Instagram LogoHawthorn has been used in many cultures throughout history. Northwest Coastal Native People prized hawthorn for many uses. The flowers and berries were used as medicine, and the large black thorns were used for fish hooks and sewing awls. The thorns were also used to pierce blisters, boils and even ears! The unusually hard wood has been fashioned into tools and weapons. It also makes long-lasting and hot fires. ⠀ There are many stories about hawthorn in European folklore. It is called “may flower” and has been an integral part of European May Day celebrations, spring ceremonies and weddings since Roman times. The May Day festival is ancient and was named after the Greek goddess Maia. The maypole represents renewal and fertility, and was decorated with hawthorn. Guests during ancient Greek weddings brought sprigs of hawthorn to bring happiness and prosperity to the new couple. ⠀ European people used hawthorn for spiritual protection in a similar way to Native American people’s use of wild rose. To offer defense against illness and unwanted influences, hawthorn was attached to babies’ cradleboards, windows and doorways. ⠀ Christians adopted hawthorn from pagan traditions and dedicated it to the Virgin Mary. Christ’s crown of thorns was supposedly made from hawthorn. ⠀ “Haw” is German for hedge. A lot of American immigrant farmers used hawthorn as a fence or hedge to separate land borders. Hawthorn provided a windbreak and is a place where birds, pollinators and other animals can thrive. Some old farms and public spaces throughout the Northwest still have hawthorn hedgerows.