Wild bullace flowers by canal


died but who were still present around us. So, black- thorn was seen mostly as a hopeful tree linking death and birth. Many folk songs and stories include mention of a


“prickly bush” usually as a symbol of difficulty and hardship, and this was probably visualised as a black- thorn, forming its dark thickets. For most of us, it’s one of the beautiful signs of full spring when it whitens our road hedges and canalsides. The secondary tree for this time is ivy, which also has black berries. It is a special plant at this time because it is in flower when all other flowers have gone. It will be covered with late bees, butterflies and other insects especially if we are having a St Luke’s little summer. It is a symbol of tenacity and staying power because of the way it clings on to stronger trees and survives extremes of weather. It was often seen as a particularly female plant, unlike the masculine holly. The way it embraces trees, together with its ever- green nature, made it often used as an image for love. It is our only native evergreen climber. Ivy has a long association with alcoholic drink


and was once believed to be able to cancel out the more harmful effects of alcohol. Drinking vessels were made of ivy wood. The ivy bush thus became a symbol for a tavern. Ivy was also seen as having various curative and


protective properties for animals, especially cattle, and its presence ensured wholesome milk. It was used as a charm to take away warts and verrucas. Sometimes it was banned in churches because of its magical and alcoholic associations! There is disagreement about whether ivy damages


continues overleaf The Village October 2018 47 Plum blossom Ivy and holly


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