The Clootie Tree: An ancient Pagan practice
By Sheila1988 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...TheClootie Tree
In my newest book, NOWCOMES THE RAVEN, my main character, Hannah, comes across a Clootie Tree near anancient holy well. These trees, also called Rag Trees, trace back to pagan Celticpractices, as far back as the Iron Age, possibly further. Petitioners wouldvisit the well on pagan holy days, Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain andlater Christian holy days, and pray for good health. They might wash themselvesin the water or wash an injured body part. A strip of cloth was then dipped inthe well before being tied to the tree. As the cloth slowly disintegrated, the petitioners'prayer would be released to the gods.
The tradition of theClootie Tree was carried on through the early Christian era, eventually fallingout of cultural practice in most areas. It remained popular in places withheavy Celtic influence such as Ireland, Scotland and Cornwall. The pictureabove is of a Clootie Tree at the holy well of St. Brigid in Ireland. There arealso trees near St. Marys Well found near the Culloden Battlefield and theMunlochy Clootie Well on Black Isle Peninsula, both in Scotland.
I think it’s wonderfulpractice. The idea that your prayer is slowly released and makes its way to thegods it rather touching. If anyone knows of any other trees or has visited one,let me know. I’d love to hear about it.
When researching NOWCOMES THE RAVEN, which is set in Devon, England, I found a holy well that I usein the book. From the pictures, it looks rather forgotten and forlorn, but Iimagine some lonely goddess just waiting for a visitor! Maybe I’ll get to seeit someday. Below is a picture I found of it. It looks so atmospheric!
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