This piece was created during the 2012 Holiday Season--signed and dated 12-12-'12. The original image in mind was that of a Christmas tree.
The symbolic meaning of Christmas trees originates in pagan culture where the evergreen represents life, rebirth, and the stamina needed to endure the winter months. Scandinavian and Norse traditions honored the winter solstice by decorating evergreens. At this time fir trees were also burned to commemorate the life that stirs even in the most frigid grips of winter. These traditions also marked the end of the old year and the beginning of a new year.
It was believed evil spirits were at their strongest during some of the coldest days of the year--the time between the winter solstice and early-mid January. To thwart the nasties, evergreens were brought into the home as symbols of protection. These evergreens were alight with candles, the idea was to “light up” the darkest, coldest conditions and thereby shoo away naughty spirits.
In terms of Christianity, Martin Luther is credited with being inspired by the starry heavens one night, and expressing his feelings to his family by bringing a fir tree into his home, and attaching lighted candles to its branches. Fir meant fire, and fire is an ancient symbol for spirit. The tree also pointed toward the heavens and tells the story of a cosmic event--a mystery. In personal celebrations of Christmas the tree begins its use in the 16th century, and is later brought to America by German immigrants.
The symbolic meaning of Christmas trees originates in pagan culture where the evergreen represents life, rebirth, and the stamina needed to endure the winter months. Scandinavian and Norse traditions honored the winter solstice by decorating evergreens. At this time fir trees were also burned to commemorate the life that stirs even in the most frigid grips of winter. These traditions also marked the end of the old year and the beginning of a new year.
It was believed evil spirits were at their strongest during some of the coldest days of the year--the time between the winter solstice and early-mid January. To thwart the nasties, evergreens were brought into the home as symbols of protection. These evergreens were alight with candles, the idea was to “light up” the darkest, coldest conditions and thereby shoo away naughty spirits.
In terms of Christianity, Martin Luther is credited with being inspired by the starry heavens one night, and expressing his feelings to his family by bringing a fir tree into his home, and attaching lighted candles to its branches. Fir meant fire, and fire is an ancient symbol for spirit. The tree also pointed toward the heavens and tells the story of a cosmic event--a mystery. In personal celebrations of Christmas the tree begins its use in the 16th century, and is later brought to America by German immigrants.
This piece--The Tree--symbolizes Humanity's choice to let go of our cold, fear-based perspectives--in favor of embracing the available warmth of the collective and evergreen soul. The Tree represents life, rebirth, and the stamina needed for Humanity to collectively confess war, domination, abuse, greed, neglect, and devastation (the nasties) can never warm the frigid attitudes of individualism and consumerism that now dominate humanity. Our shared soul--which enlivens us all--must collectively burn with the fire that transforms these "naughty spirits" into love, joy, and peace. The Tree beckons us to remember that the advent of love, joy, and peace--the advent of salvation--is bestowed upon Humanity--not just a portion of the whole. The Tree symbolically proclaims peace on earth via goodwill among mankind. So be it, truly.
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