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Beltane Notes ...
Hawthorn – Crataegus oxyacantha
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In Brittany it is called the White Thorn, hence it’s Cornish name of Sprenen Wynn. The Celtic name – Huath.
Charcoal made from hawthorn wood can melt pig iron without the aid of a blast, hence it played a big role in the early iron age.
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The fruit of the hawthorn is called Pixie Pears and is like a mini apple. A fine liqueur can be made with the berries and brandy. Pear and meddler trees are sometimes grafted onto hawthorn.
The scent of the blossoms is musky, even linked to the smell of rotting flesh so that carrion loving insects are attracted to pollinate the flowers. It was said in London during the plague that hawthorn carried the smell of death and it was unlucky to bring into the house, especially as it attracted flies.
Magically hawthorn is used in protection, love, marriage, health, prosperity, fertility, purification, chastity and male potency spells!
The Fey are said to particularly like hawthorn groves and the flowers bring fairies to the house. Never cut a blooming hawthorn or the Fey will be angry, and if you sit under a blooming hawthorn in May you may be forever lost in the fairy realm. Solitary trees are fairy markers dotted in the landscape.
Witches' gardens contained hawthorn trees for protection, and it was one of the ingredients in flying ointment. Hawthorn branches hung in barns were said to ensure the cows would give more milk and stay healthy. The leaves were used to make charms to protect newborns. The young leaves are meant to taste of bread and cheese, but not any that I’ve tasted!
A local rhyme:
“The fair made who on the first of May
Goes to the fields at the break of day
And bathes in the dew from the hawthorn tree
Will ever strong and ‘ansome be."
And a receipt from grannie's cook book:
To make May Fool collect ¼ pint of hawthorn petals. Whip ½ pint of cream together with a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or Cointreau. Stir in the flower petals and chill before serving. Decorate with a complete hawthorn flower.
Beneges re bo
AnMorgwynn
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