“Tree” in Mystical Symbolizations and Its Mythological Roots

Abstract

“Tree” has been of importance from the earliest times in mythology, religions, and mystical sects. Many ancient tribes worshiped it as a symbol of gods or God himself. In the following eras, it was considered a way of ascension to the heavens and one of the ways of communicating with the gods. In mystical texts, tree symbol has been used to explicate various concepts. The recurrence of this theme in mythology and mysticism made the authors pose these questions 1. How are the functions of tree in mysticism related to its mythological functions? 2. What stages of metamorphosis has the tree symbol undergone from mythology to mysticism? In this research, employing a descriptive-analytical method, the relationship between the mystical themes of tree and mythological beliefs are examined. The findings reveal that some of the functions of tree in mysticism are: symbolization of manifestation of God, recognition, perfect man, and creation which are the evolved forms of its functions in the mythological period. The mythical beliefs have transformed along with human intellectual growth, have gainedreasonable grounds, and have found a more balanced status in religions. These adjusted beliefs have entered mystical literature due to Islamic mysticism’s proximity to or influence from older mystical religions and sects.

Keywords

• myth
• religions
• mysticism
• metamorphosis
• symbol