Wishing you all a very Happy St. Patrick's Day. Slainte, Linda
Ogham – the Gaelic Tree Alphabet
The Ogham alphabet is the first form of writing ever used in the Irish language and was probably invented some time between the second and fourth centuries AD. Several hundred Ogham inscriptions are still found today throughout Ireland, and in places of Irish settlement in Scotland, Wales, the Isle of Man and Cornwall. The alphabet looks nothing like our own, being a series of strokes or notches arranged at right angles along the edge of a stone of piece of wood.
Apart from its striking appearance the most noteworthy aspect of Ogham is the fact that each letter was given a names and that tradition holds that each letter is named after a different native Irish tree.
The lifecycle of a tree from seed to sapling to maturity, to withered old age and death, mirrors that of man. Trees, like people, bleed when cut, even if it is sap that flows out instead of blood. Ireland was once so heavily wooded it was said a squirrel could travel from Cork to Killarney without touching the ground. So it is no surprise that in ancient Ireland mythology and folklore wee part of people’s general knowledge about trees. Many of the myths and legends and much of the folklore associated with native trees persists to this day.
Yew
November 1 – November 28
The yew, with its poisonous dark evergreen leaves, tough wood and long life, is a symbol of death, eternity and the afterlife. Its excellent timber meant that it was considered one of the most important trees to man.
Pine
November 29 – December 26
The pine or fir is an evergreen tree with an invigorating scent from its resin, which also makes its wood burn with a bright, white flames. This makes it a symbol of renewal, rebirth and eternal life.
Birch
December 27-January23
The birch, with its pale white bark and gracefully sweeping habit, is renowned for its beauty. It is the first forest tree to colonize new ground, and its twiggy branches are ideal for use as a broom. These qualities have made it a symbol of birth and rebirth, youthfulness, love and purity.
Rowan
January 24-February 20
The rowan or mountain ash has always been considered a tree of formidable magical and protective powers due to its bright flame red berries. An alternative name, “quicken”, refers to its “quickening” or life giving powers, while the Irish name caorthann derives from the word caor which means both a berry and a blazing flame.
Alder
February 21 – March 20
The alder, because it was traditionally used to make shields, and because it wood when cut turns from white to blood red, was considered to be a tree of war and death. Alder is associated with both fire, on account of its red color, and water, because it grows in marshy places.
Willow
March 21 – April 17
The willow, with its honey-providing catkins, its quick growing nature and habit of growing next to water is a symbol of fertility and life. Another names for the willow is the Sallow or Sally, which has the same origin as the Latin name Salix.
Hawthorn
April 18 – May 15
The hawthorn, whitethorn or Maybush, with its white blossoms and thorns is a symbol of Maytime, and of magical powers and the “little people” or fairies. As such the hawthorn, especially the lone bush, has always been regarded with a mixture of fear and respect.
Ash
May 16 – June 12
The ash tree is noted for its strong and flexible timber, the delicacy of its leaves and new growth. It has associations with fertility and healing through its symbolic link wirh water. Indeed, the impressive site of a tall mature ash tree is a symbol of the well-being of the land itself.
Oak
June 13 – July 10
The oak provides strong and excellent timber and a plentiful crop of acorns with provides food for many animals. This, together with its stately bearing and long life, make it a symbol of strength, fertility, kingship and endurance.
Holly
July 11 – August 7
The holly with its tough wood, prickly evergreen leaves and red berries is a symbol of the strength and ability of the champion, and of protection, magical power and purification.
Hazel
August 8 – September 4
The hazel, with its nourishing nuts and habits of growing near water, is a symbol of fertility, wisdom, kingship, poetic inspiration and mystical knowledge.
Apple
September 5 – October 2
The apple, with its beautiful blossoms and nourishing fruit, is a symbol of the delights of the otherworld, and of fertility, replenishment and healing.
Elder
October 3 – October 30
The elder or bore-tree, with its untidy appearance, unpleasant smell and dark berries, is regarded as a symbol of witchcraft and evil. However, its many medicinal uses, epecially for rashes and inflammation of the skin, give it the reputation of a powerful and protecting tree as well.
Yew
November 1 – November 28
The yew, with its poisonous dark evergreen leaves, tough wood and long life, is a symbol of death, eternity and the afterlife. Its excellent timber meant that it was considered one of the most important trees to man.
Pine
November 29 – December 26
The pine or fir is an evergreen tree with an invigorating scent from its resin, which also makes its wood burn with a bright, white flames. This makes it a symbol of renewal, rebirth and eternal life.
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