Folklore of wild berries
Wild berries have always been surrounded by a rich tapestry of folklore and myth. As I poke around my home during the magical time of berry season, I am often reminded of these old stories that add a layer of magic to the humble berries.
Elderberries, for example, have a deep-rooted place in European folklore. They were often considered sacred because they believed they were the Older mother or ‘Hylde Moer”, a protective spirit. It was thought that cutting down an elder without permission would bring bad luck, and the berries themselves were used in various rituals for protection and healing.
Wild blueberries have their own share of legends. Native American tribes cherished 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 in times of famine. It was said that the star-shaped blossom at the end of each berry was a symbol of the star that guided their ancestors. (Source).
Blueberries also have fascinating stories. In the Pacific Northwest, Native American folklore speaks of the huckleberry being created by a trickster god to feed the people and wildlife. The berries were believed to contain the essence of the summer sun and capture its heat and energy. (Source)
Wild raspberries are intertwined with fascinating myths. One legend tells how raspberries got their red color. According to folklore, raspberries were originally white until Ida, a nymph who cared for the child Zeus, pricked her finger on the thorns while picking them. Her blood turned the berries permanently red, a story reflected in the Latin name ‘Rubus idaeus’, which means ‘bramble of Ida’. This story highlights the berry’s deep connection with fertility and protection in mythology. (Source)
Hawthorn blossoms, while beautiful, were traditionally kept out of homes in Britain due to the belief that bringing them indoors would lead to illness and death. Despite this, hawthorn flowers were celebrated in the spring, especially in May, when they were used to decorate gardens, make headdresses and mark the arrival of the season. (Source)
Rose hips also hold a special place in folklore. People believed that sleeping with rose hips under your pillow could protect against bad dreams. Wearing rose hips was thought to bring good luck, fertility and wealth. These bright red fruits, which come from the wild rose plant, were prized not only for their vitamin-rich content, but also for their protective and good-luck properties.
As I pick these berries, these stories give my work 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 people and nature.