The concept of a many-branched tree illustrating the idea that all life on earth is related has been used in science, religion, philosophy, mythology and other areas. A tree of life is variously: a mystical concept alluding to the interconnectedness of all life on our planet, a metaphor for common descent in the evolutionary sense, and a motif in various world theologies, mythologies and philosophies. The Tree of Life is a Universal symbol found in many spiritual traditions around the world. It symbolizes life itself, with it’s branches reaching for the Heavens “Father Sky” and it’s buried roots, linking to “Mother Earth”. Many ancient mythical stories come from the idea that all living beings are born from the earth; the source of life and sustenance for all. Legends say that The Sacred Dove sits in the branches of the Tree of Life and appears with the fruit of the tree and the waters of life. The tree has become a symbol of love, wisdom, rebirth, strength, redemption, friendship, bounty and encouragement. When the Fathers of the Christian Church in AD 340 decided upon an exact date to celebrate Christ’s birth event, they wisely chose the day of the Pagan Winter Solstice, which was already firmly fixed in the minds of the people. Pagans had considered the “World Tree” or the “Tree of Life” as a symbol of life and their universe for thousands of years. It was only natural to continue to use a tree as a symbol for the birth and re-birth of Christ. In the early seventeenth century, Germans began bringing these trees indoors at Christmas and decorating them with candles. The end result today is that we see these trees all over the world, used in a festive spirit of peace and joy, and we still place a star or an Angel on top, much as the Ancients did over 5000 years ago.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 08:13:41 +0000
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