A little more detail…

“The ancient ruler of the 6th Lunar cycle / Month 13th May – 9th June. Known as the Queen of May or The Faerie Tree” – Harey Growler

Hawthorn leaf necklace – Recycled silver Victorian Shilling

A beautiful tree whose slender trunk supports wonderful branches covered in glorious leaves, thorns, blossom and berries. The Hawthorn in my garden attracts so much interest from insects to birds and who knows what else, certainly me. Last year i gathered lots of juicy berries, which after a lengthy but fun process and the addition of some apple rewarded me with yummy homemade fruit leather. The hawthorn represents Fertility, Chastity, Protection, Caution, Relaxation and Happiness. It is the ancient ruler of the 6th Lunar cycle / Month 13th May – 9th June. Known as the Queen of May or The Faerie Tree, but with so many other folk names you know it is and always has been an important tree to our lives.

The hawthorn tree, also known as the May tree, is rich in poetic symbolism, particularly associated with May Day celebrations and fertility. Its white blossoms symbolize purity, renewal, and the arrival of spring, while its thorny branches suggest both protection and a connection to the liminal, or threshold, between worlds. The tree is also deeply intertwined with folklore, believed to be favored by fairies and associated with May Day traditions, including the Maypole and May garlands.

The May tree, or hawthorn, is a plant rich with symbolism, particularly associated with spring, love, and the transition between seasons. Fertility, love, and renewal. The Hawthorn blossoms, which appear around May Day, are a traditional symbol of fertility and new beginnings.  It’s linked to the Celtic festival of Beltane, celebrating the arrival of summer and the blossoming of nature. May Day traditions like dancing around the Maypole (which was often made of hawthorn), and May Queen coronations using its blossoms, emphasize this connection to love, flourishing, and the awakening of the land. It is considered by some to be the tree of love due to these associations and its connection to the heart.

Thresholds, transitions, and the mystical!  Hawthorn is often found at thresholds, like hedgerows, crossroads, and wells, suggesting a connection between the human and spiritual realms. It’s known as a “fairy tree,” believed to be home to fairies and a gateway to the Otherworld.  Traditions of leaving offerings like ribbons on hawthorn trees reflect this belief in its mystical power and its ability to grant wishes or prayers.
Protection and resilience. The hawthorn’s thorny branches symbolize protection and strong boundaries.  It was believed to protect against lightning, evil spirits, and witches. The persistence of the hawthorn through various attempts to destroy its symbolism (like by the Puritans towards the Glastonbury Thorn) showcases its resilience and enduring significance.

In essence, the May tree serves as a potent poetic symbol encapsulating the vibrant and multifaceted nature of spring, love, growth, and the intricate connections between the human experience and the natural and spiritual worlds.