Tree of Life Persian Rugs

"The best time to plant a tree is... 20 years ago. The next best time is today." [Chinese Proverb]

From 2019 onwards, Rugman is giving back to communities by planting two trees for every rug purchased between the 1st day of spring (March 20) and National Arbor Day (this year: April 26). It would be an environmental-friendly inventing tradition and an inspiring resolution for the 21st anniversary of rugman.com.

As an encouragement to join us on this initiative, we are offering extra 45% off selected rugs from March 20th to March 31st.

Persian New Year is the first day of Spring and it is a celebration of the new life waiting ahead. To celebrate the promise of a new life, Rugman is giving back this spring by planting two trees for every rug purchased.

National Arbor Day (or Arbour; from the Latin arbor, meaning tree), in US the last Friday in April, is a time to bring attention to everyone's friend, the tree. It is estimated that more than 20 million trees worldwide will be planted on Arbor Day this year. In the classic case of getting more than giving, the relationship with trees is largely one-sided, trees give - we take. It is through education and various charitable associations that the opportunity exists to give back to this environmental superhero.

How to participate:

Step 1. Follow us on social media @

Step 2. Between the 1st day of spring (March 20) and National Arbor Day (April 26), use these 4 hashtags together: #Rugman | #OneRugTwoTrees | #HappySpring |#ArborDay

Step 3. For following steps 1 & 2, Rugman will plant a tree on your behalf.

Step 4. For following steps 1 & 2 and for every rug purchased, Rugman will plant two trees on behalf of buyers and weavers.

Historical Reference: From Tree of Life to Arbor Day

A popular motif within oriental rugs is the Tree of Life design, which is a representation of the connection between the environment and earth. Revered by weavers, the Tree of Life is a testament of the symbolic meaning of trees in rugs. The story of the Tree of Life is that which transcends the generations through the weavings of Persian Rugs. Looking back in history there is much to be learned going forward.

As it is documented in the Tree of Life Persian rugs, legend has it that a cypress tree planted by request of a Zoroastrian Prophet, this tree grew to be so big that 10,000 sheep could use it for shade and thousands of birds lived within the branches. When the neighboring King heard of this massive tree he ordered it cut down and brought to him. Many people warned against this action. Ignored these warnings, the King had the felled cypress tree transported via 1200 camels to his palace. Ironically he never did lay eyes upon the tree as he was killed before it reached the palace. The Tree of Life, as it is symbolized in Persian rugs represents the connection between earth and the environment through it's roots and outreaching branches. It is a very rare design in Persian Prayer rugs weaved by the Baluchi tribes.

Where did Arbor Day Come From?

It was 1872 when a gentleman by the name of Julius Morton Sterling, a journalist actively involved in politics, proclaimed Arbor Day officially. He and his wife Caroline had come to Nebraska as pioneers from Detroit in 1854. Morton recognized "The Great American Desert" as it was known at the time, as a highly undesirable location for pioneers due to the barren landscape. It was through education and tree planting incentives that he used his public influence to bring awareness to this very important natural resource. The very first Arbor Day in Nebraska claimed to have had 1 million trees planted. Read more about "The History of Arbor Day"

Rugman's partners in #OneRugTwoTrees