I have photographed this little tree which grows on Foxglove Lane over the years and at different times and seasons. Although native to Ireland The Hawthorn, also grows in parts of Europe, Africa and Asia.
When I was a child these trees were considered to be either magical or holy and I often saw them littered with offerrings and talismen. Farmers around here would go out of their way to avoid them for fear of the "faeries" who were said to live near them, in them, and frolic beneath them.
Although the blossoms at this time of the year are beautiful, they are never brought into the house, for fear of bad luck. I have also heard that tying a symbolic rag to the tree brings good luck, there are no end of different traditions and tales.
This tree demonstrates the magical quality we have attributed to it. It is so self contained. It stands there quietly unique in all it's proud glory. Yet........it demands our attention when we pass!
