The Magical Hawthorn of May

"Across the shimmering meadows--
Ah, when he came to me!
In the spring-time,
In the night-time,
In the starlight,
Beneath the hawthorn tree..." By Willa Cather

The Hawthorn tree is unique perhaps in that it was regarded as holy to both Pagans and Christians alike. Since the flowers appear in May, they are often referred to as May Blossom or simply May.

In the past, the month of May was more than just a passing appreciation of spring. Celebrations, although robust and happy, were taken seriously. The first of May or May Day festival was referred to as going 'a-maying'. Some would start the festivities at midnight while others preferred to wait until the May Day dawn.

May Day origins can be found far in the past. It is closely associated with the Celtic festival of Beltane and the Germanic festival of Wulpurgis Night. It was significant because it marked one half of the year passing since the celebrations of Samhain. May Day can be viewed in some ways as the opposite of Samhain - the fesitval of the dead/ancestors. Where as May Day or Beltane is bascially a celebration of fertility, life and the waxing sun. Walpurgus Night is very similar in origin to the Celtic Beltane.

The beautiful Hawthorn was one of the most popular flowers and greenery for making the traditional May Day garlands. Both white and red Hawthorn would be used. Flowers were so important that the day was often called Garland Day. The flower garland shapes created were numerous - single sprays, crossed hoops and cushions.

In addition the garlands had many purposes other than part of the celebrations. Many were hung outside on the main door of houses to ward off evil spirits and demons. The flowers were most effective for this if they had been gathered while the dew was still visible on the flowers. The dew was thought to have potent magical properties.

To protect their live stock, a sprig of flowering Hawthorn was placed on barn doors and was thought to ensure a larger milk produce from cows.

Hawthorn also figured heavily in relationships and marriage. Ancient traditions involved marriage attendants carrying boughs of Hawthorn. Torches of Hawthorn were lit and used to guide the newly married couple to their home. In a more magical sense, tradition states that if a young girl places a branch of Hawthorn flowers at a cross-roads on May Eve, when she returns the next morning the direction in which the wind had blown the flowers indicated the direction from which her future husband would come. Unfortunately if the sprig had been blown away completely this was sure to indicate that you wouldn't get a husband at all.

Young ladies who wanted to catch a glimpse of an absent lover would pick the first flowering Hawthorn that she came across. After lightly breathing on it she would recite the following charm:

Flower pink, flower white, I wish to see my love tonight.

If her lover was in the area then he would be sure to visit that night. If he was further away then he would visit in a dream.

There is a very old tradition relating to Hawthorn and Glastonbury. A Hawthorn that was growing on Glastonbury Tor, is alleged to have come into being by springing from the staff of St. Joseph of Arimathea. It blossomed as early as the old date for Christmas Day - January 6th - and flowers appear again in the spring. Botanists refer to this species as pracox but is more generally called 'Glastonbury Thorn' .

The Bible may also have associations with the Hawthorn tree. It is thought that the burning bush Moses encountered was a species of Hawthorn.

In the past hedgerows had to be cut back by hand. But it was not only injuring yourself you had to be wary of. In the hedgerows were shrubs and trees that should not be touched depending on the time of year or their location. This was true of the Hawthorn. Where one Hawthorn grew on its own within the hedgerow then it was left uncut. These trees were called 'lone thorns ' or 'fairy thorns ' and it was believed that they were home to fairy people. Since the fairy folk could be malicious when disturbed, great care was taken to avoid any damage to a fairy thorn.

Even to sleep under a Hawthorn was not recommended for fear that you would be spirited away by the fairies. This was thought to be a particular danger on May Day, Midsummer Eve and Samhain (Halloween) when the fairy power was strongest. The only exception to this rule was during a thunder storm. In this case you should seek a Hawthorn's shelter from lightening. The Hawthorn was also thought to safeguard any houses nearby from being struck as well.

One of the main reasons that Hawthorn was so revered was not just because of its beauty and magic but due to its healing properties. Two of the main therapeutic qualities are:

• The berries can be used to improve the cardiovascular system and help to control high blood pressure. They also assist the heart to make the best use of essential minerals required to maintain health.
• The berries also contain powerful antioxidants that are thought to be much stronger than those same qualities found in vitamins A, C and E.
• The leaves can be eaten and they provide not only nourishment but energy. They also ward off hunger pangs.
• The leaves and berries can also be used in cooking. For example the leaves were often used in soups or eaten raw. The berries were used to make jellie and jam.
• The flowers are edible as well and were often used as a garnish.

Not only this but the wood of the Hawthorn was a favourite for creating wood carvings and the root wood was made into boxes. As a fire the wood gives off an extremely high temperature.

Famous Scottish seer, mystic and poet Thomas the Rhymer or True Thomas - is closely associated with a Hawthorn tree. The legend claims that while walking he heard the call of a cuckoo from a nearby Hawthorn. When he went closer he met the Faery Queen. She led him into the underworld to show him her kingdom of Faery and he emerged again after a few minutes. But in fact when he came back into the human world, he had been gone not for several minutes but seven years.

In addition to faery magic the Hawthorn is also well know for is alleged psychic protection. People in the past favoured the Hawthorn as a hedging plant. This not only gave excellent physical protection to the home and grounds but defence against the unseen worlds as well. The Hawthorn was thought to be a powerful shield against any hazzardous or evil psychic forces. It was particularly potent for protecting babies and children, as well as young people entering puberty.

On May Morning
 by John Milton 

Now the bright morning Star, Day's harbinger, 
Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her 
The Flowery May, who from her green lap throws 
The yellow Cowslip, and the pale Primrose. 
Hail bounteous May that dost inspire 
Mirth and youth, and warm desire, 
Woods and Groves, are of thy dressing, 
Hill and Dale, doth boast thy blessing. 
Thus we salute thee with our early Song, 
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.