Rowans and Witches

All across the hills and glens of Scotland you will see rowan trees planted outside the front door of the house or next to the ruined walls of what was once an old croft, where the tree has outlasted both the lives of owners and stone.

Rowans are thought of as magical protectors against witches, enchantment and other evil forces and have often been planted in churchyards to watch over the spirits of the dead . Less known purposes include the wood being used to prevent attacks from fire and lightning, being hung round the necks of hounds to increase their speed and even a splinter of the wood being carried by men to increase their strength, courage and virility . (I can think of a few men who should maybe invest in a tree or two!)

Celtic legend cannot claim sole possession of rowan legends; In Finland for example, the God of thunder had a wife who took the form of a rowan tree - and the tree was henceforth held as sacred.

Physical healing also plays a large part in the history of rowan trees and the Druids held them in high esteem. The berries are full of Vitamin C - ingested to treat gout, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, scurvy and ALSO used to sooth inflamed mucous membranes. (All very attractive) The TREE’S bark is also known to be used as a blood cleanser amongst other things.

In Northern Europe, the bright red rowanberries are dried for flour, which when fermented yield a strong spirit. The Welsh used to brew an ale from the berries, the secret of which, is unfortunately now lost. (But if you know anything about it - do tell!) A jelly can be made from the fruit, and even a form of Cider can be made; which is far more up my street.

The hard, pale brown wood of the rowan was used to make archery bows in the middle ages, as well as being used to make sturdy tool handles, bowls, plates and for general woodcraft.

All in all, it seems that they are very handy trees to have around, I mean, you never know when you might get scurvy or wish for your Jack Russell to run that wee bit faster!

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