Many elements from nature are popular images used in body art and perhaps one of the most significant is the tree tattoo. The ancient Celts believed that trees were our ancestors and lived on the earth long before mankind took over. These are therefore associated with great knowledge and ancient wisdom but they were also believed to provide humans with a connection to the world of spirit and the afterlife. The Druids and Celtic people believed these were living entities with links to the supernatural that could also open doorways to other worlds and connect us with our ancestors. Not only did trees hold the key to entering the realm of the gods but they also provided these ancient civilizations with their alphabet and calendars. The branches and roots of the tree are often depicted as entwining in Celtic art to symbolize how life in all forms, conscious and unconscious is all interconnected.
Around the world, trees have been the focal point of many a legend and have historical significance in the mythology of many cultures. The Japanese revere their cherry trees with their beautiful blossoms and this is still a popular style of tree tattoo that is much in demand today. In Europe, the Norse people also had high regard for trees which featured prominently in much of their folklore and traditions. Norse tradition holds the Yggdrasil as its sacred tree and this huge ash tree is believed to signify the centre of the universe with its roots leading up from the world of man to the land of the gods. Its branches are believed to hang over the Nine Worlds and Odin himself hung himself for nine days from one of them in order to die and embark on a journey to the underworld. According to Norse beliefs, he returned successfully with the Magic Runes and the Wisdom of the Dead. When the end of the world occurs for the Norse Gods it is believed that the Yggdrasil tree will survive as will any humans sheltering in its branches, where they will be able to descend into a new world to start again.
There are many mythological tales of men hung from trees before miraculously coming back to life when plucked like fruit so the tree is a potent symbol of regeneration and renewal. From African to Asian cultures, there are many well known legends that pay homage to the tree’s ancient wisdom not least the story of Buddha’s enlightenment. After a very long meditation under branches of the sacred Bodhi Tree, the lord Buddha was awakened and began his teachings many centuries ago.
On a more personal level, a tree tattoo can act as a reminder to us of the cycle of life from birth to death, like the tree’s journey through the cold barren winter months to the new growth and life that comes with the arrival of the spring warmth. Thus this is a powerful symbol for fertility, life, rebirth and rejuvenation.
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