The Humble Hawthorn

Once the hawthorn, also known as the ‘may’ is in full season, historically we should be able to expect good walking weather. In the past when society revolved round the seasons the ‘may’ was probably so named due to its association with that month. The blossoming of the may was always deemed the end of winter and the start of good weather and triggered many Mayday celebrations. Long before this day had political overtones it was an established celebration known as Beltane when the Maypole and May Queens appeared. The old saying ‘n’er cast a clout till may is out’ referred to the plant.

These traditions fell away somewhat 250 years ago when they stole 12 days of our lives by changing the calendar, bringing Mayday forward meaning that the tree often failed to blossom in time for the celebrations and sometimes not till June.  With climate change things are now coming full circle and it is fairly unusual for it not to.

Who knows we may bring back the old customs. Who fancies going out maying? (collecting blossom at dawn on Mayday) - they used to adorn all their front doors with the blossom and use it as a crown for the May Queen. If collected whilst on a fast you were protected from lightning for a year and rubbing the dew from hawthorn onto a ladies face enhanced her looks.

The tree is linked with mystical qualities and said to be the home of little people. Also known as ‘fairy thorn’, you should put hawthorn on your door to keep witches out. It is OK to lay hawthorn low for regeneration but woe betide anyone destroying a tree as it releases hoards of spirits.

The timber is very fine grained and ideal for engraving but is also hard and durable and used for walking sticks and handles for tools.

As woodland practices are restored the off cuts and fallings from hawthorns are increasingly being used for excellent charcoal. It burns very hot as firewood and there is a small electricity plant being fuelled by this renewable source.

The he lovely white blossom was used as brides’ bouquets and torches made of hawthorn were used to light the way to bed to bless their union.

Other parts of the country however hold that to bring the blossom indoors can lead to a death. The darker beliefs surrounding this tree include that the smell is that of death trapped in it after the great plague. Perhaps the most common tree in Britain not surprisingly it features in many legends. 

Frequently used for hedging (haw is Anglo-Saxon for hedge) if left alone these trees can reach about 500 years old, achieving a girth of about 14 feet and  30 feet tall and can contort into the most fantastic shapes.

Another traditional benefit, the flowers and berries are the source of numerous natural remedies and an ingredient of many jellies, preserves and liquors.

It is a great habitat for wildlife, thorns keep predators at bay and it produces early leaves giving cover. The strong smell attracts insects which help pollinate the tree and also provide a good food supply for birds and small mammals.