All Discussions Tagged 'meaning' - Totem Talk2024-03-28T09:51:49Zhttps://totemtalk.ning.com/forum/topic/listForTag?groupUrl=tree-talk&tag=meaning&feed=yes&xn_auth=noTREES ~ 119 Photos of Trees From Around the Worldtag:totemtalk.ning.com,2014-04-11:5521792:Topic:269202014-04-11T19:21:09.138ZTerri Benninghttps://totemtalk.ning.com/profile/TerriBenning
<p><strong style="font-size: 13px;">TREES</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.duskyswondersite.com/nature/trees/" target="_blank">http://www.duskyswondersite.com/nature/trees/</a></p>
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<p><span>Trees are the oldest and the largest living things on earth. Some are weird, some extraordinary, some gorgeous, and some shaped by the human hand to fascinate and amuse. Please enjoy these images–or better yet, take a walk in the woods and greet them in person with…</span></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 13px;">TREES</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.duskyswondersite.com/nature/trees/" target="_blank">http://www.duskyswondersite.com/nature/trees/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Trees are the oldest and the largest living things on earth. Some are weird, some extraordinary, some gorgeous, and some shaped by the human hand to fascinate and amuse. Please enjoy these images–or better yet, take a walk in the woods and greet them in person with appreciation.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 13px;">As Patricia Hays suggested in the comments below, if you’re inclined, you can listen to Paul Robeson sing about trees while you meander through this post. Thanks to Tom Reiter for forwarding the link.</span></p> Celtic Tree of Life Meaningtag:totemtalk.ning.com,2013-05-21:5521792:Topic:223962013-05-21T22:54:03.313ZTerri Benninghttps://totemtalk.ning.com/profile/TerriBenning
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063443183?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063443183?profile=original" width="240"></img></a></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">Celtic Tree of Life Meaning</span></strong></p>
<p><br></br> <span class="font-size-3">The Celtic tree of life symbolizes harmony and balance. These days, the tree symbol is used for decorations, tattoos and tapestries. Understanding…</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063443183?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063443183?profile=original" width="240"/></a></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">Celtic Tree of Life Meaning</span></strong></p>
<p><br/> <span class="font-size-3">The Celtic tree of life symbolizes harmony and balance. These days, the tree symbol is used for decorations, tattoos and tapestries. Understanding the underlying meaning of this symbol should give us an insight on the ancient culture of Celts.</span><br/> <span><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span>The concept of 'tree of life' is found in many cultures including that of Celts. The crosses of Celtic and Northumbrian origins incorporate tree symbols in their designs. The Celtic tree of life represents the concept of forces of nature that converge to create harmony. These trees were so tall and expansive that they could actually form a whole forest with their branches. In the Celtic culture, importance of trees was decided on the basis of their geographical location and more importantly the inherent qualities. You would find many different rituals associated with Celtic trees of life. Here is more on this topic.</span><br/> <br/> <span>The adjoining image is a symbolic representation of the 'Celtic Tree of Life' as designed by Welsh artist, Jen Delyth in the 1990s decade.</span><br/> <br/> <strong>Meaning of Celtic Tree of Life</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>Ancient Celts (Druids) believed that the tree of life or crann bethadh possessed special powers. The tribal people of Ireland while clearing a piece of land for human settlement, used to leave a tree in the center; they called this tree the crann bethadh. These people used to hold assemblies beneath the crann bethadh. The tree provided food, warmth and shelter to people. It also provided nourishment to other forms of life such as animals, birds, insects, etc. Therefore, the tree was described as a force which took care of life on earth. The Celts believed that trees were actually ancestors of human beings. The Celts inhabited only those places where such trees were present. Teaching centers of the Druids too were located in quiet and tranquil surroundings of Oak groves. One can find the designs of tree of life depicted in a manner that it is emerging from a pot. The pot, as depicted in Celtic designs and patterns, is a symbol of Mother Earth - the source that nourishes all forms of life.</span><br/> <br/> <strong>Celtic Tree of Life Symbol</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>The meaning of this symbol can be interpreted in different ways. Here are few interesting facts about how the symbol is associated with different qualities and phenomena.</span><br/> <span>The balance and harmony prevalent in nature is best symbolized by the tree of life. However, balance is maintained due to the interaction of different forces operating in the universe.</span><br/> <span>The Celts attribute the tree of life symbol to qualities like wisdom, strength and longevity. These qualities of trees were the reason behind Celts worshiping them.</span><br/> <span>The Celts believed that their enemies would be rendered powerless if their (enemy's) sacred tree was cut down.</span><br/> <span>The different meanings associated with rebirth and the tree of life were derived from seasonal changes which the Celts observed in these trees.</span><br/> <span>Generally, the phenomenon of rebirth is associated with Celtic trees. The Celts performed various rituals to mark the changes that a tree of life underwent. The changes observed in these trees were tagged as birth, death and rebirth.</span><br/> <span>Tree of life is the symbol of an entity which connects the upper and lower worlds. Roots of this tree penetrate the depths of the lower world. Branches grow upwards and stretch out to the heavens. Trunk of the tree of life remains on the earth's plane. As per the beliefs held by Druids, gods in the heaven used to communicate with humans through trees of life.</span><br/> <span>Growth of the tree of life is associated with spiritual growth. As per beliefs held by Druids, some of these trees possessed magical powers and were capable of carrying messages to the 'Otherworld'. It was also believed that trees possessed the power to bless people with prosperity.</span><br/> <a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/celtic-tree-of-life-meaning.html"><br/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063444398?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063444398?profile=original" width="300" class="align-full"/></a></span></p>
<p><strong><span class="font-size-3">Meaning of Celtic Oak</span></strong></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>Celts worshiped the oak tree for different qualities it possessed. Longevity is one of the qualities which makes the oak a life-affirming symbol. Other traits attributed to the oak are strength, wisdom, power, honor, heritage, longevity, loyalty and stability. The towering height and great expanse of oak trees is associated with qualities like endurance and nobility; the Celts valued these qualities of the oak and therefore, revered it. The oak is known to attract lightning. This characteristic of the tree is considered to be of great importance by Celts. The term, druid is said to have originated from duir, the Celtic name of oak. The oak tree is often compared with the king who shares his bounties with his subjects. This tree is known to bring prosperity to people and other forms of life in its vicinity.</span><br/> <br/> <strong>Legend of Treochair</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>It is a story of a giant named Treochair, who came from the 'Otherworld' and brought with him a branch of tree which bore fruits of different plants. As the story goes, the giant shook the branch so as to drop these fruits. Seeds of the fruits dropped by the giant were planted in the center and four corners of Ireland. From that time onwards, the trees which grew from the seeds were known as five sacred trees.</span><br/></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063444822?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063444822?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-full"/></a><br/> <strong>Celtic Tree of Life Knots</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>The Celtic knots, also known as endless or mystic knots do not have a beginning or end. Such designs symbolize eternity or timelessness of nature. The designs of Celtic knots are characterized by roots and branches interwoven to form an endless knot.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span>Tapestries with the symbol of Celtic trees are quite popular these days. The unique designs and patterns of such kind of wall hangings make them a popular choice among buyers. Shades of green and blue are suited for tapestries which depict the tree of life. Price of tapestries with Celtic tree symbols may range from $50 to $500. It depends on the materials used to make them. The designs with tree of life as the theme are becoming popular for tattooing. The Celtic knot tree of life is one such design being used.</span><br/> <br/> <span>The tree of life motifs have become popular owing to the positive energy that people associate with them. Trees are revered by people from different cultures across the globe. The message of unity, harmony and balance of nature given by the Celtic tree of life finds universal appeal. It is through these virtues that we, humans can relive our glorious past.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>By Shashank Nakate</span><br/> <span>Last Updated: 1/31/2013</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span><strong>LISTEN</strong>/Read more at Buzzle: </span><a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/celtic-tree-of-life-meaning.html">http://www.buzzle.com/articles/celtic-tree-of-life-meaning.html</a><br/> <span><br/></span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063444926?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063444926?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300" class="align-center"/></a></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">Celtic Tree of Life Tattoos</span></strong></p>
<p><br/> <span class="font-size-3">Like all other religious and cultural beliefs, the Celts also have a long standing admiration and respect for the Tree of Life. Its tattoos have gained immense popularity over the years and there are so many details involved in this depiction, that there are thousands of possibilities available.</span><br/> <span class="font-size-3"><br/></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span>Celtic tattoos carry a lot of mysticism and allure with them, and the tree of life designs are some of the more popular designs in this sect. These are generally big designs and also carry a lot of color within them. The significance and the symbolism of the tree of life lend them an aura of mystery and also illustrate a great fondness for religion and heritage. Celtic tattoos, in general, are deeply surrounded by a lot of old world faiths and beliefs, that have been passed down for centuries. </span><br/> <br/> <span>The Biblical story of creation tells the tale of how God filled the Garden of Eden with many trees that contained delicious fruits, and two of the primary trees in that garden were the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life. The latter was planted by God, and serve as a reminder of everything that the tree stood for and signified. In fact most major religious beliefs illustrate the one gigantic tree with its branches reaching into heaven and its roots entrenched in the earth below, that depicts the circle of life. </span><br/> <br/> <strong>What Do These Tattoos Signify?</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>Celtic tree of life also serve as a depiction of the connection between God and humankind via the branches of the tree. In reality, there are many different ways of looking at the design, and each of them can be said to carry a different perception for the beholder. Its meaning may slightly differ from the beliefs of other cultures, but the essence of the symbol is primarily the same. </span><br/> <br/> <span>Trees have always held a deep significance to communities, societies and every culture. Depictions of large trees can be seen in many old scriptures and paintings as well, and no matter what culture it is, the Tree of Life has always been a source of great reverence for the offering of prayers and gratitude. Celtic art and culture has also adopted this belief system and due to the fact that Celtic tattoos are very popular, these designs have gained more and more popularity. </span><br/> <br/> <span>In the history of Celtic culture trees have always been looked upon as an undying connection between the different realms of existence. The huge size of the Tree of Life meant that it served as a means of communication and conduit between the Gods and human beings, and it was a metaphor of sorts of the spiritual growth of human beings. The symbol was not created until 800 A.D. though, and people who sport it imply that their spiritual growth and transcendence is well underway. The tattoo designs itself can be taken to mean different things for different people, but the broad message remains unchanged. </span><br/> <br/> <strong>Popular Designs</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><span> </span><br/> <span>There will always be differences in the tattoos of tree of life sported by different people, but the basic elements of the design remain the same. The three elements that you will see in every design are the long roots that stretch deep into the ground, the long branches that spread out into the heavens and the presence of a strong sturdy trunk. Celtic tattoos also make use of endless sequences of knots, and these can also be ingrained into the design. </span><br/> <br/> <span>Some other additions to the design can be made in the form of any of the seven life forms that the Celts believed existed on the planet.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>Humans</span><br/> <span>Plants</span><br/> <span>Fish</span><br/> <span>Birds</span><br/> <span>Reptiles</span><br/> <span>Insects</span><br/> <span>All other animals</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>Any combination of these life forms can be depicted in one of these tattoos. This large collection of possibilities along with the tremendous scope of colors that can be added, make them a great choice for expressing creativity. Since there are a lot of details involved here, these tattoos are generally very big in size, though they can be made smaller as well. </span><br/> <br/> <span>Before you go ahead and get your tattoo made, make sure that you browse through a fairly large number of preexisting designs. Try to add your originality to a design and make it unique, and alter anything else as you may deem fit.</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>By Rahul Thadani</span><br/> <span>Published: 3/30/2010</span></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3"><br/> <span>LISTEN/Read more at Buzzle: </span><a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/celtic-tree-of-life-tattoos.html">http://www.buzzle.com/articles/celtic-tree-of-life-tattoos.html</a></span></p> Tree of Life Meaningtag:totemtalk.ning.com,2013-05-21:5521792:Topic:225522013-05-21T22:32:52.272ZTerri Benninghttps://totemtalk.ning.com/profile/TerriBenning
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063446499?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063446499?profile=original" width="240"></img></a></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/tree-of-life-meaning.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tree of Life…</a></span></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063446499?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2063446499?profile=original" width="240"/></a></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/tree-of-life-meaning.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tree of Life Meaning</a></span><br/></span></strong></span></p>
<p><br/> <span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;">The concept of tree of life finds place in many different cultures of the world. The tree of life meaning and beliefs associated in different cultures are explained below.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;">Tree of life theories are associated with different aspects of life such as religion, science, mythology, philosophy, etc. The meaning associated with the tree of life can differ in different contexts. In various mythologies, theologies and philosophies around the world, tree of life is used as a motif or symbol to represent many different qualities. The concept of tree of life is also used in reference with the phenomenon of evolution. The phenomenon is used metaphorically to explain the theory of common descent. Darwin's tree of life is an important theory to consider in this area of study.<br/> <br/> The meaning of tree of life can be explained in different ways with the help of different knowledge sources.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>Tree of life and tree of knowledge are two forms of the world tree/cosmic tree.</em></strong></span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>"Tree of life" connects different life forms, whereas "Tree of knowledge" connects the heaven and underworld.</em></strong><br/> <br/> <strong>Tree of Life in Different Cultures</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> There are different theories and mythologies associated with the tree of life in different cultures. Let us understand these theories one by one.<br/> <br/> <strong>Christianity</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> Tree of life is mentioned in the 'Book of Genesis'. It is believed that the tree was planted in the 'Garden of Eden'. Abrahamic religions associate the tree of life with paradise. It is believed that the tree was planted by the Abrahamic God.<br/> <br/> In Christianity, the tree of life is a tree that bears fruits which grant immortality. As per the beliefs held by Catholic Christians, humanity which is free of sins and corruption is symbolized by the tree of life.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;">The Mormon bible has a slightly different view of the tree of life. According to the Mormons, tree of life symbolizes love. The tree is also mentioned in the 'Book of Revelation'. It is believed that the tree possesses healing properties.<br/> <br/> <strong>Darwin's Tree of Life</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> Darwin proposed a tree of life which is symbolic of the common ancestral origin of all living beings. The relation or link between birds and dinosaurs is depicted with the help of this tree. It is also possible to establish an analogy between biological classification system and the concept of tree of life. The biological classification system can help in tracing any given species to its roots i.e. Eukarya, Bacteria or Archea.<br/> <br/> <strong>Judaism</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> The concept of tree of life as understood from Jewish commentaries can be explained as follows: the tree of life sustains and nourishes life. A garden planted by Yahweh contained different kinds of plants which bore fruits. The tree of life was at the center of this garden.<br/> <br/> <strong>Chinese Mythology</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> As per Chinese mythology, a dragon and phoenix are incorporated in the depiction of the tree of life. The dragon is revered for immortality. 'Fenghuang', a creature similar to the phoenix is second only to the dragon in terms of the respect being offered. There is a reference to the tree of life in a Taoist story. The tree bears a peach fruit once in three thousand years.<br/> <br/> <strong>Egyptian Culture</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> Acacia tree of 'Saosis' is considered as tree of life by Egyptians. As per the Ennead system (nine deities) of ancient Egyptians, Isis and Osiris are said to be the first couple. They emerged from the tree of life i.e. the acacia of Saosis.<br/> <br/> <strong>Buddhist Beliefs</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> The Bodhi-tree (wisdom-tree), according to Buddhists, is the Tree of Enlightenment. It was beneath the Bodhi-tree that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment. The Bodhi-tree is considered as a place where one can seek refuge from worldly desires.<br/> <br/> <strong>Baha'i Belief System</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> As per Baha'i beliefs, the manifestation of God, in reality, takes place through the tree of life. 'Baha'u'llah', the founder of Baha'i faith is himself considered as the tree of life. The 'Book of Covenant' too is also associated with tree of life.<br/> <br/> <strong>Assyrian Beliefs</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> In Assyrian culture, a series of criss-crossing lines and nodes were used to depict the tree of life. Meaning of this symbol is multivalent (has many different meanings). Even the priests and scholars are not sure about what could be its exact interpretation/translation.<br/> <br/> <strong>Tree of Life Symbolism</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> The symbol of tree of life represents qualities like wisdom, strength, protection, beauty, bounty and redemption. The symbol is also used to represent the 'Creator'. This tree is associated with the creator because it offers protection and supports abundant fruit production & regeneration. The analogy can also be used to describe the life of humans. It is said that humans develop 'roots' of beliefs and 'branch out' by means of wisdom. The 'trunk' i.e. the mind & body keeps the roots of beliefs and branches of wisdom connected with each other.<br/> <br/> The Celts believed that trees held great powers and they provided people with food, shelter and warmth. Different kinds of living beings including insects and animals took shelter in these trees. These creatures were sustained by the tree of life. The symbol of Celtic tree of life is an ancient one and it has a long tradition. Today, the symbol is depicted in many different forms. Different parts of the Celtic tree of life are assigned different meanings. Roots are considered the foundation of the tree; roots also symbolize the otherworld. The trunk connects branches and roots with each other. Therefore, it is associated with the mortal world. It is believed that branches connect the world above and below them. The reason behind Celtic tree of life being highly revered is that nature is worshiped through this symbol. In the Gaelic language, tree of life is referred to as the 'crann bethadh'.<br/> <br/> <strong>Animal Symbolism</strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> In different cultures around the world, many different animal symbols have been incorporated in the tree of life depictions. The Dragon and phoenix are depicted in artworks alongside the tree of life. The dragon symbolizes immortality; it is depicted at the base of the tree whereas phoenix is placed at the top. The depiction of world trees of Mesoamerica incorporate images of animals. Birds reside in branches of these trees. Representation of the underworld with the help of a water-monster by means of roots is also found in them.<br/> <br/> The meaning of tree of life as perceived by people from different faiths, belief systems and cultures resonates with a simple yet strong message of staying connected and united. The symbol indicates that all forms of life are connected through a cosmic energy and that humans should live in harmony with rest of the living beings.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> By Shashank Nakate<br/> Last Updated: 5/17/2013</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br/> Read more at Buzzle: <a href="http://www.buzzle.com/articles/tree-of-life-meaning.html">http://www.buzzle.com/articles/tree-of-life-meaning.html</a></span></p>
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