Tree of Life has ancient roots

By Rosemarie Stadnyk Battlefords Art Club

The Tree of Life is a symbol consistent with many ancient and modern cultures. The Tree of Life represents the connection of everything in the universe. The roots of the tree spread into the earth, thus receiving nourishment from Mother Earth. The branches reach to the sky and receive energy from the sun and moon. The tree represents protection, strength, growth and beauty. Trees grow upward and outward representing how a person increases in skills and knowledge as they grow.

Ancient cultures including the Vikings, ancient Egyptians, Celts, Native Americans, Jewish mystics, Chinese, African and Mayan cultures all have mythology and symbolism related to the

Festival Fanfare

Tree of Life. The Egyptian Tree of Life dates back to 3150 BC or earlier. Carvings of the design were found in Northern England dating to the Bronze Age. The ancient Celts always left a single tree in their settlement when they cleared the land. This tree provided warmth, protection, shelter and food. It thus became known as the “Tree of Life.”

Gustav Klimt completed his famous Tree of Life mural in 1909. The branches twist, twirl and turn to show the complexity of life. The branches reach to the sky and the roots dig deep into the soil representing the connection between heaven and Earth.

Today’s artists use the Tree of Life symbol in tattoos, paintings, jewellery, pendants, mosaics, carvings and installations.