Tree of Life tapestries have been used as art for centuries. Their rich symbolism and beauty have made them very popular pieces of art from the ancient times, the Italian Renaissance, to the modern day. Here in this article we will describe their significance in history and their artistic value.
What is the meaning of the Tree of Life?
1. The first significant meaning is the Tree of Life reference to the sacred Tree of Life in the garden of Eden.
Also referred to as the “World Tree” this represents the tree which fruit gave immortality to those who ate from it.
Adam and Eve were led into the banishment from the biblical garden of Eden when they ate from the tree of knowledge (another tree in the garden of Eden), as tempted by the Serpent, as it an act which was forbidden. They now knew both good and evil and were banished so that they could not eat from the Tree of Life which would give them immortality.
So the Tree of Life in this case represents the tree that gave powers of immortality.
2. The second is the symbolism of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Many cultures since the ancient Celtic and Druid traditions respected the power of nature and the fact that there is some sort of spiritual connection between living things. This has been symbolized by the tree of life and its branches extending out and roots penetrating into the earth symbolized this connection.
In modern age spirituality, this concept of connection is very similar.
The tree is used as the symbol as it is a powerful and stable structure in nature which supports many life forms in and around of itself, such as the relationship between the earth and soil and the tree, and between the tree and the animals that it supplies food and shelter for.
3. The third is the connection between heaven and earth.
In many cultures and traditions, the Tree of Life symbolizes this connection.
The branches reaching heaven, and the roots reaching the earth, it is a conduit between the heavenly realms and life on earth. This refers to the fact that in life that there is a spiritual element that is always present and not just the earthly ones. The tree in this case links the upper and lower levels.
It is again an ancient and modern day spiritual principle that implies that life is on multiple levels.
So as you can see, there are a few powerful and interrelated meanings of the Tree of Life.
Tree of Life tapestries have been created by William Morris in the Pre-Raphaelite era, contemporary artists such as Belgian artist Gustav Klimt as well as Celtic modern artists. The tree is both a biblical reference as well as a cultural reference that comes from a diverse range of cultures and beliefs.
The fascination with this symbol from history as well as spiritual traditions has continued and will continue as the spiritual realm of life is an ever present topic that will always be relevant.