Description
The cutting of the May blossom had great significance and symbolized the beginning of new life and the onset of the growing season. There is the custom of tying ribbons or shreds of ones clothing or rags onto Hawthorn trees at this time. These were said to be gifts for the faeries or elementals who were thought to dwell by Hawthorns. Sometimes children, or adults write wishes on the ribbons hoping to get presents of answers to their wishes. Many families have a Hawthorn tree growing on their property or will buy a potted one for the spring just to put ribbons on it for the special event.
“Among the many buds proclaiming May,
Decking the field in holiday array,
Striving who shall surpass in braverie,
Mark the faire blooming of the Hawthorn tree,
Who, finely cloathed in a robe of white,
Fills full the wanton eye with May’s delight.”
– Britannia’s Pastorals, William Browne (1613)
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