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Hawthorn
Keywords
Ancestry, Cleansing, Family, Fertility, Growth, Happiness, Love,
Luck, Marriage, Patience, Prosperity, Protection, Purity, Reconciliation,
Wisdom
Historical
Background and Folklore
The name hawthorn comes from the Anglo-Saxon word, haegthorn, hedge
thorn, and the Old Saxon word for hedge, haw. Its fruit is stilled
called haws. By the Middle Ages it was called “May”
because it blooms in that month. Garlands of it were hung around
doorways to celebrate Beltane. Collecting dew from the flowers and
sprinkling on the face was said to ensure lasting beauty.
Hawthorn can be found near holy wells and will usually have offerings
left around it on the ground as well as ribbons in its branches.
This tree is also found at crossroads which is appropriate for its
association with Brigid (the Celtic goddess who presides over holy
wells and crossroads). Known also as a wishing tree, it is not unusual
to see strips of cloth hanging on hawthorns that are not near wells
or springs. A strip of cloth (the color is usually symbolic of what
is wished for) is tied on the tree while making a wish. It is also
said to mark the threshold of the Otherworld. For this reason it
was used in funeral pyres to assist departing spirits. |
Hawthorn was celebrated in springtime but it was considered unlucky
at other times of the year. While the early Christian church could
not wean people away from their May festivities, hawthorn’s
connection with faeries was enough for priests to use against the
tree’s popularity. It seems to have been an easy task to manipulate
the idea of faery pranks into evil misdeeds.
Associations
Elements: air, fire
Energy: masculine
Goddesses: Audhumla, Brigid, Danu, Frigg, Olwen
Gods: Belenus, Dagda, Prometheus, Thor, Zeus
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Other
Beings/Characters: Blodeuwedd, elves, faeries
Zodiac: Aquarius, Aries
Celestial Body: Mars
Colors: purple, violet, white
Gemstones: amethyst, tanzanite, topaz
Ogham Character: Huath – Letter: H
Rune Character: Odal/Odil – Letter: O
Rune Character: Thorn – Letters: Th
Rune Character: Wunjo/Wyn – Letter: W
Wildlife: blackbird, owl, purple martin
Other Trees: apple, ash, hazel, oak
Dates: May 13 - June 9 (Celtic tree calendar)
Miscellaneous: communication with those who have passed beyond the
veil; defensive protection; lift depression: the chalice; Sunday;
sabbat: Beltane
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© Llewellyn - Whispers from the Woods
For more information, refer to the full text in Whispers from
the Woods.
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