Hawthorn | Hazel |

Hawthorn

Generally seen as a tree which brings good luck to the owner and prosperity to the land where it stands.

The 'Glastonbury Thorn' is a type of Hawthorn found in England (UK) and in some parts of Palestine. The tree is said to have been brought by Joseph Arimathea on a visit to England. Wherever Joseph travelled spreading the word of God, he carried a staff which he had acquired in Palestine. Legend tells that he visited the Isle of Avalon, Somerset (UK), which at one time was surrounded by water. Tired from travelling he sought rest and sat down upon 'Weary-all Hill' now called 'Worral Hill'. Joseph stuck the staff into the ground, and legend says that it took root and a tree grew. A church was erected on the spot, now the site of 'Glastonbury Abbey'. The tree was seen as sacred and was reputed to only blossom on Christmas Day.(See also Mystical WWW : Christmas Day) The flowers were highly prized and at one time exported around the world. It is believed that the Hawthorn had two trunks, but one was cut down. The perpetrator was revenged according to legend having one of his eyes taken out by the thorns in the process.

'He was well serv'd for his blind Zeale, who going to cut doune an ancient white Hauthorne-tree, which, because she budded before others, might be an occasion of Superstition, had some of the prickles flew into his eye, and made him Monocular.'
James Howell, 'Dodona's Grove' 1644

A stone marked the spot amongst the ruins of the Abbey in 1750 with an inscription reading 'I.A.A.D. XXXI', the translation of which is 'Joseph of Arimathea, A.D. 31'.
Cuttings are said to have been taken around Britain which still flower at Christmas. Although Hawthorn Trees can still be found in the abbey these are said to be cuttings of the tree as it believed to have been cut down during the English Civil War (the reign of King Charles II).

Yet the Hawthorn is also considered to be a tree destined to bring bad fortune to the owner, as this is the thorny tree that some believe was made into the crown of thorns used at Christ's Crucifixion. It naturally follows that to bring any part of the tree into a house but most importantly the flowers, will result in someone in the house dieing. Attacking or cutting down a Hawthorn tree should not be attempted for the same reason. One contradiction to this belief is that to place a Hawthorn branch above the door will warn negative forces not to enter. Some believe that the Hawthorn is a holy plant which is why no negative energies will find peace by it.

The flowering of the Hawthorn tree is a sure sign that winter is over and spring is underway, hence the tree has been viewed as an indicator of changes in the seasons or a weather omen.

The Hawthorn in ancient mythology is said to have been created from lightning and it is known that Germans traditionally used wood of the Hawthorn in funeral pyres as it was thought to assist the souls of the dead in ascension.

'It is thought that by virtue of the sacred fire which flows from the thorns the souls of the dead are received into the sky, and it is clear that this sacred fire is the image of the celestial fire, and the burning of the corpse a symbol of the storm, since the funeral pyre and the hammer were both consecrated to the god Thor.'
Dr. Grill : 'Die Erzvater der Menscheit'

A Scottish legend tells of how the Hawthorn was believed to be a place where Fairies met at a special trysting-place. A circle was drawn around an ancient tree by young boys that were about to plough a field. The circle denoted that the plough was not to enter therefore preserving the tree. Suddenly a table appeared which was covered set with bread, cheese and wine within the circle. One of the boys sat and ate telling the others 'Fair fa' the hands whilk gie', whilst the others thought it better to avoid the offer. It is reputed that ever after the boy was extremely wise and ploughed hard, 'thrave like a breckan'.

Charlemagne is said to have knelt before the Crown Of Thorns which blossomed in his presence. The Roman Catholic Church tells that the flowers had a strong aroma, that of the Hawthorn.

Hazel

Diviners in search of water hidden underground are known to often use forked branches taken from the Hazel tree traditionally called 'Wishing Rods' (also Apple, Beech and Alder). (See Mystical WWW Trees & Divining Methodology).

An ancient belief says that God gave Adam the power to create any animal he wanted after being banished from Eden or Paradise. To create the animal Adam had to strike the sea with a rod made of Hazel. The first animal that he created was the sheep but Eve saw this and created a wolf. It immediately attacked the sheep, and in order to control the wolf Adam created a dog. The dog overcame the wolf and harmony was restored. (See Mystical-WWW : Dog, Wolf, Sheep).

Adorning the hair with individual twigs or with 'Wishing Caps', made of Hazel twigs is a custom followed in many countries. It was thought that if a person made a wish whilst wearing a wishing cap the wish would be fulfilled.

Hazel nuts were also believed to possess mystical powers and could be used in divining. The nut is believed to be at its strongest on Hallowe'n night, which was traditionally called 'Nutcrack Night' in England (UK). Lovers were recommended to use this to gain foresight into the relationship.

'Two hazel nuts I threw into the flame,
And to each nut I gave a sweetheart's name.
This, with the loudest bounce me sore amazed,
That, with a flame of brightest colour blazed.
As blazed the nut, so may thy passion grow,
For 'twas thy nut that did so brightly glow.'
Gray
'Some merry, friendly, countra folks
Together did convene,
To burn their nits, an' pu their stocks,
An' haud their Halloween
Fu' blithe that night.'
R. Burns.