You may have seen my tree logo and wondered what it was all about. I
have always loved trees, but when I began to study art history in
college, the Tree of Life became my favorite art motif. Just do a quick
search online and you'll find that it pops up everywhere, across
cultures, religions, and continents.
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| Tree of Life on Papyrus from Egypt |
In some places, it is the Cosmic Tree, reaching from the underworld, through this world, into the heavens, connecting them all. In one Native American creation story, the first woman on earth fell from heaven and landed on the back of a turtle. She planted some bark from a tree, and the tree grew on the turtle's back, creating land. Having also loved Ancient Egypt from a young age, I of course had to bring home a tree of life painted on papyrus when I studied there several years ago. On this tree, the roosting birds represent the stages of life, all looking one direction with the final bird looking towards death.
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| Zentangle Style Tree by Mary Frances |
I could keep going on, but the drawing on my blog that is my logo is a little tree that I drew after trying to find the "perfect" tree for my logo and stamp. To me, the tree represents much more than just a nice story. It represents life as we see through the story of God in the Bible. First seen in the Old Testament, the tree of life is in the garden of Eden, the fruit of which gives life forever (Gen 3:22). However, because of the disobedience of the man and woman, they are cast from the garden and angels are placed in front of the tree, guarding it from humans. But, that is not the end. Through the redemptive story of man constantly disobeying and turning from God, and God's faithfulness in drawing them back to himself, he makes the ultimate way to restore the broken relationship, to "eat from the tree". He sends his Son to the world, perfect, who then, on a cross of wood, is crucified for the sins of all humankind, and restores the relationship of God with man, giving life to all who believe. A tree of life!
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| Tree of Life Pendants |
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| Tree of Life Bracelet |
But the image of the tree shows up in other places in the Bible. In the Psalms, it speaks of the one who delights in God being like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, whose leaves stay green and prosperous (Psalm 1). It speaks of strength, prosperity, no fear. And it's fruit gives abundant life.
So, there you have it, your art history lesson and tree of life lesson for the day. I hope my little trees speak of life and encouragement to you as well.
