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Fallen rowan leaves

The Rowan tree was called Quicken tree in rural Herefordshire, and Wicken Wood in Yorkshire. In the 17th century, pins for the yokes of oxen were made from the wood as it was believed that it preseved the beasts from bewitchment. Rowan was much used in folk magic, but unlike the yew tree, had no tradition within the church. Information gleaned from my friend (alas, my late friend...) Jen Westwood (her book The Lore of the Land: A Guide to England's Legends).

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Uploaded on June 22, 2007
Taken on June 22, 2007