Category Archives: Flora

How goes the shamrock in Ireland?

Posted on January 23, 2017 by sarthure

The shamrock. A familiar Irish symbol, featuring alongside the harp and round tower, thatched house and donkey on all sorts of material destined for the tourist market. Witness my new socks below. In primary school, we learned how St Patrick … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Flora, Ireland, Material culture, Migration, Travelling | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Raggy trees, an Irish pishogue

Posted on June 12, 2015 by sarthure

A pishogue, in the Irish tradition, is a charm or superstitious practice. And there are many associated with trees, including raggy trees, adorned with physical proof of enduring traditions. Here are just two of them, one at Fore, County Westmeath, … Continue reading →

Posted in Around the world, Fairy trees, Flora, Folklore, Ireland, Travelling | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Raggy trees, an Irish pishogue

Hawthorn (no, not the AFL team)

Posted on February 11, 2014 by sarthure

The hawthorn, also known as the may, whitethorn, and in Irish sceach gheal, is a significant sacred tree in Irish folklore. Known for its general protective powers, a hawthorn was often planted near houses to keep witches away. It was known … Continue reading →

Posted in Baker's Flat, Fairy trees, Flora, Folklore, Kapunda | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Fruit and fungi in all their glory

Posted on March 18, 2013 by sarthure

Recently I’ve been musing on plants and their significance, both in economic terms and in folklore and myth. A chance trip at the weekend to the Museum of Economic Botany in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens recalled me to a display that I’ve … Continue reading →

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