Celtic Tree of Life Symbol

Trees for the ancient Celts, especially thoseThe tree of life symbolized rebirth too. As trees
tracing back to the Druids were not inanimatewent through seasonal changes the Celts tracked
objects. They were instead living beings attributedand acknowledged these changes. They attributed
with many powers. Apart from that theythese changes to spiritual meanings and held them
provided shelter, food and warmth and werein much esteem. As these trees underwent what
integral to life.they considered birth, death and rebirth the Celts
Celtic beliefsparticipated in rituals to mark these changes. .
The Celtic symbol tree of life has been carriedIn totality the Celtic tree of life symbolizes
down over the centuries and is today portrayedstrength, longevity and wisdom. It depicted the
in several ways each one depicting and imageconnections between earth, the spirit world and
similar to that of a tree.the universe. The tree of life also symbolized the
The tree of life symbol shows a tree with rootsendurance of time.
and branches that are interwoven with eachEach tree for the Druids held different and special
other. The roots which were considered themeaning. While some were believed to carry
foundation symbolized the Otherworld. The trunkmessages to the Otherworld where spirits lived,
of the tree which joined both roots and branchesothers could bestow blessings such as prosperity
they attributed to the mortal world and theor love. It was believed that if one fell asleep next
branches signified their connection to the universeto a tree they had the ability to wake up in the
of mighty entities. In simpler terms the roots andfairly world.
branches were believed to connect to the worldsThe Celts being a nomadic tribe always left a
above and below while the trunk remained in thelarge tree in the center of the clearing. This tree
present world and acted as a connection for thetook the form of a sacred tree thereafter. The
Celts to both these worldsreason they did this was that they believed it
Celtic tree of life meaningembodied both their security and integrity. At the
It is a symbol that has become very popularsite of this tree the chieftain would perform
today because it depicts nature and the worshipceremonies in the hope of connecting to the
of nature. In Gaelic it is called "crann bethadh". Theheaven above and the world below.
tree symbolizes life force, something that has theSo powerful and sacred were trees that the Celts
ability to support the life of another or others.believed they would gain power over their
Trees provide food, fuel and shelter. They houseenemies by simply cutting down their sacred tree.
and sustain other life forces such as animals orThe tree of life has long been associated with
insects and have for many years held greatmany cultures other than the Celts as they have
purpose for human beings. In ancient times thelong been recognized as being able to sustain and
Celts only inhabited areas that were covered withprotect life.
trees.