The haw is the fruit of the hawthorn tree. The name comes from the Old English word for hedge and the thorn is an integral part of our hedgerows still today, making an impenetrable and thorny barrier to keep livestock in and intruders out.
Like the pulmonaria, you can easily see why ancient physicians subscribing to the Doctrine of Signatures thought that the berries of crataegus would be effective for treating ailments of the heart they resemble…in another example of modern medicine bearing out archaic thought, this has been found to be true.
In legend, Joseph of Arimathea arrived in Glastonbury bearing the Holy Grail and the vials containing the blood and sweat of Jesus and planted his staff in the earth where the first church would be built. The staff took root and flowered in midwinter, becoming the Holy Thorn. Scions of the original tree still bloom here at Christmas and a sprig of the blossom is delivered to the Queen each year.
Most thorns, however, blossom in May and their are known as May blossom. Considered unlucky if brought indoors before May Day, the flowers are a creamy bridal wreath across the country as the season turns. The bad luck may be due to the fact that the fragrance of hawthorn contains the trimethylamine, one of the chemicals produced by decaying flesh, and in the days before embalming, the odour of death would have been familiar to all.
It may also have a lot to do with the belief that the hawthorn is a fairy tree, a place where the veil between the worlds of Man and Fae is thin and where the shining folk may be encountered.
The young leaves are often called ‘bread and cheese’ and can be eaten. My grandfather had a huge thorn in his garden, right beside my swing. I never found the leaves tasted like their name…
Sue Vincent's Daily Echo 
Astute observation cleverly stated in precise language.
I hadn’t heard the tale of the Glastonbury Holy Thorn, but had heard of the fairy connection.
Lovely image.
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The Holy Thorn is right at the heart of British legend…so many others stem from Joseph’s arrival here.
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For some reason I thought he was in France – totally missed on correct location. Thanks. Your posts are always so intersting
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Thank you. The legends say Joseph sailed to France with others, landing near Marseilles, before coming to England.
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OK – now I feel better – I just got off the boat before final destination
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It’s a legend well worth exploring…it takes in a lot of people and places 🙂
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Lovely Haiku. I did not know any of this about the Hawthorne. Interesting. I bet those leaves tasted of anything but bread and cheese. Haha.
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They tasted okay… but certainly not like their namesake 🙂
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Interesting background to this shrub. Smelling like death – yikes. I don’t think I’d want one in my yard. 🙂
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They actually don’t… but there is a component to their fragrance that is the same, so we probably pick it up unconsciously.
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These used to be everywhere when I was a kid, but I don’t see them anymore. They really did provide a measure of security because those hedges really bit.
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They are still everywhere here… and I love seeing them in blossom in May 🙂
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Very interesting information! Thanks!
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Thanks Angie 🙂
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An interesting read. 🙂
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Thanks Lynette.
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We have a saying, ‘Many haws, many snaws’ meaning an abundance of berries forecats a lot of snow. Another saying about the inadvisability of shedding clothing too early in the year is, ‘Ne’er cast a clout til May is oot’. There is some debate as to whether the May in question is the month – in which case you shouldn’t remove any layers of clothing until the end of the month – or if it refers to the blossom on appearing the hawthorn. I think the latter interpretation makes more sense.
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I’ve always thought it referred to the May blossom… we have the same saying in Yorkshire…though in Britain the first interpretation might be closer to the truth, given the unpredictability of the weather 😉
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I have a hawthorn bonsai, first one to show its leaves this year. The flowers are pink and its one of my favourites, probably because I was born in May…
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The pink ones are so pretty… but the white ones have such delicate markings on the petals 🙂 I’ve never been able to choose 🙂
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mine was a gift, but its 25 years old now and I love it…
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I’ve never had any luck with bonsai… but them, being a mini-mum myself, I like big trees 🙂
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I love all trees, big, small and old …
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So do I, but a big one reminds me where I stand.
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everything in nature reminds me of my place in all of it…
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True… even on a city street x
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yes, even there… I am always amazed by what nature can do with the smallest of resources… inspiring really…
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You’ve only to see a daisy in the concrete to realise her strength 🙂
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I have long thought Nature an amazing force…
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She is…and surrounds us with miracles every day 🙂
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Sue, a lovely post.
I love the reference to your swing!
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It was right next to the hawthorn… a big old tree with clusters of deep pink double flowers. Gone now, sadly.
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Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.
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