Old May

This Hawthorn, or May tree, is old, really old, its gnarled bark and twisted form are testament to several hundred years of standing proud and resolute on an open Dorset hillside, exposed to all that natures elements can dish out. A magical tree, brimming with folklore; believed to harbour the powerful supernatural forces of both good and evil and has both positive and negative attributes and effects. Duality runs deep through Hawthorn folklore, for example, a tree of life, a tree of death, a symbol of sexual abandonment and fertility but adversely, of chastity and sexual abstinence. Fertility and sexuality are synonymous with the Hawthorn, spring unions were a tradition of Beltaine celebrations, when dancers hoped for fertility in the coming season as they danced about a Hawthorn May pole. When the May's in blossom we know it's winter end and the long march to summer has begun, our May Queens crown is of the Hawthorns pink white blooms.  Lone trees such as this one are said to home to faeries and should not be disturbed, or face the wrath of those who dwell inside. A nice spot to rest a while and take in all of natures beauty, which is particularly abundant in this part of the county.