The Roots of the Tree: Interpretations of the Archetypal Image of the “Tree” in Contemporary Cinema

Abstract

The article analyzes a number of telling examples of using the tree image in contemporary cinema, including the interpretations of the triad: “the world tree” – “the tree of life” – “the tree of knowledge of good and evil”. The author argues that the “baptismal” and “kinship” symbolism related to the Christian axiology is most representative in the examples shown. Genealogical associations allow for an easy move to other planes, such as the “tree of life”, “magic tree”, “tree of wishes”, “wedding tree” connected to fertility and progeny, and so on. These associative connections engender an array of contemporary everyday and ritual practices from children’s playhouses on trees to “wedding trees” in city space.