| As in many, actually most ancient belief systems, | | | | very calendar used by the ancient Celts. Each tree is |
| trees were highly venerated and the ancient Celts | | | | associated with it's own fascinating legends and |
| were no exception to this common thread in the | | | | mythology, some of which have trickled down |
| theologies of the time. This seems quite logical given | | | | through the centuries as the basis for common |
| that the landscape of Europe and the British Isles | | | | customs of today. |
| were thickly forested in those days, and that trees | | | | For instance, April 15th through May 5th is the lunar |
| provided the population with most of the necessities | | | | month of the willow in the Celtic Tree Calendar, and |
| of life. Trees were not only useful, but pleasing to | | | | as such, the willow would be the tree associated with |
| the eye and provided a living metaphor for the | | | | May Day, or the ancient festival of Beltane and |
| interconnectedness of the universe; branches in the | | | | would also occur around the time of the Christian |
| heavens, roots deep in the earth. In addition to all | | | | Easter. There does seem to be a thread connecting |
| this, they also seemed to be endowed with | | | | the willow to a modern custom of Easter. It seems |
| immortality! | | | | that an ancient creation myth involves a serpent (a |
| As sacred beings in their midst, trees were believed | | | | familiar fellow in mythology) who hid two red eggs |
| to possess personalities, attributes and powers by | | | | among the branches of the willow for protection until |
| the Celtic peoples. In Ireland, five sacred trees are | | | | hatching. One egg held the embryonic earth while the |
| said to protect the five major divisions of the land. | | | | other housed the sun. The willow, having done its job |
| Even the ancient writing system, ogham, is integrally | | | | well, witnessed the universe and all life burst forth |
| connected to trees as each character of its alphabet | | | | upon their hatching. It is thought that the tradition of |
| is said to represent a tree! As trees are, by nature, | | | | hiding Easter eggs at this time of year emanates |
| connected to the changing seasons, each tree came | | | | from this myth! |
| to be associated with a time of year and the festival | | | | So, if you find yourself regarding a particular tree |
| celebrated at that time. There are many belief | | | | with awe, know that you are part of a very ancient |
| systems today which incorporate this reverence for | | | | tradition and may have a few drops of Celtic blood |
| nature into a Celtic Tree Calendar; some say it is the | | | | as well! |