Druids, Saints and Trees

“Folklore of Irish Trees” by Niall Mac Coitir presents two main themes about trees:

1) as markers of important community places such as royal sites and holy wells; and

2) as sources of magic power. These symbols of power and strength persist in Irish folk customs.

Suzanne Stempek Shea describes a modern holy well and tree in “Becoming Finola.” Flat stones surrounding the well hold bits and pieces of offerings like gold coins and chains, and smooth pebbles. Petitions and offerings -prayers and pictures sealed in plastic bags, rosaries, medals, packs of cigarettes and a cell phone – festoon the tough shrubby tree growing about three yards from the well.

Coitir’s book is a fine beginning if you want to embellish your landscape with traditional Irish trees. Keep in mind, though, that Coitir describes “trees” as did the ancient Irish. He includes many woody shrubs like gorse (Ulex europaeus), broom (Cytisus scoparius) and elder (Sambucus niger).

Poetry celebrates important pre-Christian places and trees. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), called “the druid’s tree” because of its flame-red berries, symbolizes protection and magic. Iubhdan, Leprechaun King, recites “The Death of King Fergus,” a poem about the qualities and uses of timber.

Fifth century Christian missionaries recognized value in these ancient sacred sites and absorbed them into Christianity’s slow spread. Legend says trees grew beside wells where saints like Patrick, Brendan and Kevin stuck their staffs into the ground. Colmcille (Columba) allegedly said he “dreaded more the sound of an axe in the oak grove of Derry than all the fears of death and hell.”

Traditionally, five great trees that stood by royal or sacred sites. Three were ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) one was an oak (Quercus robur) and the last, a yew (Taxus baccata). The Metrial Dindshenchas or Lore of Places contains a poem that describes their traits and destinies.

Ash trees have strong and flexible wood, delicate leaves and new growth; they are symbols of healthy land, fertility and healing. Oaks supply strong timber, and acorns for animal food; their stately presence and long life symbolize fertility, strength, endurance and kingship. Yew trees provide outstanding timber for bows and furniture; they are symbols of death, eternity, and the afterlife.

Photos of all plants mentioned above are located at David Fenwick’s excellent site: A Photo Flora of the Devon and Cornwall Peninsula. Acquainted with a similar Irish site? If so, please let me know.

©

Text and photograph by Georgene A. Bramlage, [March, 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.