Elderberries gathered on St John’s Eve were thought to protect the collector against witchcraft and also bestow magical powers.
In local superstition, the tree is considered unlucky if taken into the house, as it brought the devil in with it. In Needwood Forest, burning elder was said to raise the devil.
In some parts of the country, however, elder was planted in gardens as it would ward off witches.
Branches of it were sometimes placed near a grave to protect the body from lurking evil spirits.
Because of the folk law surrounding it, elder was never used to make furniture. It was also never used to beat boys or animals in-case it stunted their growth.
Leaves picked on May Eve could cure toothache, bites from mad dogs, melancholy and adder bites... |
People tend to either love or hate the strong smell of the flowers.
Hanging in large clusters, the black elderberries (‘drupes’) are collected avidly by home wine makers in the autumn. Elderberry wine used to be even more popular, with orchards of elders planted in Kent.
The Romans used the juice of the berries as a hair dye, and there is a tradition of using the berries as a substitute for raisins.
The cordial has long been used for colds and coughs and has recently been proved scientifically effective. Elderberries contain viburnic acid which causes perspiration and is useful in cases of bronchitis to sweat out the fever.
Twigs with the central pith removed make good whistles and pop-guns. Elder was also used for other musical instruments. |
