Rowan | ||||||||||||||
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Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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Binomial nomenclature | ||||||||||||||
Sorbus aucuparia L. | ||||||||||||||
The Rowan or European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is a type of deciduous tree. It is a member of the Rosaceae family.
The wood is dense and used for carving and turning and for tool handles and walking sticks. The berries are a favorite of birds, and are used in various places to make a jelly which is traditionally eaten with game. It is used as an ornamental tree.
The Rowan tree has a long tradition in European mythology and folklore. It was thought to be a magical tree and protection against malevolent beings.
See also: Mythology and Folklore of the Rowan
Table of contents |
2 Uses 3 External links |
Etymologically, the name "Rowan" stems from the word "Runall",
which means "a charm" in the old Norse language and
"magician" in Sanskrit.
Some of the folk names of the Rowan tree seem to imply it is an "Ash",
although it doesn't even belong to the Ash family,
and is much more related to the Rose and Hawthorn.
The similarity that the leaves of the two tree's share, is probably to
blame for the misleading names given to this tree in some parts.
The following list summarizes some known folk names of the Rowan tree:
Rowan can be a great ornament and attracts many birds, which is reflected in
the name "bird catcher".
The density of the Rowan wood makes it very usable for walking sticks
and magician staffss that additionally carry protective qualities for
safe night journeys.
This is why druid staffs, for example,
have traditionally been made out of Rowan wood.
The magic power that is ascribed to Rowan extends beyond simple protection,
for it is said that Rowan wood will increase one's psychic powers, and
its branches were often used in dowsing rods and magical wands.
Further, Rowan is carried on vessels to avoid storms,
kept in houses to guard against lightning,
and even planted on graves to keep the deceased from haunting.
It is also used to protect one from witches or as wood to fuel the fire
to burn witches. (Frazer, p. 718)
A Rowan growing out of another Rowan is called a
"Flying Rowan" and is
especially potent against witches and their magic,
and as a counter-charm against sorcery. (Frazer, p. 813-814)
Rowan protects against enchantment and is used to make rune staves
(Murray, p. 26), for metal divining, and to protect cattle from harm by
arraching sprigs to their sheds.
Leaves and berries are added to divination incense for better scrying.
Fresh rowan berry juice is usable as a laxative, gargle for sore throats,
inflamed tonsils, hoarseness, and as a source of vitamins
A and C.
Rowan berry jam will remedy diarrhea.
An infusion of the berries will benefit hemorrhoids and strangury.
The bark can also be used as an astringent for loose bowels and vaginal
irritations.
Rowan is also used for eye irritations, spasmic pains in the uterus,
heart/bladder problems, neuralgia, gout, and waist constrictions.
The rowan berry can substitute coffee beans.
It can be used to flavor liqueurs/cordials, and to make ale.The name
English folk names
Uses
Magical uses
Folk-medicinal uses
Rowan in recipes