The document discusses the symbolism and interpretations of the Tree of Life across various cultures and religions. It is seen as a symbol of stability, unity between sky and earth, and the interconnectedness of all living things. In many traditions it represents longevity, immortality, wisdom gained through life experiences, and the passing of knowledge between generations. Depictions of the Tree of Life use unique artistic techniques and symbolism to convey these concepts.

1. Across all cultures; from the mystical East to the Christian
West; they have pondered deeply about the meaning of
life. What is it about life that fascinates us all? Perhaps, we
should go back to the root and question just why are we
born? What purpose do we have in life? Are we the ones
who set the purpose or is it predestined?

2. All cultures have tried time and time again to explain this.
Despite the different interpretations, it seems that there is
one image that dominates across many cultures which is a
Tree of Life. For most, it is a mystical tree, seen as a
symbol that unites the earth and sky. The roots are firmly
planted in the ground, signifying stability, its branches and
leaves grow towards the sky and its trunk, the being that
unites both sky and earth.

3. In this sense, all beings on Earth are related to one
another as we live on the same place which is a part of
this Tree. Every being is equal and each species will give
and depend on other species; such as how the grass feeds
deer which is eaten by the tiger and eventually the tiger
decomposes on the grass, feeding it with nutrients. Each
person, each culture in the world is just a branch
belonging to the same Tree.

4. For the Egyptians, the acacia tree is their tree of life. It is
due to the tale of Isis and Osiris who emerged from an
acacia tree which is the patron tree of Iusaaset, one of the
early Egyptian goddesses with vague origins. In the Baha'i
faith, their view on the tree of life is more symbolic. The
Tree of Life is the embodiment of the Manifestation of
God, the source of all spiritual good.

5. The Norse's Tree of Life was called Yggdrasil. It grows in
the middle of Asgard, an evergreen Ash tree that shades
worlds with its branches. The Norse gods held all meetings
and court under this tree. The god, Odin, hung himself
from the branches of this tree to gain power over the
runes and all their secrets. On the day he gained the
knowledge, he fell, screaming.

6. A tree seems immortal as it can live for hundreds of years;
so people view it as being able to bear witness to several
generations of a family. Perhaps being the etymology of
the phrase "family tree". When a tree (which could mean
the current generation) falls, the seed (sons and
daughters) are left behind and they will spring forth to be
new lives. A more direct interpretation would be the
"branching out" of a family from one generation to
another; like a grandparent to the father and then the
daughter and etc.

7. In Chinese mythology, images depicting the Tree of Life
bear a phoenix and a dragon with the dragon representing
immortality. Such is the fascination with immortality with
people in China that a tale in Taoism tells of a tree that
produces a peach every three thousand years and the
person that ate the peach will live on for another three
thousand years. This tree is owned by Xi Wang Mu or "the
Queen Mother of the West". She is one of the oldest
figures worshipped in Chinese history.

8. Trees are symbols of longevity and even immortality to the
Chinese. Confucianism has deeply rooted itself into the
heart of Chinese culture and this is one of the reasons why
immortality or even possessing a long life is so important
to the Chinese: The older one gets, the more that person is
held in reverence; as living a long life equates having more
wisdom and will hold a very high position in society.

9. Journeying to the West, the Tree of Life is one of the two
main trees (besides the Tree of the Knowledge of Good
and Evil) planted in the Garden of Eden. Catholic
Christianity believes the Tree of Life represents the
innocence of humanity that is free from all sin including
the Original Sin. This is the state Adam and Eve were in
before they displeased God. It is also associated with the
tale of Eve taking an apple from a tree; coaxed by the
serpent and biting into it, dooming mankind in sin.

10. In Proverbs 3:13-18 of the King James Version of the bible,
it is said that those who attained wisdom, which is "more
precious than rubies", have gained the Tree of Life. In a
further chapter of Proverbs 15:4, it describes one with a
moral character is akin to having the key to the Tree of
Life.

11. The Tree is also known as a 'Creator' whereby the tree
provides protection with its great leafy shades and it
provides fruit for the nourishment and regeneration of
life.

12. Charles Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution used
a diagram of a tree to explain how each species is related
to each other. He called this, the "Tree of Life" as well. Be
that as it may, recent research is disputing this. Instead
they call it " a web of life ". A "tree" is deemed as too
simple as species crossbreed on a frequent basis.

13. All in all, the symbolism attributed with this tree is
applicable to humans around the world, regardless of age,
gender or culture. As we grow, we must have beliefs that
are deeply rooted yet seek wisdom by branching out and
finally, to connect them, we have a trunk (the mind and
body). The Tree of Life resounds with a powerful message
that is understood by all: unity.

14. The Tree of Life is found in multitudes of ancient to
contemporary artworks found all over the world. In South-
East Asia, artists stylize their concept of the Tree of Life in
exquisitely intricate batik pieces that uses a tedious and
repetitious process of waxing and dyeing the cloth. There
is one thing that sets these South-East Asians depictions of
the Tree of Life apart; which is a common use of a gold
element as gold symbolizes longevity and wealth which
can be interpreted as having wealth in longevity.
Sometimes, gold leaf is used to achieve this effect and this
Javanese technique, known as batik parada/prada (A type
of batik that uses gold to enhance its designs); is done by
applying a paste and letting the gold leaf adhere to it. This
adds an elegant touch to the overall piece.

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