Where Does The Tree Of Life Come From?
Knowing what the Tree Of Life is and where it comes from will depend heavily upon what culture and region you are from. Yet they are all rooted to a common theme. It is this theme which ultimately unites this icon and cements it firmly as a symbol within art.
At times historical references may vary, and one will find there may be none at all. Nevertheless the uniqueness presented through art across cultures makes this imagery beautiful.
When one looks across the many depictions given, how we have viewed this tree has ranged widely. Yet each set of imagery carries with it common threads. To know its meaning we can look to the similar themes found within the sources across history.
Tree Of Life In The Bible
Most notably in the West one will find the source of the Tree of Life founded in Biblical Scriptures. In Genesis chapters 2 and 3 it is part of the story which is interwoven with the Tree of Good and Evil. The Tree of Life can also be found in Revelation 22:2. The Bible states that the tree is alive and well and one day will be seen again.
While unknown for certain, it could be this influence from Genesis which allowed for the imagery to spread across early European cultures. Here historical sources to the imagery are vague at best if not completely lost to time as you will soon see.
Assumed Influence From Assyria
Within ancient Mesopotamia there have been depictions found within Assyrian palace reliefs. These depictions are images of nodes and criss crossing lines which intersect. Modern influence has termed this art as the tree of life. Despite this association there is no archaeological finding to this name.
It would appear that this imagery within the palace is for some other significance. No historical writing from the Assyrians ever mention it being a tree nor pertaining to any meaning often ascribed to the symbolism.
It would be interesting to know for certain where this imagery comes from and its archaeological associations. If it is tied to the Tree of Life there may be a significant story behind how it came to be where it is.
Ancient Persia
Avestan literature gives way to mythology pertaining to sacred vegetal icons which are related to life. Amesha Spenta is said to be a goddess of trees and immortality. The Gaokerena is a tree which would be the depiction for the Tree of Life. It is said that it gives life throughout the universe.
In this mythology a story unfolds where good and evil are at odds. As evil threatens to take life the good stands guard to protect. Here is more of a story within the balance of forces in the world, yet good ultimately prevails in that life continues.
Within the imagery of the story frogs are sent to destroy the tree. Fish are then given to guard this Gaokerena. They act as opposing forces while life continues to move forward.
Buddhism
The Bo tree has often been attributed as being the Tree of Life. It is said that this is where Buddha sat and attained enlightenment. I find this story interesting as here knowledge is being compared to life.
Based upon the story it may seem better attributed to the Tree of Knowledge than that of Life. Nevertheless my depth within this particular culture is limited. Yet this shows how extensive the imagery and symbolic meaning has continued through time.
If my memory serves me correctly the Bo tree was a kind of fig tree. Here it would seem that the story is representative of an actual place, person, and event rather than mere mythology as others. Spiritual meaning has been given through art to present its depth.
Chinese Mythology
There is no doubt we can count on ancient Chinese Mythology to share an interesting representation through symbols and art. When you look at Chinese culture you are almost always guaranteed that there will be a dragon involved. Within art they are amazing images in representation.
These beliefs state that a tree will produce a peach of immortality every three thousand years. Anyone who eats this peach will become immortal.
The imagery used in depicting this tree is very interesting. The Tree of Life is used as imagery in conjunction with a Phoenix and a Dragon. It is the Dragon which represents most often the aspects of immortality.
European Mythology
Here is a colorful story through the claim of a former alchemist in the early 1700’s. As the story is told, a man by the name of Joseph Pernety managed to identify the Tree of Life through an elixir. The elixir’s name was the “Elixir of Life”.
More substantially the Tree of Life does have strong European roots yet its origins are not as clear as some would assume. It has been said that the source for the Norse Yggdrasil came from broader influences.
In the book “Eden in the East” published in 1998, it is said that a tree worshiping religion from Indonesia was the original source for the tree. The claim is made by associating language and other mythology. I highly doubt that the Norse would have agreed to this thinking.
Celtic influences also have their variation. Here too knowing the original source behind this Tree of Life is difficult to find. So much from these cultures were traditional oral stories that are now lost to history.
Despite this what can be seen from Nordic culture and Celtic alike share many similarities in art. The result of historical blending of cultures from conquest have given beautiful depictions in artwork for the Tree of Life. These are the most common to find in Western culture within art.
Hebrew Sources
Within Jewish culture the story surrounding the Tree of Life reaches back as far as their memory in time. Closely associated with that of Christianity there are minor differences. Most noted in difference is where Christians accept New Testament depictions from Revelation.
The Hebrew word for the Tree of Life is Etz Chaim. Their use of the word also extends in context to represent their synagogues and yeshivas and is used commonly.
A spin off from traditional Hebrew teaching is the mysticism found within the Kabbalah. Here the Tree of Life is symbolic to different worlds or planes of existence. Within these worlds angels reside over the purpose and influence designed for that world.
Meso American Cultures
In Pre-Columbian Meso-american culture we also can find symbolic reference and meaning to the Tree of Life. While the literal translation in word does not mean the same in terms, the imagery is what is often associated due to meaning.
Depending on which culture one looks to the story has a slight variation. Yet the Aztec, Maya, Olmec, and others share these traditions in mythology. The word used is World Trees. In concept the central world tree connected both the underworld and the sky to the terrestrial living world.
The Ceiba tree was used in this imagery for the Maya. Nevertheless all living things were connected through this World Tree concept. Within art the depictions are often of the tree as its roots extending deep into the Earth or the water. If it resides over a water monster then the monster is an art symbol to the underworld.
Tree Of Life In Art
While some cultures may not directly reference the Tree of Life through their language as others do, the symbolic meaning in art can be quite similar. Just as the Maya would depict the roots extending into the earth representing the underworld, the Celtic and Nordic traditions had their variation.
Within the Celt and Nordic art you will find the branches which reach to the sky above. Below the tree there will often be intricate knots or curls representing the roots as they reach deep into the earth. Artistic representation in similarity is due to similar associations in beliefs.
Of the many depictions one stands out more than others. Protestant Christianity actually has no formal depiction for the Tree of Life. Certainly there have been those who have associated it within art yet it is not a proper recognized figure within depictions of art.
Catholics on the other hand have had numerous works which have associated the Tree of Life within art. If one looks closely and notices, you will find in some works a similarity between its depiction in imagery to that of Celtic or Nordic tradition. Note this is not true in all cases.
The Tree of Life has become an iconic art symbol across cultures throughout history. While at times we cannot trace its origin within a specific society, its presence cannot be missed. With this the importance in meaning to the people of those times was significant in their belief systems.
Common Associations In Meaning Within The Tree
While each culture can have their own detailed definition or meaning we will look at the most common associations. Among them is the very meaning of life which the tree stands for. However this is applied from religion, mythology, or historical reference, its purpose is surrounding life.
Within many cultures this life extends beyond the terrestrial existence we know on this Earth. The tree speaks to a life beyond this world into another life after our deaths. This is commonly seen through the roots of the tree. It is in part why the Maya looked to the underworld as the gateway to this other world.
There are differences in meaning to some belief systems. The Chinese use different symbols depicting life as earlier stated with the Phoenix and Dragon. Yet the fruit being what gives eternal life from this tree is more closely associated to that of Christian beliefs.
In Genesis and Revelation the fruit of the tree is what would give life. In Revelation it goes further in that there are 12 different fruits that only believers can partake in. Reaching beyond this the leafs from the tree have healing qualities that can be used.
Common Uses In Art Media
Of the most common media to find the Tree of Life within art can be jewelry, wood carvings, painting, and glass art. It has even been used as a print on tshirts. Nevertheless one can find common representations in home decor at places such as Hobby Lobby.
While these home decorations may not be as ornate as the historical art representations, its source and foundations in art are clear. It has taken the world as an icon to a deeper meaning.
Within my wood art I have two common representations which I have made at times. Both are slight variations from both Celtic and Nordic traditions. In my opinion they are the most beautiful.
Carving the Tree of Life into wood is a natural subject within art that fits perfectly. The symbolic meaning fits the medium irrespective of what culture one may come from. There are few representations which go together so perfectly as this.
Additionally I have used the this tree in box art. The keepsake boxes which I have made have a similar representation carved into the wood. Again it is a beautiful addition which stands out naturally to the work.
Future Of This Icon
The Tree of Life has been around for as long as our memories and history can record. Its meaning and depth is so embedded within various cultures and belief systems that it will forever remain. Yet its popularity may ride with the tide of influence by attention, its survival as an icon will not change.
As I say this I have noticed some variations which are being applied from our modern arts. We are taking this icon as others have in history and adding to it our touch for the future. Its representation may change with time yet this is not a bad thing.
As a wood artist it will always remain as one of my favorite pieces to create and explore other opportunities in creation.