So the shortest day came, and the year died, And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world Came people singing, dancing, To drive the dark away. They lighted candles in the winter trees; They hung their homes with evergreen, They burned beseeching fires all night long To keep the year alive. And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake ,They shouted, revelling. Through all the frosty ages you can hear them Echoing, behind us — listen! All the long echoes sing the same delight This shortest day As promise wakens in the sleeping land. They carol, feast, give thanks, And dearly love their friends, and hope for peace. And so do we, here, now, This year, and every year. Welcome Yule!
The Celts believed the world was inhabited by many spirits, and viewed nature as the physical manifestation of the Divine. The Tree of Life in particular was believed to be a path between the physical and spiritual worlds, with the roots planted in the soil and the branches reaching toward Heaven.
Hawthorn
In Oliver Rackham’s study of Anglo Saxon charters, the hawthorn was mentioned more frequently than any other tree, even the oak. It often marked the boundary between cultivated land and the open common.
The Hawthorn is a small tree with an abundance of foliage, growing on its thorny branches, which is wonderful for garden birds to safely make ther nests. It is known for its longevity and can live over 400 years. In March the Hawthorn tree’s leaf-buds open and pale green leaves appear. These leaves are joined by masses of delicate white flower buds, which open in May to reveal blossoms with five white petals surrounding stamens with bright pink heads. Each flower produces a fruit, called a ‘Haw’ which appear in July and ripen in October resembling small bright red apples which are loved by our birds.
Hawthorn trees are sacred in Celtic culture. They are associated with Beltane (May 1) one of the four principal pagan festivals and traditionally the first day of summer in Ireland. Doors and windows outside homes were hung with hawthorn branches and a hawthorn bush was transformed into a May Bush decorated with shells and trinkets. In modern times Beltane is called May Day, celebrated by dancing around a decorated maypole and building bonfires.
Hawthorn trees are also known as “fairy trees”. It is believed that fairies (or the sidhe) live underground and in certain trees, namely the hawthorn. Even in modern times, one often sees a lone tree in the middle of a field; farmers and landowners are reluctant to cut down hawthorn trees for fear of disturbing the fairies. Roadworks and motorways are often diverted around fairy trees for the same reason.
Blackthorn
Closely related to the hawthorn tree is the blackthorn; both are part of the rose family.
You may already have noticed the blackthorn blossom, delicate plum-flowers on bare branches, punctuated by dark, cruel spikes. The widely known saying ‘blackthorn winter’ refers to this tree’s habit of flowering just before a particularly cold snap in the weather. Perversely for such a herald of spring, the blackthorn is associated with Samhain (late October) in the Irish calendar, and it represents the dark side of the year and the hag, as the hawthorn represents the light and the maiden.
Blackthorn is depicted in many fairy tales as a tree of ill omen and is linked with warfare, wounding and death. Not surprisingly, the Irish cudgel (or shillelagh) is fashioned from a blackthorn stick. Blackthorn is a hard wood, plentiful throughout Ireland, and often has a knob on the end formed from the root of the shrub.
Blackthorn is also used in spells of protection in Irish folklore. Heroes could be aided by the blackthorn tree; if they threw a blackthorn twig, an impenetrable hedge would form, protecting them from oncoming danger.
A more benign use of blackthorn wood is for a walking stick. A common misconception is that the walking stick is called a shillelagh; the shillelagh is in fact a club or weapon.
Rowan
Our third white blossom tree, the rowan, is a tree of light and fire like the hawthorn, but more upland in character. It has fine, complex leaves (hence its other name, mountain ash) and clusters of heady flowers in May. Rowan is the Quicken Tree, Delight of the Eye, The Wizard Tree, a protection from enchantment, dark magic, and illness. It was planted near houses to protect the inhabitants, and kept in the byre to protect cattle and milk alike. (Are any of us still drinking milk that has been produced under the protection of the rowan tree?) Carrying two rowan twigs tied into a cross with red ribbon was protection against the spirits of the dead at Samhain, sometimes very practical protection from attack out on the moor. Although the blossom and berries of the rowan are striking, the timber was equally valued for its protective properties.
The Rowan Tree Fairy by The Wooden Postcard Company. Illustration by Cecily Mary Barker.
These three trees are very different characters in our folklore. Time and time again in the old stories, they are the interface between human-world and fairy-world. But they are not just some fancy notion or ancient wisdom now lost. These trees are real and alive and flowering somewhere near you this springtime. You don’t need to be on Dartmoor or in other wild and wonderful places, they are also common trees in towns and cities.
Go and seek out the blackthorn, the hawthorn and the rowan tree this spring. Spend some time with them… think about their history and what they might have seen… and perhaps even make a wish. Surely what we need in the world right now is justice, magic, and protection — for all of us, human and non-human alike.
Recommended Books
Description A great little book for anyone like me who likes nature, plants and folk tales – Goodreads Reviewer
The islands of Britain and Ireland hold a rich heritage of plant folklore and wisdom, from the magical yew tree to the bad-tempered dandelion.
Here are traditional tales about the trees and plants that shape our landscapes and our lives through the seasons. They explore the complex relationship between people and plants, in lowlands and uplands, fields, bogs, moors, woodlands and towns.
Suitable for all ages, this is an essential collection of stories for anyone interested in botany, the environment and our living heritage.
Review “A wonderful collection suitable for all ages and filled with pretty florals too.” ― The Independent
About the Author
Lisa Schneidau trained as an ecologist. She has worked with wildlife charities all over Britain to restore nature in the landscape, in roles including farm advisor, river surveyor, political lobbyist and conservation director. She is also a professional storyteller, sharing stories that inspire, provoke curiosity and build stronger connections between people and nature. She lives on Dartmoor. http://www.lisaschneidau.co.uk
A boy looks inside a fairy door at the bottom of a tree in Wayford Woods. Photograph: Matt Cardy
The first fairy door appeared more than a decade ago, a beautifully handcrafted work of art with a working handle, hinges and a little bed tucked behind it. But since then so many tiny doors have been fixed to trees in one Somerset wood that the custodians of this slice of sylvan paradise are having to bring in planning controls.
“The problem is there are just too many of them – and some are a little bit garish, they don’t fit in,” said Stuart Le Fevre, a trustee for Wayford woods, near Crewkerne. He said doors were being screwed into living trees, which could be damaging. “And some have been added to trees far away from the paths so children have been trampling over the bluebells. We don’t want to discourage children and we certainly are not anti-fairy – but we have to take some sort of action.”
Most of the fairy doors are fixed to nooks and crannies in the mossy bases of trees. Visiting children are convinced that fairies live behind the doors and often leave notes, snacks or presents for the tiny creatures.
Many of the doors are as tasteful as the first one to appear. They’ve been built in all shapes, sizes and colours, some adorned with names and numbers. One or two builders have gone for grandeur – the architect of Grand Hollow Hall boasts a door with clear Gothic influences. Others have opted for a more homely style, installing the sort of cosy door that might have appealed to Bilbo Baggins.
However, some trees have proved just too tempting a target for developers and trunks have acquired up to 10 doors apiece. There have been comments about the proliferation of pinks, bright blues, even tinsel, jarring with the lovely greenery. A “low-point” came when someone installed a mini fairy playground (which was swiftly removed).
Le Fevre admitted that the more garish doors had started to vanish. He won’t say who is removing them. “I think it’s the goblins,” he said. “Our goblins have very good taste.”
Reluctantly, the trustees are planning to set up signs requesting restraint when it comes to fairy doors and are wondering whether to limit them to a particular area of the 12-hectare (30-acre) site, which features a stream, meadow, ornamental lake and snowdrops, bluebells and rhododendrons.
There was sympathy for the trustees from fans of the woods and doors. Jake Birkett, who visited the woods with his sons, said: “It is a magical place. My children loved running around and finding the doors. But I understand that the wood needs to be protected.”
Phaedra Perry, a regional manager for a charity, who said she often visited the woods with her young niece and nephew (who, aged six and four, are keen on fairies), agreed the doors were getting too numerous. “My niece and nephew love them. There are more and more every time we go. The woods are lovely – and I think it’s right to limit the number.”
The Waverley Abbey Yew has taken the prize for its spectacular, gnarled roots
Its roots grow into and around ruins of Cistercian monastery of the same name
Around 500 years old, it was growing when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries
Tree will now go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year contest
The Waverley Abbey yew, which is rooted inside the ruined monastery near Farnham, Surrey, was deemed the cream of the crop this year
It is a beautiful tree with roots that sprawl out above ground before plunging into the earth. Its multi-stemmed form is dotted with holes, crevices and areas of decay that provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
This year’s national contest celebrated our living legends that have withstood the test of time, each a constant safe haven for wildlife in a changing and sometimes disconnected landscape. The 12 finalists included trees selected from the Ancient Tree Inventory by The Woodland Trust’s expert panel plus one tree nominated by the public.
The ancient tree took 16 per cent of the total votes, finishing above The Portal Tree in Midlothian (11 per cent), a Rowan which grows in the landscaped grounds of one of Scotland’s most important historic houses.
Tom Reed, Citizen Science Office for the Ancient Tree Inventory at the Woodland Trust, said ‘People who visit Waverley Abbey come with a respect and appreciation of the abbey’s history and stories.
It is great to see that this magnificent tree has been recognised at Tree of the Year 2022 and the way the tree is rooted within the ruins of the abbey is a great symbol of the fact that our ancient trees are intertwined with other aspects of our cultural heritage.
‘We’re calling for greater protection for these living legends, so they are cared for in the same way as our historic buildings.
‘This tree is on of the many Living Legends that have witnessed important moments in our history.’
Dr Michael Carter, English Heritage Senior Properties Historian, said: ‘The Yew tree at Waverley Abbey has been witness to history for nearly 500 years.
The tree, thought to be around 500 years old, would have been growing when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in the late 1530s
Whilst the exact age of the yew is unknown, it is likely that it has watched over the abbey grounds since shortly after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536 – and has seen its surroundings transformed from a thriving religious community into a picturesque ruin.
‘The tree is a truly spectacular reminder of the passage of time and a very worthy winner of Tree of the Year.’
In third place with 10 per cent of the votes was the impressive Layering Horse Chestnut in Derbyshire which was likely to have been struck by lightening in the past, causing a hollowed and decaying truck with new roots regrowing from the fallen branches.
Now in its eighth year, the Woodland Trust’s Tree of The Year contest highlights the UK’s favourite trees to celebrate the nations favourite and most beautiful trees, the role they play in fighting climate change and their importance to nature and our history and heritage.
Reference ~ The Woodland Trust and The Daily Mail, 4/11/22
“It was when I stopped searching for home within others and lifted the foundations of home within myself I found there were no roots more intimate than those between a mind and body that have decided to be whole.” – Rupi Kaur
The root chakra (Muladhara) is associated with the earth element and thus, has grounding energy. This energy center is responsible for how safe, secure, and centered we feel, and when in balance, it keeps you grounded in the physical world. One of the best ways to balance and heal the root chakra is to reconnect with mother earth through nature walks and “earthing,” which means walking barefoot.
Stunning display of photographs and artwork of trees dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II to go on display at Sotheby’s as King Charles unveils nationwide network of ancient woodlands
King Charles unveiled the nationwide network of trees and woodlands yesterday
It is dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of her platinum jubilee year
People can see photos and artwork called the Queen’s Green Canopy in Sotheby’s in London,from December 10
It comes after King Charles III, who is patron of the QGC, unveiled a nationwide network of 70 ‘irreplaceable’ ancient woodlands and trees yesterday that are dedicated to the Queen in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen’s Green Canopy organisers said: ‘Established over hundreds of years, these precious and irreplaceable habitats are rich in their natural and social history and ecology and have formed the backdrop to important moments in the history of our four nations.
‘The chosen locations span the landscape and exist for everyone to enjoy. ‘They can be found in rural and urban spaces, from National Parks to housing estates.
‘All have a unique story to tell – some are famous specimens, while others have local significance as natural wonders throughout our neighbourhoods.
‘By sharing the stories behind the woodlands and trees, as well as the incredible efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.
‘The Ancient Tree dedication marks the start of a long-term project to propagate material to ensure that the genetic resource and unique characteristics of some of the UK’s most important trees is preserved.’
Coille na Glas Leitir is a temperate rainforest adapted to the cool, wet climate of north-west Scotland, a habitat rare across the world.
The ancient Caledonian woodland here is believed to have been present continuously throughout the last 8,000 years.
Llangernyw Yew Common yew (Taxus baccata) St Digain’s Church Yard, Llangernyw, Conwy
This ancient yew tree is in the churchyard of St Digain’s Church in Llangernyw village and is thought to be up to 5,000 years old.
Legend has it the church is home to an ancient spirit called Angelystor, which is Welsh for Recording Angel or Evangelist. At Halloween the spirit supposedly cries out the names of all the parishioners who will die in the next year.
Crom Yew Common yew (Taxus baccata) Crom Castle, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh
This drawing by Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis of shows the Crom Yew, which is actually two yews entwined together
The Crom Yew is actually two yews entwined together – one male and one female. The larger, older female yew is of a considerable age, although how old exactly has been the subject of debate with some estimates of 800 years old.
As if that wasn’t romantic enough, legend has it that Hugh O’Neill, the 2nd Earl of Tyrone, bade farewell to his lady love beneath the ancient yew at the time of ‘The Flight of the Earls’ in 1607.
Beinn Eighe and Loch Maree Islands, Wester Ross
Beinn Eighe was the first National Nature Reserve to be declared in the UK, in September 1951 and was established originally to protect Coille na Glas Leitir (The Wood of the Grey Slope), the largest fragment of ancient Caledonian pine wood in north-west Scotland.
The Florence Court Yew Irish yew (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’) Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
This Irish yew is considered one of the most important trees on the isle of Ireland and represents the origins of the Irish yew cultivar.
As a female specimen of a dioecious genus, the only way for this plant to reproduce is through cuttings. As a popular cultivar this has impacted the figure of this yew at Florence Court, though it is now mother to millions of offspring across the world.
Brocton Coppice Brocton, Cannock Chase Country Park, Staffordshire
Brocton Coppice is a beautiful fragment of the original Forest of Cannock, which once covered 200 square miles.
With around 600 oaks, including some over 600 years old, Brocton Coppice is a beautiful fragment of the original Forest of Cannock that once covered 200 square miles.
It is a special area that supports rare wildlife. The first documented mention of the Coppice is from 1626 and it is clearly shown on the Yates map of 1775.
Small Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata), Prisk Wood, Monmouthshire
This drawing by Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis is of Small Leaved Lime, a type of tree favoured in the Wye Valley due to their fibrous bark’s utility in rope-making.
Prisk Wood is home to this spectacular example of an ancient, multi-stemmed small leaved lime. At first sight the trunks appear to be separate trees but in fact it is all one individual.
Lambeth Palace Fig ‘White Marseilles’ (Ficus carica), Lambeth Palace, London
Another drawing by Mary Anne Aytoun-Ellis on show at Sotheby’s from December 10, this one shows the Lambeth Palace Fig ‘White Marseilles.
This fig tree is of the White Marseilles variety and was given as a gift to Lambeth Palace by the Vatican. Now found in the courtyard adjacent to the Great Hall, it was originally planted in the garden by Cardinal Pole, who was the last Roman Catholic Archbishop from 1556-1558.
The Black Wood of Rannoch Loch Rannoch, Perth and Kinross
The Black Wood is one of the most beautiful surviving areas of the ‘Great Forest of Caledon’, in Scotland.
It has survived largely undisturbed since the last Ice Age approximately 10,000 years ago.
Fellings in the medieval period provided timber for local needs through periods of clan warfare, and more recently Canadian troops exploited the area in WWII. The rich history and biodiversity in the forest denote it as a Special Area of Conservation and it is favoured by researchers.
Queen Elizabeth I Oak Sessile oak (Quercus petraea) Cowdray Park, West Sussex
Estate records show that Queen Elizabeth I rested and took lunch under the Oak in 1591 during a hunting trip to Cowdray Estate deer park.
One of the largest and oldest sessile oak trees in the UK, this oak is still living and is estimated to be around 1,000 years old.
It forms part of the Cowdray Estate Deer Park, which combined with the neighbouring arboretum and benbow pond make it a popular attraction for Midhurst locals and tourists, with stunning views of the South Downs.
Robert The Bruce’s Yew Common yew (Taxus baccata) Loch Lomond, Argyll and Bute, Stirlingshire
It was said that beneath this yew on the rocky outcrop of Loch Lomond Robert the Bruce and 200 of his allies rested in the first days of their 14th Century campaign.
The tree is in Stuc an T’Iobhairt, translated from Scottish Gaelic as the Hill of the Sacrifice. Upper estimates put the age of the tree at well beyond 1,000 years.
Ty Canol NNR and Pentre Ifan Pentre Ifan, near Newport, Pembrokeshire
Ty Canol and Pentre Ifan form a large part of the largest block of ancient woodland in West Wales
Pentre Ifan is famous for its archaeological sites. it is home of Pentre Ifan Cromlech, a neolithic chambered dolmen, which is a portal tomb, that is thought to date from 3,500 BC.
“Standing in the middle of the river of life I am not a young woman anymore, yet I am not fully old. I am the sum of the bits of me that echo through time and find themselves gathering within this body for this life now. This body is a vessel for the expression of artist and healer, sage and scribe, but you will also find me in the forest, in the waters, on the winds. I am the bird on the bough.
I have come to learn that I am a spiritual being and that Nature is the lamp that illuminates my spiritual journey. Spirituality is something where my soul connects with the soul around me, the soul of people, of animals, of places, nature, world soul. Spirituality is the sacred love inside me that connects me to the sacred within you, and to something bigger than all of us.
My wishes are simple. I hope to contribute to the beauty, love, and peace in this world. I seek to live a life with compassion, with creativity and with a deep sense of spirituality, because I believe that this helps navigate life’s journey, life’s beginnings, and life’s endings. Here in the midlife of this body of mine, I am on a spiritual path that the past, the present and the future calls me to walk. And maybe in answering this call, I can help others walk their own path too, because I know that when we do this, our soul truly sings. “
Georgina Langdale Life transformation guide, earth medicine practitioner, green mystic
“With our hearts and minds focused on the stewardship of the only planet we have, the best way to engage in a hopeful future is to plant oaks! Let this book be your inspiration and guide.” —The American Gardener
With Bringing Nature Home, Doug Tallamy changed the conversation about gardening in America. His second book, the New York Times bestseller Nature’s Best Hope, urged homeowners to take conservation into their own hands. Now, he turns his advocacy to one of the most important species of the plant kingdom—the mighty oak tree.
Oaks sustain a complex and fascinating web of wildlife. The Nature of Oaks reveals what is going on in oak trees month by month, highlighting the seasonal cycles of life, death, and renewal. From woodpeckers who collect and store hundreds of acorns for sustenance to the beauty of jewel caterpillars, Tallamy illuminates and celebrates the wonders that occur right in our own backyards. He also shares practical advice about how to plant and care for an oak, along with information about the best oak species for your area. The Nature of Oaks will inspire you to treasure these trees and to act to nurture and protect them.
