Various Forms of " Life Tree" on Persian Carpets

“Life Tree” is an evergreen tree which its fruits bring eternity and immortality and is the essence of all trees. This paper is introducing different forms of sacred tree and sacred plant (life tree) on Persian carpets. In addition, through comparison of more ancient concepts of these forms, the principle of continuity of life of this symbol can be taken into consideration on these carpets. At first, this analysis is studying the relationship between life tree with altar and light symbols, an earthen jar, protector animals, lotus and phoenix. The available samples in ancient Persian art and Zoroastrian’s legends are found, then designs of life tree in accompany with these symbols on Persian carpets are introduced. Altar is the symbol of the place of relationship between heavenly world and underneath world, cresset is a symbol of light, lotus is a symbol of eternity and renewal life and earthen jar or flowerpot is a symbol of blessing and rain bringing; phoenix and other protector animals are symbols which according to Persian’s legends, they are related to the concept of tree. On the other hand, the imagination of paradise, which is the basic thought in Persian civilization, and believing in the existence of good or evil tree and life tree in paradise, is one of the effective factors in illustrating sacred tree on garden carpets. In these gardens, cypress tree, willow tree, full of flower and vine trees and also stylized forms of the tree can be found. “Ghabghabi” (frame into frame) designs (belonging to Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari area), repeated patterns of tree and medallion with repetition of tree in four symmetrical directions are also other styles of illustrating life tree in paradise.