fairy tree (2024)

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What is a fairy tree? ›

Former Retired Engineer Author has 1.3K answers and. · 11mo. A fairy tree is a tree that is believed to be a dwelling place for fairies in Irish folklore. It is usually identified by a hawthorn tree with a whitethorn growing through its center.

Usually a whitethorn or an ash tree, this is where the fairies make their homes. You will often see one gnarled and weathered by the wild winds or standing alone in a field, quite untouched. Some you will see decorated with tokens or ribbons as a gift for the fairies.

The Hawthorn and Blackthorn in particular play a significant role in Irish folklore, you will find 'fairy trees' with no association to religious sites growing in fields where they have a mystical presence that is associated with the 'fairies' or the 'wee folk', the spirits of ancient deities.

It is believed that fairies (or the sidhe) live underground and in certain trees, namely the hawthorn. Even in modern times, one often sees a lone tree in the middle of a field; farmers and landowners are reluctant to cut down hawthorn trees for fear of disturbing the fairies.

Some believe if you damage or cut down one of these trees you'll be faced with a life of bad luck. As you can imagine people are very weary of touching one. “Its certainly common for farmers to work around these trees even if it does mean they cant grow crops where the tree stands.

In Irish mythology, the hawthorn tree is believed to be a gateway to the fairy realm and is often depicted as a symbol of fear and superstition. According to legend, the faeries would gather around these trees after dark, playing sweet ethereal music, and waiting to abduct any beautiful human who caught their fancy.

As well as being a place where visitors impart their wishes, another function of the fairy tree is to protect and encourage the well-being of the surrounding hedgerows. The travel blog What Boundaries mentions that several “legends claim bad luck will befall anyone who cuts down the fairy tree.”

'Sentry thorns' or 'fairy trees' were supposed to guard the sacred places, or be inhabited by the 'sidhe', the fairy folk. It was, and still is, considered very bad luck to damage, remove branches from or cut down a fairy tree.

Hawthorn Fairy Tree — Kenmare Stone Circle. In Celtic mythology it is one of the most sacred trees and symbolises love and protection. It is also known as the Fairy Tree, as fairies live under the Hawthorn as its guardians, and so was treated with great respect and care.

In Celtic history, Oak, Ash and Hawthorn trees were the most sacred trees. Oak trees embodied truth, courage, and wisdom. The Oak tree is also featured in the Celtic Tree of Life symbol. Irish Ash trees were cherished for their strength and healing power.

Why do Irish believe in fairies? ›

Where did Irish Fairies come from? In Ireland, the most commonly held belief is that the Sidhe are the original magical inhabitants of this island, namely the Tuatha De Dannan. These otherworldly beings had god-like powers and magic, and were able to complete fantastic acts of strength, cunning, and craft.

The Tuatha de Danann used their innate magic to become the Sidhe (pronounced Shee) – today known as the “fairies”, “l*ttle people” or the “wee folk”.

In British fairy lore, the oak is one of three primary magical woods, along with ash and thorn.

Primroses are another excellent fairy-attracting flower, which would be very appropriate around the hiding-place stones you set out earlier. Roses, which are a favorite of many gardeners, are beloved of fairies as well.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Also known as elf gloves, fairy bells, fairy caps, fairy petticoats, and fox bells. Perhaps more than most, this plant is closely associated with faeries, and in many legends they are said to be especially delighted with the flowers.

An old rhyme hints alludes to this: “Rowan tree and red thread / make the witches tine (meaning 'to lose') their speed”. The rowan was denoted as a tree of the Goddess or a Faerie tree by virtue of its white flowers. The same was true of the hawthorn and elder.