Leaf Lore (3) The Siver Birch
This beautiful little tree boasts a silvery-white bark, a fine tracery of branches and delicate leaves all of which have contributed to it being given the alternative name of Lady of The Woods. Considered by many to be the most faerie-like of our trees it is a belief which is hard to discount when the silver birch (Betula pendula) is viewed under moonlight.
Folklore links the silver birch to purification. Indeed, housewives of old would use a birch besom to sweep the house clean on 31 December to expel the spirits of the old year and allow those of the New Year to enter. However, folklore also states that birch besoms were the preferred method of flight for witches - but only if the birch twigs were bound to an ash handle! |
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Traditionally, the silver birch is believed to have the power to protect against negative forces - particularly those of a psychic nature. This characteristic made silver birch wood a favourite for the construction of infants’ cradles.
Meanwhile, those interested in all things equestrian should note that if a branch from the silver birch is tied with red and white ribbons and placed against the stable door on May Day this will prevent witches, hobgoblins and faeries from abducting the horses for the purpose of enjoying wild, moonlit rides. This beribboned branch also has the power to prevent the tangling of manes and tails into perplexing knots known as witches’ knots. However, opinion is divided as to whether the branch should remain in situ for one night or one year!
But just as it was considered possible to avert the kidnapping of horses by witches and faeries so it was believed that if a person carried a piece of silver birch within their pocket no member of the faerie folk could abduct them.
However, folklore warns that permission should be sought from the silver birch prior to harvesting any part of it - the wrath of the silver birch with its whip-like branches is unrivalled. But, the prize is often worth the risk: the silver birch sheds its bark in thin, paper-like curls which produce a beautiful blue flame when burnt. This characteristic gave the silver birch a pivotal role in many ceremonial fires in times past and can still be enjoyed today by adding a few curls of bark to a normal household fire.
©Ruth Ainley
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