Wild berry folklore
Wild berries have always been surrounded by a rich tapestry of folklore and myth. As I forage around my house during the magical time of berry season, I am often reminded of these ancient stories that add a layer of magic to the humble berry.
Elders, for example, have a deeply rooted place in European folklore. They were often considered sacred, believed to shelter Old lady or “Hylde Moer”.”, a protective spirit. Cutting down an old tree without asking permission was thought to bring bad luck, and the berries themselves were used in various rituals for protection and healing.
Wild blueberries have their share of legends. Native American tribes valued these berries, not only for their taste and nutrition, but also for their spiritual significance. They believed that wild blueberries were gifts from the Great Spirit to nourish and protect their people during times of mourning. The star-shaped flower at the end of each berry was said to be a symbol of the star that guided their ancestors. (Source).
Huckleberries, too, have fascinating tales. In the Pacific Northwest, Native American folklore tells of the huckleberry being created by a trickster god to feed humans and wild animals. Berries were believed to hold the essence of the summer sun, capturing its warmth and energy. (spring)
Wild raspberries are intertwined with fascinating myths. A legend tells how raspberries got their red color. According to legend, the raspberries were originally white until Ida, a nymph who cared for the infant Zeus, pricked her finger on the thorns while picking them. Her blood forever stained the berries red, a tale reflected in the Latin name “Rubus idaeus,” meaning “beauty of Ida.” This story highlights the blackberry's deep connection to fertility and protection in mythology. (spring)
Hawthorn flowers, although beautiful, were traditionally kept outside homes in Britain due to the belief that bringing them indoors would lead to illness and death. Despite this, hawthorn flowers were celebrated during the spring, especially in May, when they were used to decorate gardens, create headdresses and mark the arrival of the season. (spring)
Rosehips occupy a special place in folklore. It was believed that sleeping with roses under the pillow can protect against bad dreams. Wearing roses was thought to bring luck, fertility and wealth. These bright red fruits, from the wild rose plant, were valued not only for their rich vitamin content, but also for their protective and auspicious charms.
As I gather these berries, these stories imbue my work with a sense of reverence and connection to the past. Each berry is not just a fruit, but a piece of living history, a symbol of the enduring bond between humans and nature.
