Shantana Deka Dutta, who recently joined our fashion platform as a photographer and jewellery designer, talks about her Tree of Life inspired creations:
“Who doesn’t love the Tree of Life?
Multiple cultures have different mythologies involving the Tree of Life. References to the symbol have been found in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Iran, Ancient Mesopotamia and Urartu, and many more places. The symbol was widely recognized and used in ancient cultures so it is difficult to pinpoint its exact origins and how it spread throughout the world.
Tree of Life Symbolism in different cultures:
Christianity – The Tree of Life is mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Genesis. It is the tree that grows within the Garden of Eden and is the source of eternal life. There are several meanings behind the Tree of Life symbol in Christianity. Some believe it to be the symbol of humanity free from corruption and sin, while others believe it to represent love. The tree is believed to have healing properties and its fruit grants immortality.
Hinduism – the Tree of Life, is depicted by the Eternal Banyan tree, a metaphor for hope.
Buddhism – the Tree of Life is known as the Bhodi-tree and is believed to be the Tree of Enlightenment. It was under this tree that Buddha reached enlightenment so it is seen as a very sacred symbol.
Celtic Beliefs – The Tree of Life is still a prominent symbol in the Celtic beliefs and is depicted in multiple forms. They believe the roots represent the ‘other world’, the trunk represents the mortal world and connects the roots and branches, and the branches represent the world above, or the heavens.
Islam – The Tree of Life is known as the Tree of Immortality in the Quran. It appeared in Eden and is the tree from which Adam and Eve ate after Allah had forbidden them from doing so.
The Tree of Life has always fascinated me. I have been wire wrapping on variations of Tree of Life in copper and silver by adding gemstone chips or just a single pearl and it is so satisfying. I started off with pendants and now I make a wide range of Tree of Life bracelets, anklets, rings and Maang Tikka too.
Do check out my creations and support handmade artists at:
https://www.facebook.com/artantanahandmade/
https://www.instagram.com/artantana/“ – Shantana
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