Egyptian Tree of Life

The Egyptian Tree of Life

While studying ancient Egyptian art during fourth quarter, seventh grade students learned that the earliest reference to the concept of the Tree of Life is found in the philosophy of the ancient Egyptians.  The Tree of Life is a Universal symbol found in many spiritual traditions around the world.  It symbolizes life itself, with its branches reaching for the Heavens "Father Sky" and its buried roots, linking to "Mother Earth”.  Students drew their own version of the tree of life using oil pastels on black construction paper.  Then they wrote an artist's statement about their work.

"My tree represents my family because my family is amazing." ~ Gavin

"The tree of life is an international symbol that symbolizes life, peace, love and joy!" ~ Blane



"My tree of life symbolizes... calmness, mainly.  Calmness, perseverance, integrity, elegance, peacefulness, grace, righteousness, and justice." ~ Annemarie



"My tree of life represents peace.  That all the war in the world would stop." ~ Samuel

"To me, my tree represents how life everywhere grows into something that shades, protects and cares for... Something to love and cherish." ~ Demara

"This tree symbolizes that anything can happen if you just dream.  Dreams make fireworks.  Night skies, the stars shining so bright.  Make anything your imagination!" ~ Rodnique

"This tree is a symbol to me... of life and passion.  The passion is shown by the vibrant colors I have used." ~ Ashanti

"My tree of life represents love and life.  You have to live life to the fullest and don't be afraid to take a chance in life." ~ Cameron

"My tree symbolizes a family tree.  The leaves on the tree represent kids and the other leaves represent parents and elders." ~ Countess

"My tree of life reminds me of how the world is so colorful and how life is beautiful." ~ Chris

"My tree of life symbolizes different things like life, earth, and flowers." ~ Khyre

"My tree represents me more than anybody.  It means that different colors can be moods.  Sometimes I could be mad at the world for no reason whatsoever.  And that even if I am one way on the outside I feel different on the inside." ~ Josiah

"My tree of life represents every color that makes me happy and art is a part of me... The moon means I like to stay up late.  The flowers mean happiness.  The stars mean never be afraid to shine and be yourself."~ Taylor

"...this tree is for power, braveness, and kindess." ~ Philesiyana

"The tree of life means to me that if someone is hurt they can see the tree of life and it will heal them." ~ Lindsay

"My tree represents life in fantasy, that nothing is ever too crazy to think of or imagine.  This represents how you can dream anything.  Finally, it represents that there is no wrong way to show your creativity." ~ Amber