The Clootie Tree: An ancient Pagan practice
The Clootie Tree
In my newest book, NOW
COMES THE RAVEN, my main character, Hannah, comes across a Clootie Tree near an
ancient holy well. These trees, also called Rag Trees, trace back to pagan Celtic
practices, as far back as the Iron Age, possibly further. Petitioners would
visit the well on pagan holy days, Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain and
later Christian holy days, and pray for good health. They might wash themselves
in the water or wash an injured body part. A strip of cloth was then dipped in
the well before being tied to the tree. As the cloth slowly disintegrated, the petitioners'
prayer would be released to the gods.
The tradition of the
Clootie Tree was carried on through the early Christian era, eventually falling
out of cultural practice in most areas. It remained popular in places with
heavy Celtic influence such as Ireland, Scotland and Cornwall. The picture
above is of a Clootie Tree at the holy well of St. Brigid in Ireland. There are
also trees near St. Marys Well found near the Culloden Battlefield and the
Munlochy Clootie Well on Black Isle Peninsula, both in Scotland.
I think it’s wonderful
practice. The idea that your prayer is slowly released and makes its way to the
gods 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 NOW COMES THE RAVEN, which is set in Devon, England, I found a holy well that I use in the book. From the pictures, it looks rather forgotten and forlorn, but I imagine some lonely goddess just waiting for a visitor! Maybe I’ll get to see it someday. Below is a picture I found of it. It looks so atmospheric!
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