Novelli Photography

FOLK NAMES: Bread and Cheese Tree, Gaxels, Hagthorn, Halves, Haw, Hazels, Huath, Ladies’ Meat, May, Mayblossom, May Bush, Mayflower, Quick, Thorn, Tree of Chastity



POWERS ASSOCIATED: Fertility, Chastity, Fishing Magic, Happiness

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-Hawthorn was once used to decorate Maypoles, and it was believed that hawthorn tees used to be witches who transformed themselves. Witches danced and performed rites under these trees. Many witches had at least one of these trees in their gardens.

-Used to increase fertility and often found in weddings, especially those in the spring. In Greece and Rome brides were known to carry hawthorn.

-However, the leaves specifically are used to enforce/maintain chastity or celibacy. When used for this purpose, they are placed under a mattress or around the bedroom.

-If carried in a sachet on a fishing trip, hawthorn will ensure a good catch. In general, when carried, it promotes happiness for those who are troubled or depressed.

-Hawthorn also protects homes against storms and lighting. If kept in the home, no evil ghosts may enter.

-Romans used to place hawthorn in cradles to guard children from evil spells.

-Hawthorn trees are sacred to fairies. British folk legend claims that where an oak, ash, and hawthorn tree grow together one may see fairies.

-It is said that sitting under a hawthorn tree on Beltane, Midsummer's Day, or Samhain supposedly puts one in danger of being abducted by fairies.

-It is often considered bad luck to cut down a hawthorn tree.
-Hawthorn berries are said to bring energy and dynamism into one’s life when burned and mixed with meditative practices.