 I'm presuming this question is inspired by the Wiccan Rede and the quote "Elder is the Lady's Tree, burn it not or cursed ye be!" Unfortunately there is very little information available as to the origins of this and why There is a tentative tradition that witches allegedly used to have the power to transform themselves into elder trees so it is possible that the folklore started from this legend.
Christian tradition has it that Judas the traitor was hanged on an elder tree so this might explain the association with death. I'm a practical witch and I believe that most folklore has its roots in practical answers. My guess would be that knowing elder is an unpleasant wood to burn, giving off little heat and a lot of quite smelly smoke it became a wood to avoid burning. I would imagine it was rejected as a source of firewood and the myths sprang from the reluctance of people to burn it. It is also a very quick burner so possibly there was a concern of the fire spreading too quickly for safety and this was also a factor in shunning it. Elder is also a very useful tree with almost all parts of it having a purpose. The berries, the flowers and the leaves are all edible and even the bark can be used for medicinal cures. With elder trees providing so much bounty to the communities of old it is unsurprising that cutting them down for use of firewood was frowned upon. Image http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1402779 (Ayla87)
5 Comments
Barry Lewis
5/30/2014 06:36:26 am
In Britain in times gone by, elder was grown outside the house to ward off evil spirits.And to burn elder in the home would bring sickness .This is true because when burnt the pith in the wood gives off toxic fumes.
Lyle
5/19/2018 08:05:51 am
Mexican elder which grows in the Southwest USA gives off cyanide gas. Many rhymes and traditions used curses as a way to memorize what would harm someone.
Karen Edwards
5/30/2018 12:42:27 pm
Thank you. Both explanations were helpful. We want to grow some elderberry on the 10 acres we are rehabilitating. But, we've noticed that the wild elderberry develops dead wood and needs to be pruned. So, what to do with the pruned branches? We will NOT burn it in the house. But we WILL feel OK burning it outside on our slash piles.
laura
3/22/2019 10:26:44 am
they wouldnt burn elder years ago as it spits when burnt and creates lots of smoke they believed it was the presents of the devil ( also bad kindling) they used the elder tree to keep insects away from their homes cattle and fresh foods as its a brilliant insect repelent i wont burn it due to the wiccan rede but i still use its berries its a wonderful useful tree
Karen Marks
5/9/2021 09:47:28 am
When elder wood is burned, it reales a cyanide gas, which could kill you if enough was inhaled. Such an interesting plant. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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