Maple | Myrtle |

Maple

Passing a young child through the branches of this tree has traditionally thought to encourage good health and a long life for the child.
A rather sad Swiss story is told about a number of dwarfs who used to sit on the branch of a Maple tree watching the haymaking. One night those with nothing better to do decided to cut through the branch making it dangerous to sit upon. When the dwarves next came to sit on the branch they fell to the floor. The people laughed at them and said:

'O how is heaven so high
And perfidy so great!
Here to-day and never more!'

Needless to say the dwarves never returned to the place.
In order to avoid the eggs of the stork being disturbed by a bat or even being killed whilst still in their shells, according to Alsatian folklore, placing branches of the Maple would ensure protection against the bat. In fact planting a branch of the Maple tree in a house was said to ensure that bats will not dare to enter. (See also Mystical WWW : Eggs, Stork, Bat)

Myrtle

There are many legends associated with the Myrtle tree and its origin.
According to ancient classic mythology a nymph called 'Myrsine' or 'Myrene' and the goddess 'Athena' or 'Pallas' raced together. It is said that Athena killed Myrene as she was angry. Her body is believed to have grown into a Myrtle tree and that possibly as a result of grief and guilt did ever love the tree.

The second legend tells of how 'Myrene', a priestess to 'Venus', was transformed into the tree. The reason for this was thought to be because she loved a young man and wished to marry him which was forbidden for a priestess.

The third legend tells of how 'Myrene' was killed by 'Venus' and transformed into a Myrtle tree. The reason seems to be that Myrene had offended her. Yet Venus ordered that the tree should always be evergreen and have a sweet aroma.

A fourth legend tells of how 'Venus' was on the 'Island of Cytheraea'. Ashamed of the fact that she was naked she would hide behind a Myrtle tree, and ever since has been associated with and sacred to Venus. Indeed she adopted it as her favourite tree. The tree has long been connected with lovers due to its this association as Venus is the Goddess of Love. The Myrtle tree was thought to inspire love and encourage it to linger.

Venus is often seen with leaves of the Myrtle about her. According to legend Venus came out of the sea with a Myrtle wreath upon her head.

Worshippers in ancient Greece would plant Myrtle trees around the temples. Although known to us as Venus the ancients worshipped her as 'Myrtilla'.

Thought to be a tree which brings good luck. To see one or more healthy Myrtle trees indicates that the owner of the land or family should be content, enjoying a happy home life. A wedding may follow soon after flowering according to traditional English (UK) belief.