Hawthorn flowers

Events, Wildlife

The May

29 Apr , 2016  

Dancing around Maypoles, are for us at least sadly over. Perhaps on reflection that should read ‘gladly over’. Mayday for many of us now comes down to a bank holiday. It was however a very important day in the calendar of our recent ancestors.

Festivals such as the Obby Oss in Padstow remain, reminding us how important this day would have been. Fifty or a hundred years ago it was celebrated all over the country, with countless Obby Oss’s galloping and poles being skipped around, all marking the start of summer.

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna buds

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna buds

In ‘days gone by’ the blossom of the Hawthorn tree was associated with the lewdness of May Day. The 1 of May was the first day of summer, a holiday. It was a time, to revive the worshiping of the old pre-Christian gods. Any godly help that ensured a good harvest and prevented winter starvation was sort.

 

Hawthorn flowers

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna flowers

It is not surprising that ‘The May’ (Hawthorn) played such an important part in Mayday. Crowns, fashioned from the leaves and flowers, were used at the coronation of the Queen of the May. Normally a young girl, whose sacrifice would help ensure a good crop.

So trees play an important part in countryside at this time of year. Many would be full of flower. Admittedly some of the flowers trees produce are difficult to spot, so with its white showy flowers, it’s not surprising our ancestors chose the Hawthorn to help us appease the gods.

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna seeds or Haws

Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna seeds or Haws

Millinery in the spring, autumn sees the hawthorn fruits the haws, used for making jams, jellies and even wine. Because these trees have been around a long time our wildlife has also adapted to exploit a valuable food source. Over 300 species of insect can benefit from the Hawthorn; many species of moth and butterfly rely on the leaves to feed their caterpillars.

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