Wednesday 27 October 2021

Folklore - Believe It or Not! Nina Lewis September's meeting

 

Nina Lewis gave us a wonderful insight into the development and importance of folklore through the centuries, even today folklore plays a part in some societies. Folklore is evident  in so many aspects of life from births, weddings to funerals. Nina explained the different ways in which folklore is passed on and how our club meeting last month was a way of passing on local customs and traditions.    

We were told how red and white flowers would not be combined together, this dates back to the first world war as the red flower was seen to represent blood and the white flower bandages.  If you have a Hawthorn tree in your garden think carefully before cutting it down, as according to folklore it has many different powers, some claim that the Hawthorn is a tree of magical enchantment  and associated with celebrating spring when branches are brought inside on May Day but at no other time.

It was interesting to hear about the thistle and its importance in Scottish history. Nina told us how folklore tells of when Sterling Castle was under attack by Vikings. As the Vikings approached the castle during the night they had to walk across a field with thistles growing the thorns cut into the Vikings bare feet forcing them to cry out and alert the caste guards. 

Our thanks go to Nina for a most interesting evening and with a reminder to pass on our own folklore stories to our families.
 

      

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