The Faerie Tree

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There are several recorded instances in Irish history in which people refused to cut an ash, even when wood was scarce, for fear of having their own cabins consumed with flame. The ash tree itself might be used in May Day ( Beltaine) rites. Under the Old Irish word nin, the ash also gives its name to the letter N in the ogham alphabet. Together with the oak and thorn, the ash is part of a magical trilogy in fairy lore. Ash seedpods may be used in divination, and the wood has the power to ward off fairies, especially on the Isle of Man. In Gaelic Scotland children were given the astringent sap of the tree as a medicine and as a protection against witch-craft. Some famous ash trees were the Tree of Uisnech, the Bough of Dathí, and the Tree of Tortu. The French poet who used Breton sources, Marie de France (late 12th century), wrote a lai about an ash tree. The Proto-Celtic for 'ash' was * * onnos; Old Irish, nin; Irish, fuinseog; Scots Gaelic, fuinnseann; Manx, unjin; Welsh, onnen; Cornish, onnen; Breton, onnenn. [4] Apple [ edit ] A fairy (also fay, fae, fey, fair folk, or faerie) is a type of mythical being or legendary creature found in the folklore of multiple European cultures (including Celtic, Slavic, Germanic, and French folklore), a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural, or preternatural. Offerings of milk, butter, or other gifts are left out for them, and certain days of the year, like May Day or Halloween, are considered especially significant for encounters with these supernatural beings. The intricate tapestry of Irish folklore and mythology continues to weave the tales of fairies, keeping their presence alive in the collective imagination of Ireland and beyond. There are also many stories around Ireland of road works being delayed because Fairy trees would be in the path, workers would refuse to touch the tree. On most occasions, roads have been re-routed to by-pass the tree. And Sister and I are laughing under the faerie tree one day, months later, when she don’t cry as fast and hard missing our folks. “You remember on the porch when Pa said, ‘no fairy princes ’til you’re thirty-five’? I guess I should’ve listened.” And she laughs up through the leaves. And I laugh, but it’s hollow, and I ache missing what I can’t feel anymore ’bout strangers I used to love. And Sister says, “What do you miss most? I miss those nights on the porch.”

Granddad believed in faeries He would sit me on his knee and recite to me the Old English faerie tales that were told to him — not those usually told to children, and definitely not those found in popular culture. He knew them all off by heart. They were stories about faeries, sprites, brownies and elves. Some of the tales he told me were really frightening such as Childe Rowland and The Yorkshire Boggart. Many people were said to be frightened of upsetting the fae due to the magical powers they had. People also believe that if you cut down or damaged one of the Irish Fairy trees, you would face a lifetime of misfortune. Unfortunately, a disease in the ash tree has caused a shortage of wood for hurls. Many players are now forced to use synthetic wood and even bamboo as a replacement. This has made the surviving ash hurls even more special as they are becoming rare. An Ash Hurley and Sliotar Note: Spellings of Fairy Trees in IrelandI hold Sister close. She shakes and keens but don’t wake. As faerie light swarms the baby, I feel Momma go too. A changeling was a fairy that took the place of a human, usually a child. The changeling could alter their appearance to become nearly identical to the person that was stolen. It was only through their unusual behaviours that the changeling showed when they thought that they were alone that their true nature would be revealed.

These trails serve as a testament to the enduring belief in fairies and the desire to connect with the magical and mystical aspects of the land. Whether for cultural enrichment or simply for the joy of exploration, fairy trails provide an enchanting journey into the heart of Ireland’s enchanting past and present. Origin of Fairies For a few minutes it’s just me, then Sister wakes up and it’s just me and Sister. We huddle alone under cold, distant stars, while the land sprawls out empty for miles. Sister cries on my shoulder, but she’s Sister and not a china doll, and I cry ’cause I have her and she’s all I got.

What is a fairy Tree?

These three trees are very different characters in our folklore. Time and time again in the old stories, they are the interface between human-world and fairy-world. But they are not just some fancy notion or ancient wisdom now lost. These trees are real and alive and flowering somewhere near you this springtime. You don’t need to be on Dartmoor or in other wild and wonderful places, they are also common trees in towns and cities. Have you enjoyed our article on Irish fairy folklore? If so, other worthy reads that might interest you include: