In the mythology of different peoples and in religious traditions there are many symbols characterizing the connection of God with earthly people, the fictional world with the present. Thus, the tree of life is one of such elements that characterize the development of life, the veneration of traditions and family values , observance of the commandments. For different peoples, the vision of this symbol may be different.
What does the tree of life mean?
It is considered that the tree of life is a kind of mythical symbol denoting the connection between man, God, earth and sky. It carries a deep meaning, which not everyone can understand. Here are some interpretations of the tree of life - as a symbol of human essence:
- It can symbolize a person's life - from birth and development, to death.
- The Tree of Life connects Paradise, Hell and the everyday life of people.
- Can serve as a symbol of the spiritual development of man .
- Fruits and leaves on the tree can have special significance, for example, symbolize health.
- As a rule, the tree is depicted with dense roots and crown, which gives it a massive, full-bodied, healthy appearance - it is a symbol of such a state of the people, and branched roots are a sign of a deep connection with religion, a solid foundation and a foundation for further development.
The symbol in question is present in almost all religions. What does the tree of life look like for each of them? In the form of natural wood or schematically - in the form of blocks directed from one to the other. The filling of this concept will be slightly different, but its essence and significance for the believing person, irrespective of religion, will be similar.
The Tree of Life in the Bible
In the Book of Genesis, the tree of life in Eden was a tree that was planted by God. It grew in the Garden of Eden dress with a tree of knowledge of good and evil. The taste of its fruits provided eternal life. The first people on earth - Eve, Adam, God forbade to eat the fruits of the tree of knowledge, violating this prohibition, they were expelled from paradise, ceased to use the gifts of the tree of life, thereby depriving themselves of eternal life.
Also in the Bible, the tree of life symbolizes the following concepts:
- the presence of God;
- the help of God;
- laconic;
- the wisdom of man;
- observance of commandments and church traditions.
The Tree of Life in Islam
In the Muslim religion there is a similar symbol - Zakkum - a tree growing in the middle of Hell, the fruits of which hungry sinful people are forced to feed. What is the tree of life in this case? Perhaps it is a symbol of reckoning for the rejection of his God and sinful deeds. As a punishment for sinners awaits an abominable, fetid tree, the fruits of which will destroy the human body. At the same time, people will not be left feeling hungry, which will force them to use Zakkum as a permanent source of food. This will be a kind of punishment for disobedience to religion and traditions.
The Tree of Life - Kabbalah
Kabbalah is a religious-mystical teaching in Judaism. In the form of the totality of the ten Sefirot - the basic concepts of this current - the kabbalistic tree of life looks like. Sephiroth are considered as a single whole, which represents the activity of God, and each individual component of the tree will be the symbol of the manifestation of the divine principle.
In this tree of life, the following parts are distinguished:
- the middle pillar is a symbol of tenderness and balance;
- the left pillar is austerity;
- the right pillar is mercy.
Often the middle pillar symbolizes the short journey of a hermit who has renounced worldly life. For the worldly way, the passage of all the 10 Sefirot is assumed. In the tree of life of Kabbalah, the difference is light and darkness, feminine and masculine. If we consider each sephiroth, then above it will be located female characteristics, and below - the male.
Tree of Life - Mythology
As a rule, the tree of life in mythology is a symbol of life, its fullness. Often it is the opposite of the image of death. In the mythological narratives, the life cycle is represented from the moment of birth to the maximum development, so you can compare this process with the development of the tree - from planting it, gradually strengthening the root system, developing the crown before the flowering period and the appearance of fruits.
The Tree of Life of the Slavs
Slavic pagans have a tradition - before the advent of land on Earth there was an endless sea, in the middle of which stood two trees. On them were sitting pigeons, which at some point in time dived into the water and took stones and sand from the bottom. These components became the basis for the earth, sky, sun and moon in the middle of the sea.
Perhaps, according to this legend, the Slavic tree of life became a symbol of the creation of the world and its peculiar center. This image is often found in folk art. The tree of life in Slavic mythology is sometimes represented in the form of a large tree, whose roots reach the deepest layers of the earth, and its branches reach the sky and symbolize the flow of time and the surrounding space.
Tree of Life for Scandinavians
In the form of massive ash, the Scandinavian tree of life is represented - the World Tree or Yggdrasil. Its distinctive features and symbols:
- Its branches touch the sky. The highest of its shadow is protected by the abode of the Gods.
- The tree of life has a lush crown, which protects all who are under it.
- He has three roots, which are lowered into the underworld, and then diverge to the realm of people, or to the monastery of giants.
- According to the Scandinavian narrative, the three sisters - Present, Past, Future, water the tree with the water of the source of Urd's life every day, so it is bright green and fresh.
- As a rule, the Gods are gathered near the tree of Yggdrasil for the solution of the most important questions, and on its branches lives the wisest eagle
- Against any test, the tree gives life to the universe and shelter for those who survived.
Celtic Tree of Life
During the reign of the Celts, there was a certain tradition. As soon as their tribe occupied a new territory, it chose the tree of life of the Celts. Such a large tree, in the center of the settlement, was a symbol of the unity of the tribe. Near him, the future leaders assumed supreme power by receiving permission from above.
In general, the Celtic people esteemed trees and took them for a connecting element between heaven and earth:
- earth is the physical symbol of the world;
- The sun in the sky is the ruling ruler;
- trees - a symbol of wisdom, the transfer of energy from the sun and its connection with the earth's surface.
Since ancient times the tree of life is the personification of life, faith in God, the connection of earth and sky. In the form of a tree, family generations are represented, which symbolizes strong traditions and ties in the family. This symbol is found in the religious views and mythologies of many countries - China, Scandinavian and Eastern regions. Understanding its essence will be useful for the development of man's spiritual life.