calm and serenity.