Image of Trees as Artistic Expressions of Faith
Many cultures treat the natural world, including trees, flowers, and plants, with great respect. Throughout the history of the world, religions have reverenced trees as religious objects or symbols. Trees have been associated with supernatural powers and are often incorporated into different forms of worship. The spiritual value of trees has been expressed through artwork, such as painting, sculpture, prose, and landscape. Trees have been seen as spiritual in various ways; they have been believed to be homes for the spirits of gods, contain powers of fertility, serve as gateways between this world and the eternal, represent the balance of nature, and show the Christian interpretation of knowledge. Trees were worshipped as gods, or as sacred beings, by many ancient cultures. ... The Chinese believed that certain trees held the souls of gods. To protect the spirits of their gods, cutting down trees in the vicinities of temples or groves where the gods were suspected to dwell was forbidden. The Chinese believed that if one of these trees were to be dug up or cut down the person who did so was liable to die. ... The trees that grew around temples were decorative, because garlands or lanterns were decorated the branches of the trees to honor the gods who reside in the trees. The Druids of Europe believed that trees held enormous inexplicable powers, particularly the rowan and oak tree. It is believed that the standing stones were erected partially to symbolize the power and strength of the trunks of sacred oak trees, therefore reflecting the Druid’s respect for nature. The Druid’s respect for trees can be seen in Druidic poetry. The following verse honors the earth mother and how her spirit moves through trees: “Through the lively Pine Through the shining Birch Through the mighty Oak! ... ” The Chinese and the Druids were not the only peoples with superstition regarding the relationship between trees and gods. Trees have influenced man throughout history. The Ancient Greeks were known to have highly respected the power and nobility of trees, which can be shown through their paintings and pottery.