Tree of life
The tree of life is a fundamental
Religion and mythology
Various trees of life are recounted in folklore, culture and fiction, often relating to immortality or fertility. They had their origin in religious symbolism. According to professor Elvyra Usačiovaitė, a "typical" imagery preserved in ancient iconography is that of two symmetrical figures facing each other, with a tree standing in the middle. The two characters may variously represent rulers, gods, and even a deity and a human follower.[4]
Ancient Mesopotamia
The
The Epic of Gilgamesh is a similar quest for immortality. In Babylonian religion, Etana, the King of Kish, searched for a 'plant of birth' to provide him with a son. This has a solid provenance of antiquity, being found in cylinder seals from the Akkadian Empire (2390–2249 BCE).
Urartu
In Urartu in the Armenian highlands, the tree of life was a religious symbol and was drawn on walls of fortresses and carved on the armor of warriors. The branches of the tree were equally divided on the right and left sides of the stem, with each branch having one leaf, and one leaf on the apex of the tree. Servants stood on each side of the tree with one of their hands up as if they are taking care of the tree.
Ancient Iran
In the
The Gaokerena is a large, sacred haoma planted by Ahura Mazda. Ahriman created a frog to invade the tree and destroy it, aiming to prevent all trees from growing on the earth. As a reaction, Ahura Mazda created two kar-fish staring at the frog to guard the tree. The two fish are always staring at the frog and stay ready to react to it. Ahriman is responsible for all evil including death; Ahura Mazda is responsible for all good (including life).
Haoma is another sacred plant due to the drink made from it. The preparation of the drink from the plant by pounding and the drinking of it are central features of Zoroastrian ritual. Haoma is also personified as a divinity. It bestows essential vital qualities—health, fertility, husbands for maidens, even immortality. The source of the earthly haoma plant is a shining white tree that grows on a paradisiacal mountain. Sprigs of this white haoma were brought to earth by divine birds. The tree is considerably diverse.
Haoma is the Avestan form of the Sanskrit
Another related issue in ancient mythology of Iran is the myth of Mashya and Mashyana, two trees that were the ancestors of all living beings. This myth can be considered as a prototype for the creation myth where living beings are created by Gods.
Hinduism
A genre of the sacred books of Hinduism, the Puranas, mention a divine tree called the Kalpavriksha. This divine tree is guarded by gandharvas in the garden of the mythological city of Amaravati under the control of Indra, the king of the devas. In one story, for a very long time, the devas and the asuras decided to churn the milky ocean to obtain amrita, the nectar of immortality, and share it equally. During the churning, along with many other mythical items, emerged the Kalpavriksha. It is described to be gold in colour and bear a mesmeriding aura. It is said to be pleased with chanting and offers: when it is pleased, it grants every wish. Hindu tradition holds that there are five separate kalpavrikshas and each of them grant different types of wishes. These trees also appear in the beliefs of Jainism.[8]
Chinese mythology
In
An
Christianity
The tree of life first appears in Genesis 2:9 and 3:22–24 as the source of eternal life in the Garden of Eden, from which access is revoked when man is driven from the garden. It then reappears in the last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, and most predominantly in the last chapter of that book (Chapter 22) as a part of the new garden of paradise. Access is then no longer forbidden, for those who "wash their robes" (or as the textual variant in the King James Version has it, "they that do his commandments") "have right to the tree of life" (v. 14). A similar statement appears in Rev 2:7, where the tree of life is promised as a reward to those who overcome. Revelation 22 begins with a reference to the "pure river of water of life" which proceeds "out of the throne of God". The river seems to feed two trees of life, one "on either side of the river" which "bear twelve manner of fruits" "and the leaves of the tree were for healing of the nations" (v. 1–2).[9] Alternatively, this may indicate that the tree of life is a vine that grows on both sides of the river, as John 15:1 would hint at.
All these things stood for something other than what they were, but all the same they were themselves bodily realities. And when the narrator mentioned them he was not employing figurative language, but giving an explicit account of things which had a forward reference that was figurative. So then the tree of life also was Christ... and indeed God did not wish the man to live in Paradise without the mysteries of spiritual things being presented to him in bodily form. So then in the other trees he was provided with nourishment, in this one with a sacrament... He is rightly called whatever came before him in order to signify him.[13]
In Eastern Christianity the tree of life is the love of God.[14]
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The tree of life vision is described and discussed in the
The vision is said to symbolize love of Christ and the way to eternal life and is a well known and cited story with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A member of the church reflected that the vision is "one of the richest, most flexible, and far-reaching pieces of symbolic prophecy contained in the standard works [scriptures]."[15]
Nag Hammadi Gnosticism
Different views on the Tree of life can be found in the Nag Hammadi library codices, writings belonging to Gnosticism. In On the Origin of the World, the Tree of Life is said to be located to the north of paradise, providing life to the innocent saints who will come out of their material bodies during what is called the consummation of the age. The color of the tree is described as resembling the Sun, its branches are beautiful, its leaves are similar to that of cypress, and its fruit is like clusters of white grapes. However, in the Secret Book of John, the Tree of Life is portrayed negatively. Its roots are described as bitter, its branches are death, its shadow is hatred, a trap is found in its leaves, its seed is desire, and it blossoms in the darkness.[16]
Manichaeism
In the Gnostic religion Manichaeism, the Tree of Life helped Adam obtain the knowledge (gnosis) necessary for salvation and is identified as an image of Jesus.[17]
Europe
In Greek mythology,
In Dictionnaire Mytho-Hermetique (Paris, 1737),
In Eden in the East (1998), Stephen Oppenheimer suggests that a tree-worshipping culture arose in Indonesia and was diffused by the so-called "Younger Dryas" event of c. 10,900 BCE or 12,900 BP, after which the sea level rose. This culture reached China (Sichuan), then India and the Middle East. Finally the Finno-Ugric strand of this diffusion spread through Russia to Finland where the Norse myth of Yggdrasil took root.
The Celtic god Lugus was associated with the Celtic version of the tree of life.
Georgia
The Borjgali (Georgian: ბორჯღალი) is an ancient Georgian tree of life symbol.
Germanic paganism and Norse mythology
In
The tree of life appears in
Islam
The "Tree of Immortality" (
The tree in Quran is used as an example of a concept, idea, way of life or code of life. A good concept/idea is represented as a good tree and a bad idea/concept is represented as a bad tree[21] Muslims believe that when God created Adam and Eve, he told them that they could enjoy everything in the Garden except this tree (idea, concept, way of life).Satan appeared to them and told them that the only reason God forbade them to eat from that tree was that they would become angels or they start using the idea/concept of Ownership in conjunction with inheritance generations after generations which Iblis convinced Adam to accept[18][22]
When Adam and Eve ate from this tree their nakedness appeared to them and they began to sew together, for their covering, leaves from the Garden.[23]
The hadiths also speak about other trees in heaven.[24]
The tree of life in Islamic architecture is a type of biomorphic pattern found in many artistic traditions. It is considered to be any vegetal pattern with a clear origin or growth. The pattern in al-Azhar Mosque, Cairo's mihrab, a unique Fatimid architectural variation, is a series of two or three leave palmettes with a central palmette of five leaves from which the pattern originates. The growth is upwards and outwards and culminates in a lantern like flower towards the top of the niche above which is a small roundel. The curvature of the niche accentuates the undulating movement which despite its complexity is symmetrical along its vertical axis. The representations of varying palm leaves hints to spiritual growth attained through prayer while the upwards and side wards movement of the leaves speaks to the different motions of the worshiper while in salah.[25]
Ahmadiyya
According to the Indian Ahmadiyya movement founded in 1889, Quranic reference to the tree is symbolic; eating of the forbidden tree signifies that Adam disobeyed God.[26][27]
Jewish sources
The tree of life is mentioned in the
In the Book of Proverbs, the tree of life is associated with wisdom: "[Wisdom] is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy [is every one] that retaineth her."[29] In Proverbs 15:4, the tree of life is associated with calmness: "A soothing tongue is a tree of life; but perverseness therein is a wound to the spirit."[30][31]
In the
The Book of Enoch, generally considered non-canonical, states that in the time of the great judgment, God will give all those whose names are in the Book of Life fruit to eat from the tree of life.[citation needed]
Kabbalah
Jewish
From the Renaissance onwards, Kabbalah became incorporated as tradition in Christian Western esotericism as Hermetic Qabalah.
Mandaeism
Mesoamerica
The concept of world trees is a prevalent motif in the
Depictions of world trees, both in their directional and central aspects, are found in the art and mythological traditions of cultures such as the
The trunk of the tree could also be represented by an upright caiman, whose skin evokes the tree's spiny trunk.[35]
Directional world trees are also associated with the four Year Bearers in
World trees are frequently depicted with birds in their branches, and their roots extending into earth or water, sometimes atop a "water-monster," symbolic of the underworld. The central world tree has also been interpreted as a representation of the band of the Milky Way.[38]
North America
In a myth passed down among the Iroquois, The World on the Turtle's Back, explains the origin of the land in which a tree of life is described. According to the myth, it is found in the heavens, where the first humans lived, until a pregnant woman fell and landed in an endless sea. Saved by a giant turtle from drowning, she formed the world on its back by planting bark taken from the tree.
The tree of life motif is present in the traditional
In the book Black Elk Speaks, Black Elk, an Oglala Lakota (Sioux) wičháša wakȟáŋ (medicine man and holy man), describes his vision in which after dancing around a dying tree that has never bloomed he is transported to the other world (spirit world) where he meets wise elders, 12 men and 12 women. The elders tell Black Elk that they will bring him to meet "Our Father, the two-legged chief" and bring him to the center of a hoop where he sees the tree in full leaf and bloom and the "chief" standing against the tree. Coming out of his trance he hopes to see that the earthly tree has bloomed, but it is dead.[39]
The Oneidas tell that supernatural beings lived in the Skyworld above the waters which covered the earth. This tree was covered with fruits which gave them their light, and they were instructed that no one should cut into the tree otherwise a great punishment would be given. As the woman had pregnancy cravings, she sent her husband to get bark, but he accidentally dug a hole to the other world. After falling through, she came to rest on the turtle's back, and four animals were sent out to find land, which the muskrat finally did.[40]
Serer religion
In
Turkic
The tree of life connects the upper world, middle world and underworld. It is also imagined as the "white creator lord" (yryn-al-tojon),[43] thus synonymous with the creator deity, giving rise to different worlds.
The world tree or tree of life is an important symbol in
Tree of life is known as Ulukayın or Baiterek in Turkic communities. It is a sacred beech tree planted by Kayra Han. Sometimes, it is considered axis mundi.[45]
Baháʼí Faith
The concept of the tree of life appears in the writings of the
"Have ye forgotten that true and radiant morn, when in those hallowed and blessed surroundings ye were all gathered in My presence beneath the shade of the tree of life, which is planted in the all-glorious paradise? Awestruck ye listened as I gave utterance to these three most holy words: O friends! Prefer not your will to Mine, never desire that which I have not desired for you, and approach Me not with lifeless hearts, defiled with worldly desires and cravings. Would ye but sanctify your souls, ye would at this present hour recall that place and those surroundings, and the truth of My utterance should be made evident unto all of you."
Also, in the Tablet of Ahmad of Bahá'u'lláh: "Verily He is the Tree of Life, that bringeth forth the fruits of God, the Exalted, the Powerful, the Great".[48]
Bahá'u'lláh refers to his male descendants as branches (
A distinction has been made between the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The latter represents the physical world with its opposites, such as good and evil and light and dark. In a different context from the one above, the tree of life represents the spiritual realm, where this duality does not exist.[51]
In art and film
Austrian
Alex Proyas' 2009 film Knowing ends with the two young protagonists directed towards the tree of life.[53]
The 2006
The 2021 adventure film Jungle Cruise follows a boat captain (Dwayne Johnson) who takes a scientist (Emily Blunt) on a quest to find the Tree.[55]
Physical "trees of life"
- In West Africa, the South Asian Moringa oleifera tree is regarded as a "tree of life" or "miracle tree" by some because it is arguably the most nutritious source of plant-derived food discovered on the planet.[56] Modern scientists and some missionary groups have considered the plant as a possible solution for the treatment of severe malnutrition[57] and aid for those with HIV/AIDS.[58]
See also
References
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- ^ "World tree | Origins, Symbolism & Meaning | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
- ISBN 978-1575061412. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
- ^ Usačiovaitė, Elvyra (2005), "Gyvybės medžio simbolika Rytuose ir Vakaruose", Kultūrologija (in Lithuanian), vol. 12, Gervelė, pp. 313–318, retrieved 2023-11-11
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- ^ "haoma (Zoroastrianism) – Encyclopædia Britannica". Britannica.com. Retrieved 2013-08-17.
- ^ "HAOMA i. BOTANY – Encyclopaedia Iranica". Iranicaonline.org. Retrieved 2013-08-17.
- ISBN 9788184752779. Entry: "Kalpa-vriksha/kalpa-drum/kalpa-tura"
- ^ The Bible (King James version), The Revelation of St. John, chapter & verses as noted.
- ^ Gheddo, Piero (March 20, 2005). "Pope tells WYD youth: the Cross of Jesus is the real tree of life". AsiaNews.it. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
- ^ "The Tree of Life". Yale University. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
- ^ "The Eucharist as the Fruit of the Tree of Life | Saint Albert the Great". CrossroadsInitiative.com. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
- ^ Augustine, The Literal Meaning of Genesis, VIII, 4, 8 (On Genesis, New City Press, p. 351-353)
- ^ Saint Isaac the Syrian said that "Paradise is the love of God, in which the bliss of all the beatitudes is contained," and that "the tree of life is the love of God" (Homily 72).
- ^ Corbin T. Volluz, "Lehi's Dream of the Tree of Life: Springboard to Prophecy," JBMS 2/2 (1993): 38. – as quoted in Lehi's Vision of the Tree of Life: Understanding the Dream as Visionary Literature, Charles Swift, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, 2005. p. 52–63 – online version at [1]
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- ^ a b Quran 20:120.
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Abu Hurayrah: The Prophet Muhammad said: "In Paradise is a tree in the shade of which the stars course 100 years without cutting it: the Tree of Immortality.
- ISBN 9780415326391.
Unlike the biblical account of Eden, the Qur'an mentions only one special tree in Eden, the Tree of Immortality, from which Adam and Eve were prohibited.
- ^ Quran 14:24.
- ^ Quran 20:120, "But Satan whispered to him, saying, “O Adam! Shall I show you the Tree of Immortality and a kingdom that does not fade away?”"
- ^ Quran 20:121
- ^ Maulana Muhammad Ali (2011) Introduction to the Study of the Holy Qur'an "This in itself gives an indication that it is the well-known tree of evil, for both good and evil are compared to two trees in Quran 14:24-25 and elsewhere. This is further corroborated by the devil's description of it as "the tree of immortality" (Quran 20:120), ..."
- ISSN 2636-414X.
- ^ Khalid, Bilal (2000-02-13). "Quran, Adam and Original Sin". Al Islam. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
- ^ The Holy Quran with English Translation and Commentary Volume 1. Islam International Publications. p. 86. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
- ^ Genesis 3:22–24.
- ^ Proverbs 3:13–18.
- ^ Proverbs 15:4.
- ^ For other direct references to the tree of life in the Jewish biblical canon, see also Proverbs 11:30, 13:12.
- OCLC 1272858968.
- ^ AMNH, "Mexican and Central American Hall, AMNH". Archived from the original on 2008-09-28. Retrieved 2008-04-23., which further cites Butterwick, Kristi (2004) Heritage of Power: Ancient Sculpture from West Mexico, Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- ^ Kappelman
- ^ ISBN 978-0-500-05068-2.
- ^ "What does the Tree of Life mean? | Silver Bubble". silverbubble.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
- ^ Finley, Michael (2003). "Raising the sky: The Maya creation myth and the Milky Way". The Real Maya Prophecies: Astronomy in the Inscriptions and Codices. Maya Astronomy. Archived from the original on 6 January 2007. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
- ISBN 978-0-688-10081-0.
- ^ "Black Elk Speaks". Visions of the Other World. First People of America and Canada – Turtle Island. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
- ^ "Creation Story". Oneida Nation.
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- ^ Dixon-Kennedy, M. (1998). Encyclopedia of Russian & Slavic Myth and Legend. Vereinigtes Königreich: ABC-CLIO. p. 282.
- ^ Gamm, Niki (5 May 2014). "The 'tree of life' - an enduring symbol". Hurriyet Daily News. Retrieved 21 February 2019.
- ^ "The Tree Of Life In Turkic Communities With Its Current Effects". ULUKAYIN. 2021-10-03. Retrieved 2022-05-11.
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- ^ Kazemi, Farshid (2009). Mysteries of Alast: The Realm of Subtle Entities and the Primordial Covenant in the Babi-Bahá'í Writings. Baháʼí Studies Review 15.
- ^ "Tablet of Ahmad". www.bahaiprayers.org.
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- ^ Liya, Sally (2004). The Use of Trees as Symbols in the World Religions in: Solas, 4. Donegal, Ireland. Association for Baháʼí Studies English-Speaking Europe. p. 55.
- ^ Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 122.
- ^ "MassArt Residence Story: This is the house that collaboration built". MASCO: Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization. MASCO, Inc. Retrieved 2013-12-24.
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- ^ "Review: The Fountain". CinemaBlend. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
- ^ Rubin, Rebecca (August 1, 2021). "'Jungle Cruise' Docks With $34 Million in Theaters, $30 Million on Disney Plus". Variety. Archived from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved August 1, 2021.
- ^ "Moringa". Leafforlife.org. 2002-06-03. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
- ^ Weekend Edition Saturday (2000-08-12). "Moringa Oleifera : Malnutrition Fighter". NPR. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
- ^ Burger, D. J.; Fuglie, L.; Herzig, J. W. (12 July 2002). "The possible role of Moringa oleifera in HIV/AIDS supportive treatment". Archived from the original on 1 September 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
Further reading
- Bauks, Michaela. "Sacred Trees in the Garden of Eden and Their Ancient Near Eastern Precursors". In: Journal of Ancient Judaism 3, 3 (2012): 267–301. doi: https://doi.org/10.30965/21967954-00303001.
- Marsella, Elena Maria (1966). The Quest for Eden. New York: ISBN 0802210635.
- McDonald, J. A. (2018). "Influences of Egyptian Lotus Symbolism and Ritualistic Practices on Sacral Tree Worship in the Fertile Crescent from 1500 BCE to 200 CE". In: Religions 9, no. 9: 256. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel9090256.
External links
- tolweb.org – Tree of Life Web Project at tolweb.org
- OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer at onezoom.org
- Trees For Life at treesforlife.org
- Moringa at demoringa.com – Encyclopedia illustrated in Spanish on the Moringa
- [2] The Ilanot Project. Haifa University