I became a plant geek at a very early age. My mom and dad used to tell me some interesting things about plants (and the environment) and when I started working with my Uncle Ralph, he told me so much more. Some of the interesting tidbits I learned were:
- Tie a red ribbon around your rowan (mountain ash) tree when the berries were ripe to keep witches from your croft.
- Witches cannot fly through the branches of European birch so plant European birch around your cottage. In fact, as you drive around southern Ontario you will see many European birch around old farm houses.
- The whole “witches live here” story associated with Witch Hazel.
When I was a student at the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture and on my third year field trip to Great Britain, I purchased one of my favourite books : The Country Diary of Garden Lore. It is mainly calendar driven but reflects on certain days of the month “things” should happen. Some of the tidbits from this book:
- July 15 is St. Swithin’s day. No one would eat a fresh apple until after this day.
- September 29 is Michaelmas. It was believed that any tree planted on this day would thrive.
Plant folklore is a fascinating tapestry woven from the myths, legends, and superstitions surrounding plants. Across cultures, plants have been imbued with symbolic meanings, magical properties, medicinal properties and spiritual significance. These stories reflect the deep connection between humans and the natural world.
The Origins of Plant Folklore
The origins of plant folklore are as old as humanity itself. Early humans lived in close contact with nature, relying on plants for food, medicine, and shelter. As a result, they observed the growth cycles, the effects of various plants, and their interactions with the environment.
For example, the oak tree, revered by the ancient Celts, was considered the king of the forest. The Celts believed that the oak was a doorway to the Otherworld, a realm inhabited by gods and spirits. Druids, the priestly class of the Celts, often conducted rituals in oak groves, believing the trees to be sacred. The oak’s association with strength and endurance is evident in the fact that the word “druid” itself is thought to be derived from the Celtic word for oak.
Similarly, the yew tree has been steeped in symbolism and superstition. Often found in churchyards, the yew is associated with death and immortality. Its long life, sometimes spanning thousands of years, made it a symbol of eternal life. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil, the World Tree, is often depicted as a giant yew or ash tree, connecting the heavens, earth, and the underworld.
Plants as Symbols of Protection and Healing
Many plants in folklore are believed to possess protective properties. The belief in the protective power of plants is evident in various cultural practices. In medieval Europe, it was common to hang bunches of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage in doorways and windows to ward off evil spirits. Garlic, in particular, was thought to be a potent defense against vampires and other malevolent forces.
In ancient Greece, the laurel tree was sacred to Apollo, the god of prophecy, music, and healing. The laurel wreath, worn by victors in athletic contests and poets, symbolized honor and glory. The Greeks also believed that laurel leaves could ward off disease and protect against lightning strikes.
Plants and Love Magic
Plants have long been associated with love and romance in folklore. The use of plants in love magic is a common theme in many cultures, often involving rituals, charms, and potions designed to attract a lover or ensure fidelity.
One of the most famous plants associated with love is the rose. In Greek mythology, the rose was created by the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love, from the tears she shed for her lover Adonis. The red rose, in particular, has become a symbol of deep love and passion. In the Victorian language of flowers, roses were used to convey romantic messages that could not be spoken aloud.
Another plant with strong associations to love is the apple. The apple tree was sacred to Venus, the Roman goddess of love, and the fruit was often used in love divination rituals. In one such ritual, a young woman would peel an apple in one continuous strip and throw the peel over her shoulder. The shape of the peel on the ground was believed to form the initial of her future husband’s name.
Plants and the Supernatural
Plants have often been seen as a bridge between the human world and the supernatural. Many plants are believed to be inhabited by spirits or to have the power to connect with the spiritual realm. This belief is particularly strong in shamanic traditions, where plants are used in rituals to communicate with spirits or to enter altered states of consciousness.
In European folklore, the elderberry is often associated with witches and fairies. It was believed that cutting down an elderberry could bring bad luck, as the tree was thought to be the home of a powerful spirit. In some traditions, elderberry wine was used in rituals to summon spirits or to protect against witchcraft.
The idea of plants as spiritual intermediaries is also present in Native American folklore. The tobacco plant, considered sacred by many Native American tribes, is often used in rituals to communicate with the spirits and to offer prayers. Tobacco smoke is believed to carry prayers to the spirit world, making it an important part of many ceremonies.
Plants in Modern Folklore
Even in modern times, plant folklore continues to influence our beliefs and practices. Many of the superstitions and traditions surrounding plants have been passed down through generations and are still observed today.
For example, the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe during the Christmas season has its roots in ancient Norse mythology. According to the myth, the mistletoe was used to kill the god Balder, but it was later transformed into a symbol of love and reconciliation. Today, the custom of hanging mistletoe and exchanging kisses beneath it is a popular holiday tradition.
Another modern example of plant folklore is the use of four-leaf clovers as a symbol of good luck. The belief in the luck of the four-leaf clover dates back to ancient Celtic traditions, where it was considered a powerful protective charm. Finding a four-leaf clover is still seen as a sign of good fortune, and many people carry one as a talisman.
Plant folklore is a rich and diverse topic that reflects the connections between humans and the natural world. Through myths, legends, and superstitions, plants have been woven into the fabric of our cultures. Whether as symbols of protection, love, or the supernatural, plants continue to hold a special place in our collective imagination. The stories we tell about them are a testament to the enduring power of nature in our lives.
