The Celtic Tree of Life (Crann Bethadh): Meaning + History

The Celtic Tree of Life symbol (AKA ‘Crann Bethadh’) is arguably one of the most impressive symbols associated with the ancient Celts.

Like many Celtic symbols, the Celtic Tree of Life meaning is widely debated, but one common theme is that it symbolises strength (imagine the strength of the root system of an oak tree!).

Below, you’ll discover the origins of the Crann Bethadh, the different designs and, of course, what it symbolises. 

Quick need-to-knows about the Celtic Tree of Life symbol

Take 20 seconds to read the points below, first, as they’ll explain the importance of the symbol along with the Celtic Tree of Life meaning:

1. Trees were vital to daily life

The Celts saw trees as being vital to their very existence. They depended on trees for shelter, food and heat. Trees were also home to some of the wildlife that sustained them.

2. The spiritual link

As the towering oak tree was one of the tallest trees in the forest, they frequently attracted lightning. This was seen by the Celts as a sign from the Celtic Gods that the tree was special.

3. Meaning

The Celts believed that trees, particularly ancient oaks, were a source of life, and they saw the Celtic Tree of Life as a symbol of strength. The branches reach upwards, towards Heaven, the body of the tree remains on earth, while the roots extend downward, linking Heaven, earth, and the underworld.

About the Crann Bethadh

The Tree of Life is one of the better-known Celtic symbols for strength.

It is one of the many designs to come from an ancient group of tribes known as the Celts.

The Celts lived across Europe and, contrary to popular belief, were not Irish or Scottish – in fact, the exact origin of these ancient people is unknown.

The importance of trees

The importance of trees in Celtic culture can’t be underemphasised.

The Celts believed in nature and the connection between the earth and the life beyond and it’s thought that they believed that trees held the spirits of their ancestors.

The Celts saw the towering strength and longevity (oaks can live for over 300 years) of the oak tree as a symbol of nobility and endurance.

Importance in community

When the Celts formed a new community, they planted a tree right at its centre.

It was called the ‘Crann Bethadh’, meaning ‘the Tree of Life’.

As the hub of the community, the tree’s shady branches were the place where important meetings were held.

Battle and spirituality

In times of warfare, the Celts believed that if they cut down the tree of their enemies, it would ensure their victory over them. 

They regarded the root system of the tree as a physical doorway, penetrating the earth to the spiritual world beyond.

The design

Although the symbol is found in many forms and variations, they all show a tree with spreading branches above and a network of roots below.

In some designs, the Tree of Life appears the same if you flip it upside down.

Some designs, like ours above and below, are more elaborate, while others are minimalist.

Like many other Celtic Knot symbols, such as the Motherhood Knot and the Dara Knot, some variations of Tree of Life knot is endless with no beginning or end (see the image below).

Crann Bethadh in other cultures

The Norse had a Tree of Life symbol and they possibly brought it to Ireland when they invaded.

However, their sacred tree was not the oak but the ash tree which they called ‘Yggdrasil’.

The Tree of Life symbol also appears on ancient Egyptian tomb carvings, possibly even predating Celtic culture.

Different Celtic Tree of Life meanings

There are many different interpretations of the Celtic Tree of Life meaning, so please be aware that nothing is definite.

Records from back when these symbols were used in everyday life are scarce, so we rely on calculated guesswork. Here are three Celtic Tree of Life meanings to consider:

1. Strength, wisdom and endurance

The most accurate Celtic Tree of Life meaning is that it symbolises strength and wisdom. The Oak tree can live for over 300 years.

During its life, it weathers storms, gets attacked and damaged by humans and animals and grows up to 40 meters in height.

The Celts saw the Oak as a symbol of strength, due to it’s intricate root system that holds the trees massive weight, wisdom, due to the time it spent on earth and endurance, due to the time and conditions it stands proudly through.

2. The stages of life

Another popular Celtic Tree of Life meaning is that it symbolises the three stages of life: birth, death and reincarnation in another life.

It isn’t the only Celtic symbol with a meaning similar to this – the Trinity Knot and the Triskelion both have similar meanings.

3. Immortality

As the oak trees were some of the largest and tallest trees in the forest, they frequently attracted lightning strikes. This was seen by the Celts as a sign from the gods that the tree was special.

As the tree grows old and rots, its acorn seeds ensure new beginnings so the tree was seen as immortal. The Celts believed that trees were their ancestors in a reincarnated state.