The Elder

-Botanical

Latin name: Sambucus
The Elder is a little tree, whose branches contain a white marrow, previously used like our actual rubber cement. It has little black fruits, which can be eaten, but cooked. Birds are also very fond of these fresh fruits.
It can grow, rarely, until 10 meters high. Its presence on a place indicates that the ground is rich in nitrogen. Most of time, it likes to grow wild; it's find in abundance on waste-lands, woods or gardens.

-Customs, Legends and Mythology

Gaelic name: Ruis

Month: makeup days of the thirteenth Moon
Color: red
Letter in the Ogham: R
Meaning: end of a cycle of problems

Symbolism around Elder is linked with ambiguity. It's the tree representing the number 13 (and so the character of Judas).
On one way, this tree is sees like a lucky charm tree, because it gave food. But in another way, it could be considered like a tree carrying evil spells, because of its unpleasant smell.
In Sicilia, people think that Elder protects against snakes, but in England, burn Elder wood in houses attracts Devil in. In Denmark, it's the protector of houses, and in Russia it can banish evil spells.

-Healing

Elder was used in ancient time as a medical tree by Britons, Celts and Romans people.
This medicinal tree has numerous properties. The bark is diuretic and sedative. The leaves, when they are dry, are soothing, and are used against sore throats.
Elder is also useful to encourage urinary elimination, and making digestion easier. According to recent scientist studies, it could also reduce flu effects.
Eat the fresh fruits of Elder is advise against, because they are a little toxic, and can cause vomiting.

-Physical uses

The wood is very homogeneous, pretty heavy, with a beautiful clear yellow color. That's why it's appreciated by artisans.
Leaves and flowers can be changing in Elder wine, a famous traditional drink in Nordic countries, but also in syrup or in lemonade.
With the fruits we can produce ink, with colors changing between blue and violet.