Under ancient Irish law (Brehon Law), Irish people ensured that trees were well protected and any vandalism would result in a hefty retribution payment to the owner of the tree. In addition to being physical resources, the Celtic beliefs also identified trees as having significant spiritual significance. Trees were a vital resource and provided food, medicine, timber. The life Celtic people experienced revolved around the natural world. In order to fully understand the meaning behind the Celtic Tree of Life, it is worth knowing how important trees were in Celtic culture in general. ( Photos via Canva: Left: Holly (Photo: © AlbertMi), Center: Hazel (Photo: © LianeM), Yew (Photo: © 153photostudio)) The Importance of Trees in Celtic Culture Holly, hazel and yew were some of the other scared trees in Celtic culture. It is quite possible that the concept of Yggdrasil, the sacred ash tree at the center of the Norse spiritual Cosmos that holds together the Nine Worlds, is the inspiration behind the Celtic symbol Tree of Life. However, it is probably Norse culture that was the most influential for the Celtic Tree of Life. In Christianity, a tree also forms a central role in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Immortality is granted to anyone who eats the magical peach fruit that is produced once every 3000 years. In pre-Islamic Persian mythology the Gaokerena (or white Haoma) world tree is responsible for producing all seeds.Ĭhinese mythology also incorporates the Tree of Life in a Taoist story.Ī dragon lies at the base of the tree while a phoenix is at the top. Other cultures also saw the Tree of Life as central to their beliefs. Some of the earliest examples to support the Tree of Life origin date back to carvings from Ancient Mesopotamia. It is clear that the ancient Celts were neither the first, nor the only ones to hold this symbol in high regard. The Tree of Life symbol can be found recurring in many cultures and religions across the globe. Origin of the Tree of Life The Tree of Life is a recurring image that is found in many cultures around the world. You will find more information about Celtic Symbols, Celtic Knots and Native Irish Trees on our website. It is a good idea to be critical of what you read. Some of it is fact or scholarly interpretations, but unfortunately a lot is also fiction. More recently, the Celtic Tree of Life tattoo has also become a sought after Celtic symbol design.īeyond the aesthetically appealing appearance of this Celtic symbol lies a much deeper meaning that can be traced back thousands of years.Īs a short note, please be aware that there is a lot of information about the Celtic symbol Tree of Life online. This popular design is frequently incorporated into pendants, wedding rings and other silver and gold celtic jewelry. The Celtic Tree of Life, also known as the Celtic World Tree, Irish Tree of Life or Crann Bethadh in Irish, is a Celtic symbol that depicts an oak tree with upward reaching branches with a network of roots that is usually connected by an interwoven Celtic knot pattern. 3 The Importance of Trees in Celtic Culture.Waterville: The Complete Charlie Chaplin Guide.Top 10 Irish American Presidents with Irish Roots.
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