Plant folklore - elder

We have a number of elder trees dotted around the edges of the Genus garden and we have discovered that in earlier times elder trees were frequently planted near homes to ward off witches and evil.  It seems to be something of a paradoxical plant, however, because conversely, burning its wood was believed to invite the devil and bring misfortune. 

It has a great many protective associations, with some traditions suggesting that elder trees are favoured by fairies, especially on Midsummer's Eve and planting an elder near the home was thought to protect against lightning strikes.  Wearing or carrying any part of the elder could offer protection from harm.  A more down to earth use was where branches in full leaf would be hung in stables and dairies to deter flies with its strong scent. 

Some rather more ominous associations were warned against. particularly when burning elder wood which would cause the devil to appear or lead to illness or death.  Some legends claim that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from an elder tree, further linking the tree to negativity. 

In Celtic traditions, elder is associated with the festival of Samhain (Halloween), representing the end of the agricultural year whilst the Greeks associated elder with Prometheus, who was said to have stolen fire from the gods using a hollowed elder branch. 

Elderberry wine, still produced in many villages, was sometimes consumed to promote divination and communication with spirits. 

The wood traditionally had its uses.  Pegs to hold rabbit nets down, or for thatching, and fencing.  Flutes could be made from the stems and watch parts from the dense, hard wood.  The stem holds a pith that is traditionally removed and used for the production of fishing floats.