Folklore and our gardens

Written for The Folklorian's Gaurdian by Mel Lord

Cycles and Celebrations

Nature itself is a cycle. Evident in the germination and spreading of seeds or the life of a humble caterpillar. The world turns. After a spell of darkness spring rolls around again. Harvests come and go, in a never ending loop, and the moon moves through its phases. Waxing and waning. Controlling the ebb and flow of the tide.

Plants like ivy were believed to be more powerful if harvested during a particular lunar period and in Essex an old poem suggests mushrooms should always be pulled when the moon is full. Especially if they were taken from a perfectly round “fairy ring”.

Once upon a time the primary events of the year were dictated by the presence and strength of the sun. Which peaks on the longest day, when crops and fruit are flourishing, and is missed most profoundly on the shortest. The concept of a wheel being used to represent the annual rotation of the seasons was first introduced by folklorist and fairytale author Jacob Grimm, one half of the famous Brothers Grimm. Though we know that festivals associated with the equinoxes and solstices were celebrated in Britain in the ancient past.

Midsummer has been marked for thousands of years. With many Neolithic and Bronze Age stone circles built to align with the position of the sun on the summer and winter solstice. Most famously the “heel stone” of Stonehenge is kissed by the dawn on this day. However there are hundreds of other examples across the country. The Ring of Brodgar, The Rollright Stones, Long Meg and her Daughters and Castlerigg. Circular monuments that are all illuminated on this special day. As were some timber henges too. Like Woodhenge in Wiltshire or Bleasdale Circle near Preston. Both constructed from rings of wooden, trunk-like posts rather than rocks.

Midsummer’s Eve has also been celebrated since Celtic or Gaelic times. When large bonfires were lit to praise the power of the sun. This tradition continued in rural areas for centuries. Men and beasts would pass through the embers of these bonfires to ward off bad luck and disease. In many areas it was also believed to be a night when young women could use magic to determine the identity of their future husbands.

The Gift of Water

Without water life would cease. Both people and plants need a good drink. For this reason springs, pools, bogs and lochs have always been venerated. Offerings of broken pottery have been discovered in Bronze and Iron Age ritual wells and even today we still toss money into them to make wishes.

During the Roman period the Celtic goddess and water nymph Coventina was worshipped at a well in Carrawborough, Northumberland. This fountain was enclosed by a temple which, when excavated, contained smashed vessels, sacred altars, shrine bells and more than thirteen thousand coins. All gifts left in her honour. Similar nymphs who were also enshrined include Verbeia of the River Wharfe and Sulis Minerva in Bath.

In fact Northumbrian wells seem to be steeped in magic. A trio worth mentioning can be found in the gardens of Longwitton Hall. Which are renowned for their curative powers. Drinking their iron rich water on Midsummer Sunday was supposed to heal all manner of illnesses. Much like Chalice Well in Glastonbury which is over seven hundred years old. There were “fairy wells” that could heal the sick hiding in Lancashire too. Burnley has Calf Hey and Staining the Wrangdom Well. Where the fae are given trinkets from humans, like rusty nails or sea shells, in exchange for their blessing and a sprinkle of water.

The custom of “well dressing” continues, taking place from May to September. Particularly in Derbyshire and the Peak District. Where holy wells are blessed and adorned with flower petals, seeds, leaves and other natural materials like pebbles and moss. Even crystals are sometimes used. In Tissington five local wells are decorated with huge floral arrangements, displaying images from the Bible. These beautiful pieces are usually prepared by children and made on a base of wet clay pressed into a wooden frame, then decorated. It’s impossible to say how old this practice is but it could date back to the annual worship of water nymphs in this area too.

But beware of the water after dark! The river hag Jenny Greenteeth, or Wicked Jenny, was known to haunt the River Ribble. Along with babbling brooks in Cheshire, Yorkshire and even Scotland. She pulled children, unwary travellers or elderly people down into the water. In Preston this horror occurred every seven years. Grindylows also lurk in the bogs and marches of Lancashire, waiting to attack from stagnant pools. They’re said to have green skin, sharp teeth, long arms and vicious claws. Peg Prowler, the ghost of the River Tees, also demands a regular human sacrifice and the River Severn is supposedly haunted by the spirit of a drowned princess.

A Wishing Tree

Spring brings forth the rowan’s frothy, white blossom and in autumn its bountiful bunches of scarlet berries provide food for birds and other animals. These would be collected and stored, then fed to cows in calf and mares in foal the following year. Which was believed to aid their births.

They represent protection and the growth of new life in the Ogham (oh-wan) tree calendar. Which was allegedly created by Irish and Scots Celts, utilising the moon phases. Rowan wood could prevent bad luck or fend off the effects of witchcraft in multiple ways. Garlands were worn by pigs to make them healthy and fat. Sticks were tied to buckets or used to stir milk to stop it turning sour. Wreaths were hung up in doorways using red string and crosses made from rowan twigs were worn and tied with red string too. Known to deter imps and creatures of darkness, a short poem from Aberdeenshire states that “Rowan, ash and red thread keep the devils frae their speed.”.

This “tree of bards” can bring inspiration if you sit under it. It was also associated with the springtime goddess Brigid, who blessed wooden spinning wheels that could be crafted out of it, and Thor the tempestuous god of thunder. Since a rowan supposedly bent down to pull him out of a stream, saving his life. They’re also referred to as the “lady of the mountain” because they are strong willed. Capable of growing on inhospitable cliffs or blustery fells.

Wild and Whimsical Woodlands

In Britain we are surrounded by magical landscapes. An abundance of legendary woodlands. Sherwood Forest is famous for hiding the outlaw Robin Hood. Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night's Dream” is set in a wood too. Which was inhabited by the enchanting fairy Queen, Titania, and her husband King Oberon. Along with the mischievous Puck, also known as Robin Goodfellow. A half fae, half human hobgoblin who could change shape at will and loved to play tricks on mortals. Puzzlewood in Gloucestershire allegedly inspired Tolkien when he was writing “Lord of the Rings” and Ashdown Forest is considered the home of Winnie the Pooh. As it became the basis for A A Milne’s “Hundred Acre Wood” when he lived nearby.

Foliate heads or the “Green Man” can be found in many medieval churches. Such as Ely Cathedral, Rosslyn Chapel or All Saints in Sharrington. These grotesque faces are usually carved to look like a person engulfed by leaves, vines and branches. Often shown belching boughs from their gaping mouths. This “Jack in the Green” figure could originate from Roman leaf masks and is seen as a symbol of nature worship or as a benevolent woodland spirit.

Trees themselves were worshipped by the Druids, and possibly all the Pre-Christian peoples of Britain. In Glastonbury two incredibly old oaks still stand today. Giants that once guarded the entrance to a sacred grove. Their names are Gog and Magog. Fairies were also drawn to the original “white thorn” or “holy thorn” of Glastonbury, which was a hawthorn tree growing near the shrine of St Joseph that flowered twice a year. Before it was chopped down and burned during the civil war.

Pliny the Elder and Julius Caesar both recorded the religious practices of the Druids of Albion or “The White Land”. Possibly a reference to Dover’s chalk cliffs. According to Pliny’s account religious figures wearing ivory robes, that he refers to as magicians, would climb these hallowed oaks and cut down any mistletoe they found with a golden sickle. To be caught in a white cloak. This ritual took place on the sixth day of the moon and a banquet was held in the middle of the trees too. The practitioners believed that drinking mistletoe juice would improve fertility and offer protection from poisoning.

Magical Menagerie

Forests and orchards provide a sanctuary for many wonderful creatures. From snowy unicorns that linger under apple trees to monstrous serpents slithering beneath the leaves. Spitting deadly venom.

For dragons were said to dwell in St Leonard’s forest in Sussex. In the 6th century the first of these beasts was slain by Saint Leonard himself. Sadly he was wounded in the fight but wherever his blood fell lily-of- the-valley sprang up. Which still grows there. Carpeting the woodland floor. Later, in the 16th century, another dragon was reported by the locals. It was described as a black and scarlet snake that was nine feet long and had the stumps of wings growing out of its back. It was also patterned with white rings and left a smelly, slimy trail in its wake. The villagers insisted that it was responsible for the deaths of two people.

Much like the red and white roses that were used to represent the royal houses of Lancaster and York it was recorded by Geoffrey of Monmouth that Merlin once had a vision of two dragons fighting over Britain that had scales matching those colours. The red dragon represented the Celtic nations, as is seen today on the Welsh flag, whilst its ivory opponent was a symbol of the Saxon people. Merlin also said the pair would nap together in a cave in Carmarthen between these skirmishes. Though eventually the white dragon fled to find a new lair.

Of course there might be fair folk in these hidden groves too. Who bathe in scarlet elf cups. Staining foxgloves with their footprints or luring children into circles of bluebells, where they’ll fall asleep forever.

In Ottery St Mary fairies are actually celebrated, or appeased, at Midsummer. On “Pixie Day” each year children dress up as sprites and fae. Based on the long held belief that fairies dislike the ringing of church bells these children run around town trying to catch the bell ringers. Who are put in a cage named the “Pixies’ Parlour”, then left to escape. This is a reenactment of an old story that claims the imps living in Ottery St Mary moved out of the area when the church was built. However they came back, intent on revenge, and stole the bell ringers away then imprisoned them in a cave on the moors.

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

There's nothing better than relaxing on a bench and sharing a good story. We use them at the park to meet our friends for a natter or to take a break on a hike and have a gossip. We sit and chat on the phone, read to children in the garden or invite family members outside with a brew to hear a little good news. Or to comfort them during a difficult moment.

Inspired by the Folklorians Garden bench the following tale is a short rendition of a fable from the 1895 book “Clan Traditions And Popular Tales Of The Western Highlands and Islands”. Recorded from oral sources and assembled by Rev John Gregorson Campbell, Minister of Tiree.

There was once a Norse King who had a witch for a daughter. All Norsemen were said to practise charms and enchantments but the princess's skills were famed at home and abroad. Throughout the land she was known for her magical prowess, especially when it came to taking care of her father’s cattle.

She heard their cries of distress even if she happened to be miles away, at the very tip of the kingdom, and there was no illness, injury or evil that she could not dispel from the cows. For this princess was acquainted with every flower, herb and tree that could be used in spells or potions. And no accident or misfortune would ever trouble her friends, though her enemies lived in fear of her.

The King’s territories were covered in pine woods, of which he was very proud. With most of their wealth obtained from his prestigious and sought after timber. When the Norsemen arrived in Scotland they realised that the pine wood of Lochaber was also very fine. It was vast and was growing so fast that it might put their own forests to shame. The concerned King decided to consult his wise daughter. Asking her advice on how to thin or destroy these rival trees. She thought of a way to help but insisted that the plan could only work if she went to Scotland and carried it out herself.

When the princess reached Lochaber she kindled a fire in her dress and flew up into the clouds, twirling about until the sparks she spread had set the whole forest ablaze. The locals soon caught sight of her and because she was blackened by soot from the flames burning all around they named her Pitch Pine.

These people were desperate to stop her so they consulted an elder who told them to drive some cattle into a pen to tempt her down from the air. Then they were instructed to shoot the princess with silver bullets, the only way to kill her. So they set the trap and when Pitch Pine came to see the herd the residents attacked and she was slain. Men carried her remains to Lochaber and so Pitch Pine would cause them no more trouble they buried her in Achnacarry.

Days passed and the Norse King became worried. Wondering what could have prevented his daughter’s return. When he heard the tidings that she had died he sent a ship to Scotland to fetch her. Yet the women of Lochaber used incantations of their own to wreck the boat and drown the sailors at the entrance to Locheil. The King was enraged and tried twice more to retrieve Pitch Pine, sending bigger and bigger fleets, but both these attempts failed too. His men were driven onto the beach by a ferocious storm around the Fairy Hill of Iona. A disaster which was said to have broken and weakened the power of the Norsemen so thoroughly they never set foot on those shores again.

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