The tree of life is an ancient symbol that stands for the continuity of life, family ties and the unity of the universe. The meaning of the tree of life rests on the idea of an unbroken cycle reaching from the roots to the branches.
The roots represent the past and the heritage coming from ancestors, the trunk represents the present, and the branches represent the future and new generations. For this reason the motif appears with similar meanings in many societies, from Turkic culture to Northern Europe.
What Is the Tree of Life?
The tree of life is a mythological tree whose roots reach into the underworld and whose branches reach into the sky, linking the layers of the universe to one another. In different cultures it is described as a sacred tree rising at the center of the world.
In these narratives the tree serves less as a physical plant than as a map of the universe. The roots correspond to the world of the dead and the ancestors, the trunk to the earth where people live, and the branches to the layers of the sky. In this way the tree unites life and death, past and future in the same body.
The expressions tree of life and world tree describe the same concept. The meaning of the world tree therefore overlaps exactly with that of the tree of life; the two expressions are used in place of one another.
The Tree of Life in Turkic Mythology and in Different Cultures
In Turkic mythology the tree of life is a sacred tree that rises at the navel of the earth and reaches up to the level of God. In Altai narratives it is known by the names Bayterek or Ulukayın.
It was believed that on the branches of this tree the souls of unborn children waited in the form of birds. Shamans too were held to reach the layers of the sky by climbing the branches of this tree on their spiritual journeys. The birch tree being considered sacred also comes from this belief.
The motif continued to live on in Turkish art after Islam as well. The tree of life is a figure frequently worked in Seljuk stone carving, in tile decoration and in Anatolian kilims. In kilims it is woven as a pattern expressing immortality and abundance.
|
Culture |
Name of the tree |
The meaning it represents |
|---|---|---|
|
Turkic and Altai |
Bayterek, Ulukayın |
The link between three worlds, the home of souls |
|
Scandinavian |
Yggdrasil |
The world tree carrying nine worlds |
|
Celtic |
Crann Bethadh |
The bond formed with ancestors and nature |
|
Buddhist |
Bodhi tree |
Enlightenment and wisdom |
|
Islamic tradition |
Tuba tree |
Paradise and eternal life |
Yggdrasil in Scandinavian mythology is described as a giant ash tree. Celtic communities, for their part, would plant a sacred tree in the middle of village squares. Even as cultures change, the connecting and embracing role of the tree always stays the same.
What Does the Tree of Life Motif Represent?
The tree of life motif represents above all family ties, putting down roots, growth and the continuity of life. The tree of life symbol brings these meanings together in a single figure.
-
Family Bond: The roots correspond to ancestors, the branches to children and grandchildren. The tree expresses the unbroken bond between generations.
-
Putting Down Roots: Roots that hold firmly to the soil symbolize a person's attachment to where they come from and to their values.
-
Growth: Branches reaching upward represent personal development and turning toward new goals.
-
Balance: The root and the branch mirroring each other shows that opposites can exist together in harmony.
-
Renewal: The tree that sheds its leaves season by season and turns green again expresses the cyclical nature of life.
The reason the motif is so universal is that the tree is an element of nature familiar to everyone. The family bond, an abstract concept, turns into a concrete and understandable image in the form of a tree.
What Is the Meaning of a Tree of Life Necklace?
The meaning of a tree of life necklace is carrying attachment to family, personal growth and the lasting bond formed with loved ones. The necklace keeps this symbol at a point close to the heart throughout the day.
Tree of life necklaces are mostly associated with the idea of embracing the dark and the light sides of a family together. As in nature, opposites also provide balance and harmony in life. This reading makes the motif especially meaningful in relationships between mother, sibling and child.
The motif reached a wide audience through the necklace featured in the Family Secrets series. Inspired by the plane tree, this design stands out in the series as the symbol of family ties. The Tree of Life Necklace model in the same line offers personalization text and mother and child set options.
What Are the Gold Tree of Life Necklace Models?
Gold tree of life necklace models are gathered in four main groups: standard size, mini size, personalized and mother and daughter sets. Each group addresses a different purpose of use and gift scenario.
Standard size models are suitable for those who want a pronounced motif at chest level. The 14K Gold Tree of Life Necklace, in which the lines of the roots and branches are worked in a balanced way, is one of the examples of this group. It is offered together with a 14K gold chain.
Mini models offer a plainer look and accompany daily combinations without standing out. Thanks to their small form, they are designed so that children can wear them comfortably as well.
Mother and daughter sets consist of two tree of life necklaces in different sizes. They express the bond of two generations growing together and putting down roots in each other. In personalized models, a name, a date or a short message can be engraved on the back of the necklace.
Alongside the gold options for a tree of life necklace, there are also models plated in gold color over 925 sterling silver. These models offer the possibility of reaching the same design with a lighter budget, but they are not gold necklaces.
What Should Be Considered When Choosing a Gold Tree of Life Necklace?
When choosing a gold tree of life necklace, the purity and the hallmark are evaluated first, then the size of the motif, the chain length and the personalization options. These criteria determine both the service life of the necklace and the meaning it carries.
The purity information directly affects the durability of the necklace. 14K gold has the hardness to preserve the form of fine branch and root details. On the clasp or the plate of the necklace there is a 585 or 14K hallmark; a certificate supports this information in writing.
The size of the motif determines where the necklace can be worn. Standard size pendants create a striking look on their own. Mini pendants, on the other hand, sit more harmoniously in layered combinations with thin chains.
The chain length is an important part of the choice as well. Chains of 42 to 45 cm keep the motif at collarbone level. Chains with an extension ring can be adjusted to different neckline types.
If personalization is to be done, the character limit is checked beforehand. Since personalized products fall outside the scope of return and exchange, the text should be checked carefully. Comparing with gold necklace models in different symbols and styles makes the choice clearer.
How Is a Gold Tree of Life Necklace Cleaned and Stored?
A gold tree of life necklace is easily cleaned at home with warm water and a few drops of mild soap. The dirt between the branches and roots is gently removed with a soft brush.
-
Warm water is put into a bowl and a few drops of unscented, mild soap are added.
-
The necklace is left in this mixture for about 10 minutes.
-
The spaces between the branches and the clasp area are gently brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
-
The necklace is rinsed with clean water.
-
It is dried with a soft, lint-free cloth and left out until it is completely dry.
Soaking and brushing are not done with plated models; they are only wiped with a soft, dry cloth. Baking soda, toothpaste and bleach are not used on any model, because they scratch the surface or wear away the plating.
In storage, the necklace is kept in a separate compartment or in a fabric pouch. The chain does not knot when it is stored with the clasp closed. Putting it on after perfume and cream have been applied prevents residue from building up on the surface.
For thousands of years the tree of life has been a shared language expressing the idea of family, origin and continuity in different cultures. When it turns into a necklace, this ancient symbol becomes a daily reminder of the bond the wearer has with their own roots and loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tree of Life (FAQ)
Are the tree of life and the world tree the same thing?
Yes, the tree of life and the world tree express the same concept. Both expressions describe the mythological tree whose roots reach into the underworld and whose branches reach into the sky, symbolizing the continuity of life. Both are widely used; there is no difference between them in terms of meaning or symbolism.
What do the roots and branches of the tree of life express?
The roots of the tree of life express the past, the heritage coming from ancestors and where a person comes from. The branches represent the future, new generations and growth. In many designs the roots and branches mirroring each other visualizes the idea that the past and the future feed one another.
Who is a tree of life necklace given to as a gift?
A tree of life necklace is most often given as a gift to a mother, a daughter, a sibling or a close family member. It is a suitable choice for turning points such as a birth, a graduation, a marriage and moving into a new home. It is a meaningful present for those who want to emphasize the family bond.
Does a gold tree of life necklace tarnish in daily wear?
A gold tree of life necklace does not show noticeable darkening in daily wear when it is produced from 14K gold. Slight dullness can occur when the metals in the alloy are in contact with cosmetic products for a long time. This dullness is generally removed with cleaning done with warm soapy water.
Which jewelry is the tree of life motif used in?
The tree of life motif is used most in necklaces, but it also appears in bracelet, earring, ring and charm designs. The round medallion form stands out in necklaces. In earring and charm models the motif is reduced in size and brought into a plain and fine form.
