In 2011, my daughter and I visited Lebanon, our second of three trips there together. Most memorable and meaningful that trip were visits to the Cedar Forest and the home of Lebanese poet and philosopher, Kahlil Gibran. The cedar forest was so unbelievably tranquil and beautiful. This tree that I painted is the original tree that was chosen for the flag of Lebanon, but in its 2011 condition with many branches missing. It seems significant to me that this tree which represents Lebanon, has lost so many limbs, just as the country has experienced so much turmoil and pain. Yet, a new generation is there to carry on, just as the young cedars in the forest.
In case you are interested, the current flag of Lebanon with two red horizontal stripes, top and bottom, with a middle center of white with the green cedar was created in 1943 when Lebanon became liberated from France. The larger white stripe signifies peace and unity, while the red represents all the bloodshed Lebanon has experienced fighting off invaders. The cedar tree is common in Lebanon and signifies eternity, holiness, peace and longevity. There are 77 references to the Cedars of Lebanon in the bible.
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