The Tradition of the Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is an old Christmas tradition that started in Medieval times. It was used to tell the story of the Bible from Creation to the birth of Christ.
The name comes from Jesse, the father of King David.
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him…the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord…and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11
A branch is a symbol of new life and new beginnings. Jesus is a descendent of King David, and Christians believe that he is the new branch. The first Jesse Trees were large carvings, Stained Glass Windows and Tapestries that helped the illiterate to learn about the Bible stories.
Symbols used and their meaning
Moon & Sun - Creation
Fruit – Adam & Eve, Garden of Eden
Boat – Noah and the flood
Sword – Abraham
Ram – Issac
Ladder – Jacob’s ladder
Coat – Joseph’s coat
Burning bush – Moses
Menorah – Israelites
Scroll – 10 Commandments
Harp – King David
Sheath of Corn – Ruth
Sling & stone – David & Goliath
Temple – Solomon’s Temple
The word Listen – Elijah
Tree stump/branch – Jesse at the base of the tree
Locust – John the Baptist
Lily – Mary
Hammer – Joseph
Symbol of Christ – Jesus
Clay, stains, acrylics, collage on wood
H 90.5 x W 44 X D 5 cm
$3,500.00