TREE FOLKLORE

By Leslie Fitzwater, KC Master Gardener 2002

Throughout history, trees have provided humans not only with shelter and food, but also with a sundry of products.  In return, man often bestowed human qualities upon trees and believed them to be the source of great power.  Over the centuries, trees have inspired a great deal of superstition and folklore.  Here are a few examples of folklore relating to some common trees.

Carrying a twig of ash ensures a person’s safety.

Plant rowan, or mountain ash, outside homes and barns to protect those within from evil curses.

Plant hawthorn trees as a hedgerow to keep out bad luck and mischievous spirits.

Sweep away evil spirits with a broom made of birch.

Always ask permission of elder and willow trees before felling them or bad luck will follow. 

Hiding in the branches of a yew tree makes you invisible.

Plant elm trees for protection from lightning. 

Carry a buckeye for good luck.

To cure rheumatism, carry a twig of elder.