TREE OF LIFE ARTWORK
A framed Artwork inspire by Family History
Price £35
“Temple and…?” …Family History.
Ask a Latter-day Saint to complete the phrase “Temple and…” and the answer is almost instinctive.
For generations, the temple and family history have belonged together, one reaching back through the generations, the other reaching forward into eternity.
The Tree of Life is an ancient and remarkably enduring symbol. Across cultures and traditions, trees have represented life, continuity, connection and the generations that came before and after us. Their roots reach into the past; their branches reach towards the future.
That symbolism feels particularly natural in a family.
The roots represent those who came before us — the lives, choices, sacrifices and stories that form the foundation on which we stand.
The trunk is the present: our place in that continuing story.
The branches reach outward and upward, dividing and growing as families do. Children become parents; parents become grandparents; one generation gives rise to another. And eventually, the branches carry something precious of their own: fruit.
Here the fruit has a more personal meaning.
In the Book of Mormon’s vision of the Tree of Life, the fruit represents eternal life, described as the greatest of all the gifts of God.
But the fruit on this tree can also quietly represent the generations still growing from our own branches, children, grandchildren and those who will come after them. The people we love become part of what we leave behind, and part of the story that continues long after our own branch has grown.
One further understanding of the Tree of Life and its fruit is the enabling power behind the Temple and family history; the way that families can be bound for eternity. The Tree of Life and its fruit are symbols of Christ’s redemption. The vision, the tree and every part of it are signs of Christ’s redemption, of his sacrifice and Atonement.
And then there is the iron rod.
For a Latter-day Saint, its meaning is unmistakable. In Lehi’s vision, the rod leads along the path towards the Tree of Life. Nephi explains that the rod represents the word of God, something to hold fast to as we make our way towards the tree.
So, the rod deliberately crosses this tree.
It is a reminder that families are not simply something we inherit or create. They are something we journey through, care for and lead.
The tree therefore brings together ideas that Latter-day Saints have long understood as inseparable:
Temple and family history.
One connects us with those who came before.
The other reminds us of those who will come after.
And at the centre of it all is the Tree of Life — a symbol of the Saviour, of life, love, family, faith and the hope of eternity.
Frame: 28 × 23 cm
Suitable photo: 13 × 18 cm
Material: High-quality PLA architectural model in a contemporary shadow frame
Supplied ready for you to add your own 13 × 18 cm photograph, quotation or artwork.
(Text courtesy of Dr. James D. Holt)
