Discover nine fascinating facts about the superstition and myths around elm trees in the UK and Ireland, from their ties with the underworld to their role in dreams and astrology
The elm tree, towering and enigmatic, has deep roots in the folklore and mythology of the UK and Ireland. From his creepy ties with the underworld to his role as a symbol of transformation, this tree has centuries of fascinating beliefs.
Elms were seen as sentinels of the underworld
In Celtic mythology it was assumed that elm trees guard the border between the worlds of the living and the dead. Their association with cemeteries and cemeteries made them holy and yet ominous.
The Celts thought that elves, protectors of the dead, lived under elms. As an addition to their grim reputation, Elm Wood was traditionally used to make coffins, which gave rise to the hair -raising saying: “Elm Hateth Man and Wacht.”
It was believed that elm trees whispered a doom
Elms have a creepy habit of throwing large branches without warning, especially on calm, warm days. This led to the superstition that the tree was a harbinger of Doom, who quietly warned of accident.
Farmers and travelers were mainly wary of elms and avoided them where possible.
Elms were the key to traditions in the countryside of agriculture
In the Folklore countryside, elms were deeply connected to agricultural life. A weather forecast Rijm helped farmers to determine the right time to plant crops:
“If the Elmenblad is as large as the ear of a mouse,
Then Barley never fears. “
This practical rhyme shows how intertwined the elm was with the rhythms of agriculture.
Elms to be seen in Norse Creation Myths
Norwegian mythology emphasizes the elm in his creation story. The first woman, Embla, was formed from an elm tree, while the first man asks, was formed from an axle. Together these trees symbolized the relationship between humanity and the divine.
Interestingly, Norwegian mythology, while the Celts elms connected to death, emphasized their lives, female qualities.
It was thought that elms offer protection
Despite their ominous ties with death, elms were sometimes considered protectors. Scandinavian and Finnish folklore tells about magical elves buried under elms, so that the trees are granted powers to protect farms against witches and accident.
Some even believed that the trees could offer warnings by appearing sick or damaged.
The Knights Tempelier had a mysterious link to elms
In 1187 the split of the Knights Templar from the priory of Zion was characterized by the symbolic cutting of a elm tree.
Legends suggest that ELMs were used to hide treasures. In Suffolk, the roots of a fallen elm revealed a buried skeleton, which it was believed to be that of a Knight Temple.
Dreams of elms were seen as prophetically
It was thought that dreams with elm had symbolic meanings. A healthy elm in a dream represented safety and protection, while a wilting elm meant hardships or loss.
The tree was also sacred to Oneiros, the Greek god of dreams, which further connects Elms with visions of the future.
Elms symbolized transformation in Celtic astrology
According to Celtic Astrology, those born under the influence of the Elm -Boom (12–22 January and 14-24 July) are natural leaders. They are described as ambitious, attention and known and known to keep others on high standards.
These characteristics reflect the impressive presence and permanent symbolism of the ELM.
Elms represent the duality of life and death
The permanent connection of the ELM with both life and death makes it a symbol of duality. It embodies growth and decline, protection and loss, standing as a calm witness to the existence cycles.
As you wander under the canopy of a elm, consider the many layers of history and mystery that it contains. Are these superstition remains of ancient wisdom, or do they still wear truths to be discovered?
Read more about British trees Folklore on spooky islands with our article, British Tree Folklore: what to know
