The tree of life has a great relevance in all the cultures of the world, and each one gives it a certain meaning based on their beliefs. Some believe it represents the cycle of life and the origin of everything, while others see it as a symbol of wisdom, hope, and love. What there is no doubt is that it has a great popular influence and represents the essence of existence, transmitting a very positive vision and great strength.
Generally speaking, the tree of life is the best illustration of what the cycle of life means . The roots of the tree are very deep, and represent the birth. The trunk refers to personal growth and development. And finally, the branches that branch off in all directions symbolize the different decisions that are made on the path of life, each of which leads down a certain path.
It is not known for sure what its origin is and there are different theories about it, but the most accepted of all is the one that indicates that it arose in the year 3000 BC . There are engravings, paintings and sculptures that prove it. Since then it has been part of many religions, civilizations and cultures, such as the Christian or the Celtic.
Tree of life and religion
Different religions have given the tree of life their own meaning throughout history. In the case of the Catholic religion , it is reflected in the book of Genesis, in the Bible. It refers to the beginning of the human race, the time when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden. They were forbidden to taste the fruit of the tree as it would bring eternal life and immortality to whoever tasted it.
In the case of Judaism , the meaning of the tree is very similar, although this religion believes that it represents the connection between heaven and earth. The deep roots is where the man is, and as the trunk grows and the branches branch towards the neck, he is closer to God.
In the Jewish religion the tree of life has a total of 10 nodes connected to each other, which represents the harmony of peace in the world. A meaning that is reflected in ancient Kabbalah and that was reinterpreted by many other religions, such as the Christian one. For the Jews, this tree symbolizes that there is a highly complex formula from the earthly to the divine.
Meaning of the tree of life in Celtic and Norse cultures
For the Celts, trees were the most important elements in the universe since they gave them wood for fire and fruits for food and protected them from cold and rain . They considered that they were symbols of life since they had the ability to communicate with the environment: with the earth through the roots, with the sky through the branches and with the outside world through the trunk.
In Norse culture, the tree of life had a pagan meaning . They considered it to be an infinite being, without beginning or end. The energy between him moved up and down, and for this reason eating the fruits of a tree was considered the best way to stay young.
Spiritual growth
There are many cultures that give it a magical meaning that is based on the connection of life and soul . The branches that branch and rise to the sky represent both the spiritual and physical level of people’s lives, as well as wisdom and knowledge.
In some way, the tree refers to the connection that exists between living beings and the natural environment . They are never alone and they establish very strong roots so that the tree is big and they have a good life.
Symbol
Beyond its relationship with personal growth and religion, the symbol of the tree of life exists in all cultures of the world , although each one gives it a different meaning. The symbol is very visual and has a deep meaning, which represents the very essence of existence and conveys a lot of positivism and strength.
It illustrates the cycle of life itself, just as its name suggests. The deep roots of the tree represent the birth , the beginning of the existence of all living beings. The trunk is the symbol of life, which grows towards the sky. And finally, the branches, which branch off in all directions and show the decisions and paths that are taken in life.
