Mother of All Trees and Plants

In Wales the rowan tree (mountain ash) has long been recognized as a sacred tree that protects against evil spirits and negative forces. Like the yew in England, it is inevitably found in or near churchyards. I have rowan trees in or near my homes in both Manchester and Patagonia.

In the yard there grows a Rowan.

Thou with reverent care should'st tend it.

Holy is the tree there growing.

Holy likewise are it's branches.

On it's boughs the leaves are holy.

And it's berries yet more holy.

[from the [i]Kalevala[/i],
translated from Finnish]

[Longsight, Manchester, UK]