www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Icons & Iconography Nativity icon - Ugly trees

Hello!

Does anyone know what these ugly little trees are about? They seem like they have a deeper meaning than just funny little trees. Here's a link from a pretty standard Nativity icon.

Trees [google.com]

I have my theories, but I don't want to bias any replies.

Thanks in advance,
Booth

Of course they are quoting Genesis as the piece of salvation history - including fruit trees etc. as well as humanity in the website that has that icon.

So a birth of Christ in the scheme of all creation (as planned by the Holy Trinity from the beginning of all time)?

The tree below the baby is the "Jesse Tree" from prophesy, which says that a shoot will sprout from the stump (tree) of Jesse (the father of King David) “A shoot shall sprout from the stump (tree) of Jesse and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him” Isaiah 11:1-2

The trees are peculiar and original. It's a special symbolic depiction from a spiritual, but not our secular ugly world.
"The staff of Aaron sprouted, and the dry wood brought forth.
His symbol has been explained today - it is the Virgin womb that gave birth." (Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on the Nativity)

Thank you both!