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The Celtic Tree of Life: Meaning and History
Written by Ciaran on Aug 14, 2022 | 6 Comments
The tradition of a Tree of Life has its roots in several faiths and cultures around the world. The power of nature and the focus on a mystical tree as a teaching tool is something many civilizations share. There are Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindi, as well as Celtic interpretations of the Tree of Life.
Read on for a look at the history and meaning of the Celtic Tree of Life. We’ll look at ancient Celtic symbolism, the role of fairy folklore in preserving the Tree of Life as we know it today, as well as how you can incorporate this meaningful symbol into your life.
A Celtic Tree of Life is called a “Crann Bethadh” in Irish. In Irish, “Crann” translates to “Tree”.
What is it with the ancient Irish and Trees?
There are several references to the power of trees in Celtic life and mythology. Some of these clues can be found in the language. It is believed that the word for “door” derives from the Irish word for “oak”, which is “dair”.
Ogham, or the ancient Irish “tree” alphabet, is the first alphabet of the Irish language. To this day there are around four hundred remaining examples of ancient Ogham stones, and around three-hundred and sixty of them are found here in Ireland.
One of the two Ogham stones at Lugnagappul in Co. Kerry. (1944, Duchas.ie)
Scholars believe that ceremonies for the Celtic god Lugh, the father of Irish hero Cú Chulainn, were celebrated outdoors, likely using a central tree as a gathering point. The mythology goes that Lugh famously had a “bloodthirsty spear” for defending his land which would have been fashioned from, you guessed it, wood.
Trees in Irish Art
Other examples of Irish reverence for nature can be found in how trees have been portrayed in art and literature. Irish Poet and Celtic Revivalist W.B. Yeats believed that the Hazel tree was a direct descendant of the original Celtic Tree of Life. This invests great meaning in his poem “The Song of Wandering Aengus”:
“I went out to the hazel wood,
Because a fire was in my head,
And cut and peeled a hazel wand,
And hooked a berry to a thread”
The Hazel Woods of County Sligo which inspired W.B. Yeats.
An 18th Century Illustration of Lugh and his “Blood Thirsty Spear” by H.R.Millar.
Trees provided much for the ancient people of Ireland, including shelter, building materials, and food. Scholars believe that such people would have had a central tree in their communities where political and spiritual ceremonies were held.
There is evidence that these people deeply revered nature and believed that trees were portals to the spirit world. The roots and branches connecting the mortal realm and the heavens.
How did the Tree of Life Survive the Ages?
How did this ancient reverence for trees and the story of the Tree of Life survive through to present day? That may be where the fairies come in …
Fairy folk are very prevalent in Irish mythology and folklore. The work of the fairies explained sudden illness, death, or disappearance. It was believed that Fairies made also revered special trees, used as gathering points, with their homes near to or under sacred trees. Woe betide anyone that did damage to a fairy tree!
Irish folklore has tales of sacred trees being able to confer blessings on people in need. Even today, on a drive through the Irish countryside you might see a "fairy" tree adorned with ribbons, medals, and messages from people looking for various blessings.
Fairy Trees are often an isolated Hawthorn Tree which legend protects. Even to this day, new roads being built will sometimes be diverted to avoid the felling of a "Fairy Tree."
What is the meaning of a Celtic Tree of Life?
While we at My Irish Jeweler believe that a Tree of Life can truly represent several qualities and feelings, the traditional meaning for a Celtic Tree of Life is Knowledge, Love, Health, and Prosperity. We have also seen Celtic Tree of Life pieces from our workshop gifted for symbolic reasons such as strength, courage, and romantic or platonic love.
Different Styles of Tree of Life Jewelry
A different style to suit each person that wants to wear her Irish heritage with pride.
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Ciaran
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments
A lovely symbol of the cycle of life.
We 100% agree Leslie!
I love the celtic folklore you share and I love how you weave our heritage into your jewelry. Thank you for sharing!
You are very welcome Dawn. Thank you for your lovely feedback.
Ask Gemma
Fantastic information ! Great writing! Thank you from
eileen frances brigid meehan