The Hawthorn

-Botanical

Latin name: Crataegus

The hawthorn is a little thorny tree, member of the rose family, which is native from Europe. It's difficult to establish precisely how mush species exist, because this plant has the particularity to hybridize with others species very easily. Currently in Europe, this specie is in danger because of an illness called Bacterial Fire (leaves become yellow). This little tree prefers to grow next to the villages, instead of on the forest.
The hawthorn can live very old: in France, one is estimated to be 1000 years old! It can grow until 12 meters high.

-Customs, Legends and Mythology

Gaelic name: Huathe

Month: April
Color: Purple
Letter in the Ogham: H
Magical properties: Being held back for a period of time

In the Antiquity, hawthorn symbolized innocence and virginal purity. In Brittany, people thought that it was linked to sorcery during the celebrations of May. May is the month where the hawthorn has its flowers. In Roman mythology, hawthorn is dedicated to Maia, Hermes' mother, who is celebrated in May. And according to pagan people, the hawthorn is a prime symbol of fertility. In France, England and Celtic countries, it is still bound up with the pagan Mayday rites, which use the blossoms of "the May" to symbolize love and betrothal.
In the Christian tradition, the Christ crown during his crucifixion was made with hawthorn.

-Healing

Hawthorn is called the Hearth Plant, because of its efficient properties against cardiac problems.
This plant has its main properties thanks to its substances, which dilates coronaries arteries, and which are anti-oxidants. It's indicated in case of palpitations, high blood pressure, nervousness and sleepy troubles.
It's also adviser against the menopause's effects. In fact, hawthorn flowers are used in the composition of more than 200 medications.

-Physical uses

German people used to eat its fruits, fresh or cooked.
Anciently, hawthorn wood was used to make handles, particularly (because the wood was considered lucky) handles of personal things necessary for protection, like knives and daggers.
Its wood, strong and red, was efficient in the realization of work tools. Hawthorn was well present in culture as an artistic theme.