The Hawthorn Tree

Hawthorn trees and shrubs occur in the Northern Hemisphere and can be found across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. There are numerous species, but the most common is Crataegus monogyna with its white bark, cream, white or pink blossoms, and red fruit.

Because of its far reach, different cultures have attached various significance to the hawthorn. However, in this article, we'll focus on the European traditions where it was regarded as a sacred and enchanting tree.

The hawthorn is a hardy tree that grows in virtually any type of soil and can be remarkably long-lived, with some specimens estimated to be up to 700 years old. It needs very little maintenance unless used as a hedge, in which case it needs to be shaped occasionally. They're deciduous plants that lose their leaves in winter, and their thorny branches burst back to life in spring with clusters of blossoms between tiny leaf shoots.

Beltane and May Day Traditions

Both celebrations happen on May 1st, but today you could find that not all hawthorns are in bloom at this time. Many years ago, though, hawthorns were spot on for these celebrations. In 1750, the Gregorian calendar was adopted across the British Empire to bring it in line with most of Europe. This moved all dates forward by about twelve days.

For hawthorns, it meant that they are now mostly in full bloom mid-May. None the less, they're still an intrinsic part of Beltane and May Day celebrations. For centuries, people have filled their homes with hawthorn blossoms to welcome the arrival of spring and the beginning of new life of all kinds. Since it's considered a protective plant, it wasn't uncommon for people to twist young branches with blossoms into hollow spheres for protection. These were suspended around the house and above babies' cradles.

Charms made of hawthorn with particular carvings were also given as gifts. They could be to protect friends and family going through periods of depression, misfortune, or vulnerability, or to attract love, good fortune, and encourage healing. The inscriptions were personal, and the color of the ribbons attached conveyed their meaning – red for love, blue for peace and protection, pink or green for healing, purple for wisdom, and green for success and wealth.

Traditional Celebrations

Fresh blossoms and fire are synonymous with Beltane. Cutting blossoms and branches were done with great care and ritual because of the significance of the hawthorn. Folklore dictated that you were inviting misfortune by cutting the tree other than when it was in full bloom. All firewood and wood for carving were gathered respectfully and with the intention of not harming the trees. Beltane fires were often made from hawthorn branches because, being a hard type of wood, it burns scorching hot and for a long time. Firewood collected for ceremonies and celebrations was always naturally deadwood that had either fallen from a tree or showed no sign of new spring growth.

Spring weddings have always been a popular choice, and hawthorn blossoms were a staple in bridal bouquets. Flowers and garlands were also strewn over the newly married couple's marital bed to wish them abundant fertility and lasting love.

Beltane celebrations included a May Queen, representing the goddess, dressed in white to symbolize purity, and wearing a crown of hawthorn blossoms. Accompanying her was the Green Man, representing the god, dressed in green and wearing a mask made of green foliage.

Maypole dancing celebrations were to celebrate sexual union and new and renewed life. The phallic maypole represented masculine energy. While the circle at the top, to which all ribbons were attached, symbolized the feminine. It's unlikely that maypoles were hawthorn trunks, though, because these trees' growth pattern doesn't produce long straight branches or stems.

The Faerie Tree

Lore and legend have long associated hawthorn with spirituality and the faery realm. Solitary trees, in particular, were treated as sacred and often used as sanctified meeting places. Groves sometimes marked underground water, springs, or wells. Hawthorns that naturally grew in groups of three were regarded as especially sacred and treated with great respect –.spending time around the three trees enhanced your life, knowledge, and wisdom.

All hawthorns were believed to house faery elements that were the portals between this world and the realm of the faery folk – a place of potent magick. The spirit energy of the trees also offered protection to the innocent. Although the faery spirit was protective and considerate, it wouldn't tolerate brash people – so patience and respect were prerequisites.

If you gained access to the faery spirit and the world beyond, you'd be blessed with progress and fertility in all areas of your life, wisdom, and enchantment. Together with oak and ash trees, hawthorn was part of the Faery Triad. Years ago, people genuinely respected these trees' power and magickal properties and went above and beyond to not offend them (whereas today, we clear large natural groves without a second thought for development).

Old Beltane and May Day participants protected themselves from the wrath of the faerie folk by wearing a protective charm made from a twig of oak, ash, and hawthorn bound with red string. They also attached bells on their clothing as additional protection.

Culinary and Herbal Uses

Healers have long used the leaves, blossoms, and fruit of the hawthorn to treat cardiac disease, lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, reduce anxiety, and soothe digestive issues.

Young leaves and blossoms can be eaten raw and added to salads, while more mature leaves can be cooked and served as greens. The tart but slightly sweet fruit can also be eaten raw or ripe, but they're more commonly used to make jams, jellies, syrups, and wine.