The
Tree
With roots that
plunge deep into the heart of the earth, trunks that grow larger than
our arms can circle, and branches that soar into the sky, the tree is
one of humanity's most universal symbols. Some trees' leaves fall away
in autumn and then magically reappear in the spring, listening to rhythms
that are mysterious to us but natural to them. Sometimes they stay eternally
green, and demonstrate that life can continue despite the harshest of
conditions. They often grow to ages that no human being could ever hope
to meet, and to heights that no other living creature can attain. For
all of these reasons, trees are natural recipients of our respect, and
are undeniable representations of a force that is larger than ourselves.
The tree of life--or
arbor vitae--is highly significant in most world cultures. Sacred
trees are found among virtually all ancient peoples, including those
in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Northern and Eastern Europe, Greece,
Persia, and the Middle East. In mythology, the tree has dual significance
as the cosmic tree and the world axis. Connected to the underworld by
its roots, to the world of man by its trunk, and to the heavens by its
branches, the World Tree is a symbol of all cosmic relationships and
is the axis upon which the world turns.
Some mythologies
feature trees found in nature and some present more idealized versions
of tree symbology. One example of a "natural" tree is Yggdrasil, the
World Ash. The Scandinavians believed that Yggdrasil represented all
of creation. Its trunk was the axis of the world, under its roots bubbled
the rivers which were the waters of wisdom, and various birds and spirits
lived in its branches. Other examples of "natural" symbolic trees are
the thirteen sacred trees of the Celts, and the holy sycamore tree worshiped
by the ancient Egyptians.
Stylized trees
are often shown as having their branches dividing and joining again,
indicating manifestations of unity, diversity, and unity again. The
Muslim tree of life depicts the ascent and salvation of man, and is
often represented on prayer rugs. The Slavic World Tree represents the
interconnectedness of life, and its pattern is woven into textiles for
clothing and home use. The Jewish tree of life is the basis of the mystic
tradition of the Kabbalah, and is represented as an inverted tree.
The arbor
vitae (tree of life) is a key symbol of mid-spring celebrations
in many societies. One of the most enduring examples of this in Western
culture is the maypole. Although the maypole and its special dance has
been present since Greek and Roman times, it is far more than a powerful
fertility symbol. It also represents the earthly section of the World
Tree which serves as the axis of the earth. The dance around it helps
keep the world spinning on its axis, and allows man to communicate through
the rest of the cosmic tree to both the Underworld and the Heavens.
Remember as you
dance around the maypole, sit beneath some branches on a warm spring
day, or merely gaze at a tree for a while, that the Tree of Life is
many things. Just as a tree reaches down into the depths to draw water
ever higher to nourish the fruits and leaves at its crown, so must we
delve into our deepest selves to allow ourselves to reach the height
of our possibilities. In the World Tree we see a patient tutor in the
mysteries of the universe, the axis around which the cosmos turns, and
most of all, a symbol of humanity's continual search for perfection.
Sources may include:
Becker, Udo, ed. The Continuum Encyclopedia of Symbols. Continuum,
NY 1994
Beiderman, Hans, trans. James Hulbert. The Dictionary of Symbolism:
Cultural Icons and the Meanings Behind Them. Facts on File, NY 1992
Bruce-Mitford, Miranda., The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols:
Thousands of Signs and Symbols from Around the World.
DK Publishing, NY 1996
Gibson, Claire. Goddess Symbols: Universal
Signs of the Divine Female. Barnes & Noble, NY 1998
-----------------. Signs & Symbols:
An Illustrated Guide to Their Meaning and Origins. Barnes &
Noble, NY 1996
1997-2001 by Regina M. Raab
This page created: 21 February 2000
This page last updated: 18 February 2001
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