We broadened the topic of the landscape by looking a trees and plants starting with trees.
1/. Trees live for a long time, are big, strong with a lifespan beyond those of humans. They move and make noises with the winds
Most ancient civilisations would have sacred trees, they were venerated. We have a love for trees now but they have ancient sacred memories associated with them too. Genesis has the tree of life and tree of knowledge so have been seen as wise. Irminsul the tree of life venerated by the Saxons may be the origin of the English Maypole. Yggdrasil, the world tree from Norse Mythology held the universe together.
Not all tree were good, The Wild Wood of Northern Europe has a dark ominous view of them.
2/. Trees in Irish Celtic Mythology
The Chieftain Trees were the most important and included oak, hazel, holly, apple, ash, yew and fir.
i/. Oak – we looked at the Oak in detail, as it was the most important.
It has a powerful spirit, in winter the spirit goes to the mistletoe which is frequently found on it. A protector against lightning, for the God fearing. Links to Thor. Associated with fertility and thus with marriages. Newly married couples would dance around Marriage Oaks. Couples would marry in church and process to the oak tree.
Healing powers – an iron nail driven into the oak would cure tooth ache, water from hollows in the tree would cure ulcers.
Some stories were attached to existing traditions. Oak Apple Day 29th May took existing traditions appropriated by the Royalists to commemorate the restoration of Charles II. This was very popular, sprigs of oak were worn on coats, sprigs in churches, houses. The origins were probably from May Day.
ii/. Hazel – hidden knowledge. 9 hazel trees surrounded the Celtic Well of Knowledge. Hazel rods were used to search for hidden things, suspected thieves, water, minerals, metals.
iii/. Holly – Protective, belonged to the fairy folk. Not generally allowed in churches due to their pagan associations. If cut one had to apologies to the tree.
iv/. Apple Tree – Symbol of youth, strength, and healing. An ancient symbol of fruitfulness and fertility. Apple trees should never be cut down and should be honoured. There was a tradition of wassailing the apple where an offering of cider-soaked bread would be made. These were serious ceremonies where the whole family from eldest to youngest were expected to attend but are more light-hearted in modern times.
Last Updated on November 27, 2023