Tree of Life Mosaic, Elicon Cafe, Cebu

There is a popular mosaic in the city of Cebu.

It can be found at Elicon Cafe, at the corner of P. del Rosario St. 

It is a tile mosaic depicting the Tree of Life. 

What is a mosaic?

It is an artistic pattern,

created using small pieces of tiles, glass or other found materials.

It can be glued or cemented.

Each piece is pasted individually.

It is a tedious process,

but it is worth all the time and effort.

The Tree of Life Mosaic at Elicon Cafe is a tile mosaic.

It was designed by Joel Lee, Permaculture teacher and designer.

It was made with the assistance of the staff at Elicon Cafe,

under its Cultivating Self-Reliance Program,

called Learn & Earn.

Our staff learned a new skill,

that of mosaic making,

which is an ancient form of art / craft

and earned as well.

The Tree of Life Mosaic,

is a symbol of how trees support life...

It is the sun and the rain that give life to the tree,

but the tree gives life to many living organisms.

The tree gives off oxygen

so we can breathe.

Its crown gives shelter:

to birds, fireflies & other animals.

It bears fruit for animals to eat.

Fruits have seeds, 

which birds love to deposit with their dung,

The dung falls to the ground,

ready to regenerate the earth,

generously providing for our future.

It gives us timber, 

so we can build our homes,

Its branches give us firewood,

so we can cook our meals

and warm our abodes.

Its roots hold water,

silent storing it for us,

giving it freely when we need it.

It keeps the soil from eroding,

preventing floods,

so we are safe in our homes.

The Tree of Life Mosaic,

reminds us of a gift,

that trees are to be valued,

protected and sanctified.

A humble sign of God's love for us.

We should have a yearly celebration for the Tree of Life.

Kiss each tree and wipe it with our handkerchiefs,

(the way we fanatically act towards religious icons)

to remind us of its miraculous powers,

that of  daily providing us with 

water, shelter, sustenance, and  protection...

our staff installing the tiles

     

joel lee, mosaic designer

students like to hang out under this tree