The Celtic Tree of Life (in Irish Crann Bethadh) plays an important role in Irish heritage and is one of the most popular Celtic symbols. In modern times, this Celtic symbol is used as a decoration or tattoo. The true meaning of the Celtic Tree of Life must be sought behind its symbolism.
The Celtic Tree of Life symbolizes the power of nature.
The Celts believed that trees were the ancestors of human beings. In Celtic mythology, it was believed that the Tree of Life had special powers. It is known that when a new settlement was established in Ireland, a tree was planted in the middle of the plantation known as the “Crann Bethadh” (which translates to the Tree of Life).
People held gatherings under them and also provided shelter and food for wild animals. The Celts realized that without trees, life would be extremely difficult.
Trees were a connection to the world of spirits and ancestors, living beings and doors to other worlds.
The most sacred tree of all was the oak, which represented the “axix mundi”, which means the center of the world. The Celtic name for the oak “daur” is the origin of the word door - the root of the oak was literally a gateway to another world, the realm of fairies. There are countless Irish legends surrounding trees. For example: If you fall asleep next to a particular tree, you can wake up in a fairyland.
This is why the very symbol of life is associated with qualities such as wisdom, strength and longevity.
The Celts believed that if their sacred tree was cut down, their enemies would be deprived of power.
The Celts derived the meaning of rebirth from the changes of the seasons that they could observe on each tree (from spring to winter).
Rituals were often held based on birth, death and rebirth. It was believed that the roots of the tree penetrated into the depths of the underworld, the branches of the tree reached the heavens, and the trunk remained on the earthly plane.
