2018-09-25 Tue

The first ever 10 oz silver bullion produced by Royal Canadian Mint features the Tree of Life! On the reverse of this magnificent coin is a maple tree, its roots embedded in the earth and branches that strive to rise ever higher with the Yin Yang symbol in the background. The sun and the moon represent the nature of life which requires a balance. It implies the positive and negative force around us. The obverse features the effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The legends around the design in reverse read “CANADA”, 2017, “FINE SILVER”, 10 oz, “ARGENT PUR-.9999”, while those on the obverse read “ELIZABETH II D. G. REGINA” along with the denominational value “$50”.

The Tree of Life or the Celtic Tree is the spiritual and philosophical symbol for our world and being. It is a well known symbol often seen on tapestries, and on other types of decorations. But what are its origins?

The name Celtic Tree suggests its Celtic origins. For the Ancient Celts, the Tree of Life was a symbol of balance and harmony. Trees were an integral part of the Celts culture and beliefs but the Celtic Tree of Life held a great importance in their rituals and worship.

The Tree of Life was a representation of the nature’s forces that combined together to create balance and harmony. The Tree of Life was called “crann bethadh” by the Ancient Celts, who believed that it had magical powers. Chopping down this tree was considered a serious crime.

The Tree of Life connects the lower and upper worlds as its roots grow far down while its branches reach high. The tree trunk connects both of these worlds to the Earth’s plane. It was with this connection of worlds, that it was said that people are able communicate with the gods in the heavens using the Tree of Life.

Image Courtesy: www.lpm.hk