HOW DOES THE RITE OF THE TREE OF LIFE WORK?

In its original formulation, this rite is performed by planting a tree. Yes, you got that right. The bride and groom during the ceremony (or immediately after) plant a tree together, which will grow during their marriage and remain in the garden as a testimony to their love year after year.

Their children will sit and play in the shade of that tree and, if it is a fruit tree, its produce will be part of the family’s food.

There is a modern formulation of this ritual, which involves the use of a small plant. It can be a still young tree, an aromatic plant, whatever you prefer. As long as it is small enough to be transported.

Usually one chooses a size that can fit on the celebration table.

During the ceremony, the bride and groom take care of this plant, doing one or more of these things:

• Repotting it, then transplanting it into another pot
• Watering it, with a small watering can or jug of water
• Reinforce it by adding fertile soil to the pot
• Prune it by removing dry leaves and twigs

Each of these gestures is individually linked to a symbolism. Starting a new life in a new home. Committing oneself to nurture and protect one’s family.

Dedicating oneself to keeping the marriage alive.

Overall, of course, the ritual is a symbol of commitment and care. A plant is a living organism, to be cherished over the years. So one chooses this rite to reinforce the wedding vows, and to show that in a marriage it is not only the party that is important, but above all the AFTER.

AFTER THE WEDDING

What I love most about the rite of the tree of life is that after the ceremony, the tree becomes part of the couple’s life. In fact, you will take that plant home and plant it in your garden or on your balcony.

It will become part of your everyday life and you will care for it in the days and years to come.
Suitable for an ecological wedding. If you love nature, have a green thumb and like ancient symbols, it is ideal.

INVOLVE THE WITNESSES OR EVEN ALL THE GUESTS

During the ceremony, after or before the bride and groom, witnesses or family members or even all the guests can participate, adding a symbolic pinch of earth or caressing a leaf or fruit of the plant with even a short message of good wishes.