aeld
After consulting with the experts (mum, friend, their books, the internet) I thought that the nobly, noble, small tree in my garden was a ‘Sambucus nigra’ more commonly known as an Elderberry and before that as aeld.
Like many trees the Mythical history of the Elderberry proposes, or describes its traditional uses. The name may come from the Anglo-Saxon term ellaern or aeld which means “fire” or “to kindle a fire“. It was associated with female-centric goddess systems then over time gradually perverted to represent ‘mischievious faeries’ by both the celts of Ireland and England. Traditionally the Elder is placed by the back door of a home, where mine grows, to keep evil spirits from influencing or entering the home and used to pin the thatch to a roof. The runic association is with Feh, the first rune, indicating where one sequence ends and another begins, the cusp of transition, renewal.
British Christians gave the Elder a more sinister press, claiming that Judas committed suicide by hanging himself from this tree. He must have been short or the tree leaning over a decent drop. Along with many other trees it is claimed Jesus was crucified on an cross made of Elder.
Then a garden specialist happened to wander by saying that’s a Viburnum tinus…
November 1st, 2008
Elder Berry or Flower Wine springs to mind! Bring on the summer.
The Wendy House – a mellow place I thinks.
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November 1st, 2008
Ah yes the Viburnum tinus… a totally different set of myths and folklore altogether . . .
Sx
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November 1st, 2008
If it’s the Laurustinus, as the expert says, you’ve a nice-smelling shrub.
If it’s an elder then you’ve got elderflower cordial, goosegogs with elderflowers, elderflower champagne,
elderflowers in tempura batter, elderberry wine, elderberry jam and as much elderberry rum as a girl could drink!
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