After the Cosmic Egg hatched and have birth to the universe, a vast tree began to grow. While the Cosmic Egg initiated creation, the World Tree organized the universe’s structure.
While you may be familiar with Yggdrasil, the World Tree from Norse Mythology, the Tree of Life in Slavic Mythology was said to be a colossal, sacred oak tree with that not only spanned the cosmos, but also served as a metaphor for understanding one’s place in time, and our connection to past and future generations.
Trees were holy to the Slavs. Oak trees in particular were seen as holy representatives of the World Tree. The oak tree was where people celebrated, prayed, and worshipped. If they wanted to talk to their ancestors, they would lean against an oak tree and speak to it.
Roots in the Underworld
The roots of the World Tree delve deep into the underworld, a mysterious shadowy realm. This part of the tree represents our deepest fears and the unknown, but it’s also where growth begins. Just as seeds germinate in the dark soil, the roots remind us that life’s beginnings are often hidden from view.
The roots of the tree also represented the past. All the ancestors and past generations — their triumphs and struggles — lay rooted in the soil, bringing nourishment and stability to the present.
In folk art, a coiled snake or dragon is often painted among the roots of the World Tree. While this may be reminiscent of the Midgard serpent, in Slavic mythology, this serpent-dragon was one of the forms that the Slavic god Veles would take. Veles was the god and guardian of earth, water, forests, livestock, wealth, magic, music, and the underworld. In some versions of the creation myth, Veles and Perun created land together after Veles swam up from the ocean depths with sand in his mouth. He seems like a rather punk-rock sort of god.
The Trunk: The World Stage of Present Time
The trunk of the World Tree stands firmly on the earthly plane, bridging the gap between the heavens and the underworld. It symbolizes strength, growth, and the everyday world we inhabit. The trunk is where the physical and spiritual meet, reminding us that we live in a world that is both material and spiritual.
The trunk, or stem, of the tree also represents the axis point between past and future. We are the actors on the world stage today. Our existence is the culmination of the hopes and dreams of past generations, and we are also the funnel through which time flows, so that our actions will also affect future generations.
In Slavic and Baltic folk art, you will often see a woman in traditional dress standing near the trunk of the World Tree. This is Mokosh, the Mother Earth goddess. She is the guardian of life, of fertility, of the harvest, of childbirth, of weaving, of fate, and of sexuality. She nourishes, nurtures. She creates and sustains. It is said that both Veles, god of the underworld, and Perun, god of the sky, were her consorts. From her union with these two gods, she gave birth to the twin gods of the seasons. Jarilo is the pangender god/goddess of spring and summer; Marzanna is the goddess of autumn and winter.
Branches Reaching the Heavens
Soaring high into the sky, the branches of the World Tree touch the heavens, hame to gods, celestial beings, and the spirits of future generations. These branches represent our highest aspirations, dreams, and the divine.
As we look up past the leaves of our ancestral oak tree to the Milky Way above—which were believed to be one of the far away branches of the cosmic World Tree—they remind us of our connection to the greater universe and the cycle of life that will continue beyond our earthly existence.
In Slavic art, you will often see an eagle perched among the branches of the World Tree. The eagle is the symbol of Perun, who was the god of the sky, lightning, thunder, war, justice, and the physical realm. In some versions of the creation story, Perun’s rooster hatched the egg from which the World Tree sprang. He is the primary patriarchal god of the Slavs, kind of like how an oldest sibling will often self-nominate themselves to be in charge.
The World Tree in Daily Life
The World Tree remains a powerful symbol today, inspiring environmental awareness and a sense of global connectedness. It reminds us that we are part of a larger ecosystem, and that the drama of life is bigger than just our one, small part.
The World Tree’s symbolism extends beyond mythology into the daily lives and rituals of Slavic and Baltic peoples. It’s symbolism is frequently seen in folk art, carved into furniture, painted on the sides of buildings, and embroidered into traditional clothes.
The Tree of Life is a living symbol that serves as a reminder of our connection to the earth, the divine, and each other.
If you are interested in hearing more about the Slavic gods Mokosh, Veles, and Perun, and their children, check out the rest of my “Slavic Spirits” series. Also, consider signing up for my Reader’s Club newsletter. You’ll receive monthly updates of my works in progress, book reviews, and a free short story.
