Blooming Friday

a cluster of elderberry flowers

These are the flowers of an elderberry. The color and shape of the cluster blooms remind me of lace. They look so fragile and pure, daintily suspended from a willowy branch. No wonder the plant is believed to be guarded by an old lady or a witch. Its fair beauty can tempt anyone in to picking them, or even cut down a branch and plant it in his garden, so a forbidding protector should stand sentry… like Rapunzel in a dauntingly high tower that is only accessible to her witch guardian.


So if anyone wants to pick a flower or cut the wood or even a twig, one has to ask first the elder mother (as the guardian is known to be called). But it’s worth asking for because carrying a twig or hanging some of them in your house can ward off evil or misfortune. It’s supposed to be a lucky charm and a good remedy for some illnesses like toothache or rheumatism… unless you anger the Elder Mother by cutting part of the plant without permission.


And on midsummer’s eve, it is believed that by standing under it, you’ll see the Elf-king. Too bad, I didn’t know about this until recently. Maybe next year, I’ll try it. Who knows, I might just see one of the many enchanted creatures we hear of *winks*. But I’ll ask their permission first before doing it. I don’t want to displease them by “coming” uninvited. No one likes having an unwelcome guest, magical creature or not *smiles*.

Here’s wishing everyone an enchanting weekend!

source of folklore: wikipedia

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