Although the symbol of the tree of life is very ancient, we can see that it is appearing more frequently in our daily lives. Whether in the form of jewellery, tattoos or iconographic representations, the symbol of the tree of life is appearing more and more in our societies. The resurgence of this symbol may be linked to environmental concerns that are increasingly becoming part of our daily lives. However, the popularity of this symbol also stems from the fact that the tree has always been, and remains, one of nature’s most impressive creations in the eyes of our human minds, which are constantly searching for meaning.

In this article, we will discuss this ancient symbol, the particular role it played in medieval iconography, and finally the meaning we ascribe to it today.

The Tree of Life: an ancient symbol

Whether in the representations of numerous civilisations or in the Bible, the Tree of Life is an archetype that has been present since prehistoric times.

The Tree of Life in the Bible

As early as Genesis, the Tree of Life appears in the Garden of Eden. It is situated next to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Tree of Life is a gift from God: it is associated with God’s love and protection. It will provide food and shelter for Adam and Eve.

As the first man and woman chose to taste the fruit of the tree of knowledge, the Lord expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden in order to protect the tree of life. This tree would have granted them eternal life. This is now impossible, as mankind has come to know evil.

The tree of life also features in the writings of the Book of Revelation: in these texts, the tree is described as a tree of abundance, the ultimate reward found in God’s paradise.

The special case of the Tree of Jesse

The Tree of Jesse is quite distinct from the Tree of Life; however, iconographically, it is depicted in the same way as the Tree of Life.

In the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, we find a long genealogy of Christ spanning several dozen generations. The representation of this lineage naturally took the form of a tree. We therefore find the Tree of Jesse in numerous Christian depictions.

The Tree of Life in World Cultures

Is it any wonder that the Tree of Life is not merely a Christian symbol?

This fascinating being, living yet seemingly unchanging, forms the link between heaven and earth. It towers over humankind, nourishes and protects it, and has always enabled people to make the tools necessary for their survival.

Whether in depictions from Assyrian, Egyptian, Mayan or even Celtic civilisations, the tree of life is, depending on the culture, the pillar of the world, the central axis uniting heaven and earth, or even the world tree. From its roots to the tips of its highest leaves, the tree, by its very nature, speaks to humankind, ever in search of meaning and symbols.

As the pillar of the world, the Egyptian world tree supports the celestial vault with its branches.
The Maya, a pre-Columbian civilisation, also depicted the world tree connecting heaven, earth and the underworld. According to the Maya, this tree began to grow at the moment of the world’s creation. The world emerged from the tree in four directions: north, south, east and west. On the Mayan Tree of Life, a cross can be seen in the centre, representing the source of all creation.
In the Kabbalah of the Jewish religion, the Tree of Life is associated with symbolism that is both very powerful and complex.
Among the Celts, it is known as the World Tree; for them, every tree is the ancestor of a human being. It is the most powerful representation of the forces of nature and the harmony that unites them.

The Tree of Life Cross in the Middle Ages

Symbolism in the Romanesque period: an ideal medium for depicting the Tree of Life/a>Symbolism in the Romanesque period: an ideal medium for depicting the Tree of Life

Who hasn’t gazed upon the tympanum of a Romanesque church or a medieval miniature from a parchment manuscript? All the mysterious details depicted by the illuminators and sculptors of the time are sometimes truly fascinating.

Largely inspired by the Benedictines, symbolism in the Middle Ages (and even more so in the Romanesque period) was intended to communicate with the illiterate masses. Even today, we find ourselves puzzling over the strange bestiary of these animals carved in stone. These chimeras and strange figures were always accompanied by plant motifs.

It is in this context that we see an increasing number of representations of the tree-of-life cross in our churches.

The wood of the cross

The wood of the cross used by the Romans for crucifixions was a despised wood. It was not a fine timber but a common variety, usually pine. It was not a tree that bore fruit; it was a tree of death, since men were bound to it to die. The wood of the crucifixions was barren rather than life-giving. The Resurrection restores the wood of the cross to its full nobility.

The concept of the cross as the tree of life

After Adam and Eve had tasted the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the tree of life was forbidden to them. This explains humanity’s distress. The cross of the crucifixion, through its wood and its verticality, restores the link between earth and heaven, between humankind and God. It is this idea that is conveyed by the representation of the cross-tree of life, frequently found in Romanesque churches between the 11th and 13th centuries.

The Holy Cross of Jesus is the new tree of life that forms the link between heaven and earth. This is why, in the Middle Ages, we see so many depictions of this cross of Christ adorned with vegetation and all manner of plant-like additions.

This new representation invites us, finally, to be ourselves trees bearing fruit, transmitting a rich life that nourishes both ourselves and our community.

Subsequently, from the 13th to the 20th century, there was a return to images far more representative of the crucifixion of Jesus. The transition from the tree-of-life cross to the crucifix depicting Jesus in pain, suffering and bearing the sins of humanity took precedence over the cross as a symbol of life and the bonds between humankind and God.

The return of the tree of life symbol

The tree as a symbol in our lives

Nowadays, the tree of life is regaining its meaning: that of a symbol of rebirth, of a departure or a new beginning, of opening up to a new life.

Let us simply consider the Christmas tree that accompanies us every year. For earlier civilisations such as the Celts or the Greeks, it was associated with hope, new life and fertility. The symbol of the Christmas tree on 24 December, the winter solstice, takes on its full meaning with the hope of a rebirth for the new year.

Finally, we cannot remain indifferent today to all the environmental issues that concern our society and cause us anxiety. One of the solutions proposed by scientists to combat global warming is to plant more trees in order to purify our planet’s air.

Why give a tree of life?

As we have seen, the tree of life transcends the ages. It has always held symbolic and universal significance. It is a source of elevation and growth on both a spiritual and physical level. It symbolises protection, rebirth and eternal life.

It is for these very specific reasons that a tree of life, whether in the form of jewellery or an artwork, makes an ideal gift for a christening, a communion, a confirmation or any symbolic moment in the life of a loved one.

Prayer on the Tree of Life

Lord, we thank you for your creation, for the tree of life which symbolises life, growth and nourishment.

We thank you for the life that flows from you, for the life you give to all things.

We pray that this tree of life may be a reminder to us of your presence in all things, so that we may be nourished by your presence in our daily lives.

Help us to be attentive to the signs of your presence in our lives, so that we may live in harmony with your creation.

We pray that we may be guardians of your creation, that we may care for the earth and all the living creatures that inhabit it.

We entrust to you all those in need, that they may be nourished physically and spiritually by your presence.

Amen

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