The Tree of Life has varied symbolism depending on the culture and belief system. However, it has a universal meaning. It connects the earth with the heavens and the underworld. It is also the provider of food, knowledge, and all the sustenance that men need. The same was true of the Tree of Life in Celtic Mythology. For the Celts, the Tree of Life was their provider of food, shelter and fuel for cooking and warmth. TheTree of Life was very sacred to the Celts because they believe it had the power to reveal messages from the gods. Nowadays, the Tree of Life is still a revered symbol that can be found in many artworks such as jewelry, paintings, and decor, among many others.
The Celts, who came from the Indo-European people in the late 2nd millennium BC, considered the Tree of Life as their source of wisdom and hope that linked them to the gods. That is why the Tree of Life is also known as “axis mundi” which means “the center of the world.” Since it links all dimensions, men could easily send and receive messages from all the realms – heaven, the land of the dead, otherworld, and earth. It is believed that the Celtic tree of life was planted in Uisneach, the center of the land. Here, it sheltered all life on earth.
According to Celtic mythology, the Tree of Life grew 26 miles high, was able to provide food to all the four corners of the earth, and since it was very high, it was able to reach the heavens and touch the stars. Due to these beliefs, Celts often depended on the Tree of Life for their spiritual fulfillment and for their physical nourishment. They used the tree as the center to align the sun in the sky in the stone circle monuments that they built. The point where the sun was aligned with the circle connected earth with the heavens. Several trees that are associated with the Tree of Life included the oak, evergreen yew, and the apple tree.
Today, the Tree of Life is still a very popular symbol in many Celtic artwork such as in jewelry using variations like Celtic knots and decorations during Winter Solstice, Yule, and other Celtic celebrations.
For a full selection of art and jewelry based on the Celtic Tree of Life, visit realmcollections.com.