The tree of life is often found in jewelry and cultures. From necklaces to rings, you get to see the symbol everywhere. But why is this tree of life so wildly popular?
The Tree of life is an ancient symbol that has also been used for centuries. The symbol can take various forms, but its most famous form is a tree with a circle around it. The roots and branches of the tree grow in opposite directions. Often exactly in symmetry. This symmetry indicates equilibrium. The tree represents the Tao yin and yang na. The circle around the tree ensures that everything stays in place and there is no chaos. The meaning of the tree? It's subjective (somewhat).
What one first thinks when seeing the tree is knowledge, self-awareness and wisdom. Trees are long-lived sentient beings that are forever peaceful. It is claimed that just touching such a tree can give you insight into yourself. They bring their wisdom to man and also the tree gives the strength it has in it. In ancient cultures these trees were already revered and this has not changed over time.
Which ancient cultures are we talking about? And where exactly does the tree come from? That is unfortunately a question without a concrete answer. There are records from Norse mythology to Egyptian mythology; from the Middle East to Mesoamerica; from Buddhism to Christianity. It is a universal symbol representing different things in different cultures.
But what does the tree really stand for?
Despite the tree being completely open to your own interpretation, there are several recurring themes that the tree symbolizes.
The most common is family, fertility and heritage. The family tree is used as a reference to family history. This is a very good reminder of where you come from. It allows you to look back where it all started. This can promote gratitude and appreciation that makes you feel more complete as a person.
It is a universal and cherished symbol representing different things to different cultures. Here are just some of them:
Ancient Egypt: In ancient Egypt, the Tree of Life symbolizes abundance. The branches represent new possibilities for amassing wealth and opulence. It also represents death, the tree is the central core of the universe, the roots extend to the underworld, and the branches reach to the heavens.
Norse Mythology: The Vikings believed in an immense mythical tree called Yggdrasil. Again, the branches of this tree extend to the sky and the roots reach to other worlds as well. The tree is also said to be home to mythological creatures such as a dragon and a giant eagle. The tribe rises from the Norse spiritual cosmos and represents the center of the universe.
Maya Culture: Like the Norse myths, the Maya believed in a world tree that connected the earth with the heavens and the underworld. On the Mayan tree is a cross that represents the starting point of all creation, the source of the ever-expanding universe.
Taoism: Taoists in China believe that the Tree of Life symbolizes immortality. In Taoist myth, there is a supernatural peach tree that bears fruit once every 3000 years. Anyone who eats this peach becomes immortal. The tree has a dragon at the base and a phoenix at the top.
Buddhism: In Buddhism, the Tree of Life represents wisdom and enlightenment. Buddha received enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and has since become a spiritual symbol associated with immense knowledge. It also represents life and how best to live it.
Legends of Bahrain: There is an actual tree, known as the Tree of Bahrain, which is said to mark the location of the Garden of Eden. The tree is about 429 years old and nobody knows where it gets its water from. Known as a miracle tree in the local area, the tree is located in the middle of the desert, with no viable access to water and nutrients.
Check out Zendro's collection for your spiritual items now!