Spiritual Arborescence: Trees in the Medieval Christian Imagination

Abstract

Trees abound in the manuscripts, visions and prayers, on the walls, altars and vestments of the Middle Ages. Their presence indicates a spiritual arborescence, a profound proliferation of arboreal imagery constituent in Christian devotion. Spiritual arborescence is the process of conjuring Christ in the imagination through contemplation of trees. It is a practice that mediates the individual meditant’s relationship with the larger religious community and with Christ. The examples of medieval spiritual arborescence explored in this essay demonstrate profound concerns about accessing divinity in the material world.

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