What is the myth about the hawthorn tree?
In Ireland most of the isolated trees, or ‘lone bushes’, in the landscape and said to be inhabited by faeries, were hawthorn trees. Such trees could not be cut damaged in any way without incurring the often fatal wrath of their supernatural guardians. In Irish folklore, having a Hawthorn tree on your land is seen as good luck. The Fairy trees: Fairies are said to be found where Hawthorn, Oak and Ash trees grow together. It has been said to be unlucky to cut down the tree, in particular if it is a lone tree.Stories tell of foolish people who anger the faeries by intruding on their meeting place or damaging the tree that marks it, and retribution from the Otherworldly folk ranges from bad luck to death. In some Irish tales, even gathering naturally fallen hawthorn wood must be avoided.In Celtic mythology, the Hawthorn tree is one of the most sacred trees, symbolizing love and protection. They are also known as Fairy Trees, as fairies live under the Hawthorn as its guardians, and so was treated with great respect and care.It is also known as the Fairy Tree, as fairies live under the Hawthorn as its guardians, and so was treated with great respect and care. However, politely collecting Hawthorn sprigs and flowers was allowed, especially by brides, who wore Hawthorn blossom in their hair or bouquet to symbolise their union of love.
What is the spiritual significance of the hawthorn tree?
In spiritual healing, hawthorn is incorporated into some brands of essential oils to help bring peace and courage in times of emotional turmoil. It promotes love and marriage, fertility, prosperity, intuition, and happiness. In fact, it’s a lovely tree to have around! For centuries, hawthorn has been revered as more than just an herb—it is a guardian of the heart, both physically and spiritually. Rooted in folklore, traditional medicine, and energetic healing, hawthorn stands as a bridge between the seen and unseen, offering protection, love, and deep nourishment to the heart.Rich in amino acids, minerals, pectin, vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, epicatechol, and choline, hawthorn has a high therapeutic and health value. Many studies have shown that hawthorn has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-cardiovascular disease, and digestive enhancing properties.Deep Roots in Culture: The Symbolism of Indian Hawthorn In various traditions, it’s a symbol of protection and love, often associated with magical enchantment. Its sturdy wood and deep roots mirror its role in folklore as a steadfast guardian, while its thorns suggest a fierce defense against negative forces.Indian hawthorn is not considered toxic to humans or pets. The tart berries may be used to make jelly or jam.
What is the superstition about the hawthorn tree?
It was generally held that it was bad luck to bring any part of the hawthorn into the house. Likewise, if one was to hit someone or drive cows with a branch of hawthorn, it was also thought to cause misfortune or death. May: lily of the valley and hawthorn The May birth flowers are lily of the valley and hawthorn. With its delicate flowers and sweet scent, lily of the valley is a real favourite of many! And royal brides love lily of the valley too. There are many myths and legends surrounding where lily of the valley came from.It is considered bad luck to bring hawthorn flowers inside, the exception being May Day. Although celebrated as a tree of fertility and renewal at Beltane, historically it is associated with the Great Plague. Scented hawthorn flowers mimic rotting flesh and are therefore associated with death.In many cultures, the hawthorn flower is considered a symbol of love, fertility, and protection. It is also associated with the element of fire and is believed to have protective and healing properties. As a May Flower, the hawthorn blossom is also associated with the celebration of spring and the renewal of life.It is accessible and common, and its froth of white flowers are attractive – yet no flower is considered more unlucky. To take hawthorn blossom into a house was thought to invite illness and death. Children were forbidden to bring it home.Hawthorn is the second birth flower for May. The hawthorn genus consists of hundreds of different species, but all of these plants are flowering trees in the rose family. When spring arrives, the trees send out clusters of small, white flowers.
What deities are associated with hawthorn?
Hawthorn has a strong association with fertility, passion and love. The Ancient Greek goddess Hera conceived twins, Ares and Eris, when she touched hawthorn blossoms – and hawthorn is also the tree of the Roman goddess Cardea… Cardea is the consort of the god Janus, from whom we take the name for the month of January. Hawthorn Tree Magic In Celtic mythology it is one of the most sacred trees and symbolises love, protection and fertility. Its blossoming marks the point at which spring turns into summer, and the old saying ‘Cast ne’er a clout ere May is out’ almost certainly refers to the opening of hawthorn flowers.
What are the magical properties of hawthorn?
It supports heart chakra healing and helps open the heart to forgiveness, compassion, and connection. Blooming in spring and bearing fruit in autumn, hawthorn embodies the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. Spiritually, it reminds us that personal growth often comes through change and challenge. Side effects, toxicity, and interactions Hawthorn is tolerated well by most people at normal doses. But it’s a powerful herb. It can cause sedation and very low blood pressure at high doses. For this reason, you should only take hawthorn under the care of a doctor.While hawthorn berries aren’t directly classified as poisonous to humans, there are some instances when they may cause some adverse effects when consumed. The seeds of the fruits in the Rosaceae family are known for containing an amygdalin compound which is basically cyanide that has bonded with sugar.The Hawthorn is a tree of magical enchantment and is strongly associated with Beltane, the ancient festival celebrating spring. In Celtic mythology it is one of the most sacred trees and symbolises love and protection.Hawthorn is a flowering shrub or tree of the rose family. It grows in temperate regions throughout the world. Hawthorn was traditionally used for heart disease, digestion, blood circulation, and kidney and bladder problems.In most studies, adverse events with hawthorn occurred at rates similar to or less than that with placebo, and no instances of serum enzyme elevations or clinically apparent liver injury were mentioned.
What is the British folklore about hawthorn?
Ancient Britons believed that bringing hawthorn blossom into the house would be followed by illness and death, while in Mediaeval times it was said that it smelled liked the Great Plague! Another legend has it that old hawthorn trees were really witches who had transformed themselves into trees, while in Ireland the . The Hawthorn’s magical past: Hawthorn has long been associated with faeries and witches. Celtic myths abound of the tricky faery luring human mortals into a world where time moved differently. And the hawthorn was one of the trees most likely to be inhabited or protected by the faery folk.Fear and Death. As I live in a country with a Celtic folklore past, let’s start with fear and death. Hawthorns in Celtic countries are connected with the fairies. Fall asleep under a hawthorn tree, it is said, and you are likely to be kidnapped and taken to the underworld.They are also known as Fairy Trees, as fairies live under the Hawthorn as its guardians, and so was treated with great respect and care. Collecting Hawthorn sprigs and flowers was allowed, especially by Ireland’s brides, who wore the blossoms in their hair or in a bouquet to symbolize their union of love.