The Tree of Life is a mystical symbol in most cultures, it seems. I think it's a natural thing, not necessarily descended from the religious practices of one culture or another. I have two magnificent Ponderosa pines in my yard that frame the setting sun much of the year, and they naturally draw me into thinking of the transcendant.

And also in our area, we have ancient, gnarled oaks. They aren't as big as the pines, but their shape is so attractive to the eye that it cannot be ignored.

-Joe-