Beautiful Glass Art Creations to Protect Us at Home - Bottle Trees, Evil Eyes and Witch Balls

-article by melaniekaren

image credit - "Bottle Tree Light" by chelle

As I write about the history of tree worship and the introduction of a Tree of Life from the dawn of Mesopotamian civilization, I am inspired to stop and briefly talk about some of the beauty of how trees are decorated in different places and cultures.

The reason why trees are sometimes adorned with special items is for protection of the home and family within. Furthermore, coupled with the protection, is the result of some really nice decorated trees. If you love trees and glass art, you may very well like these three ideas.

We have bottle trees, evil-eye trees and witch balls. The witch balls are not hung on trees historically. However, I do hang some of mine outside on trees.  They look beautiful hanging from trees, and I am sure I am not alone in doing so.

What are Bottle Trees? 

Bottle trees are trees decorated with glass bottles, literally.  Bottles are either placed on the branches of existing trees, or the whole tree is made with a main support beam (trunk), branches and glass bottles placed on the ends of the branches.  When colored glass is used, both are quite beautiful to look at.

Bottle Tree Origin:

Colorful Tree Bottles - set of 6
Click photo to see on AMAZON

Bottle trees were first thought to appear in 9th century Africa, although, we now know that bottle trees originated much earlier and go as far back as Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, as early as 1600 B.C.E. when hollowed, colored glass was invented.  The use of the bottle trees in Africa and ancient civilization, however, is the same, and this is also where we see the first concept of a "genie in a bottle."

The "djinn," Arabic for "genie," and other spirits thought to be evil, could be captured in the bottles. The idea is that the evil spirits would become mesmerized by the beauty of the glass.  They would then slip inside and become trapped in the bottles.  Therefore, the bottles were simply traps.  Consequently, upon the morning light of the sun, the evil spirits were destroyed.  Therefore, the bottles kept the family protected.

Beauty of Bottle Trees:

Enjoy a couple more photos of bottle trees before we move onto evil-eye trees. :)

image credit - photo of a bottle tree by redagainPatti	image credit - "Blue Bottle Tree" by Ingrid Taylar This bottle tree includes other adornments: beaded wire-wrappings, other art glass pieces and wind chimes.  One can really get creative with bottle trees.

image credit - photo titled
"Grandidier's Baobab"
by  Bernard Gagnon

• Please note that the baobab tree is commonly referred to as The Bottle Tree too.  While we will be most definitely discussing the baobab tree soon since it is the African Savannah Tree of Life, it is obviously different that the bottle trees we are learning about here. 

• There are also two other bottle trees in Australia, both of which also have swollen, water-filled trunks. 

What are Evil-eye Trees?

Evil-eye trees are trees where the traditional blue, glass evil-eye hangs on a tree by up to the hundreds or even thousands. The overall use is similar to bottle trees and witch balls in that he decorated tree is meant to provide protection for the property, family and home.  The difference is that it is not meant as protection from an evil spirit or entity.

The evil-eye is meant to protect from "the evil eye of envy" of a person or persons. An envious eye is one that looks as if it would cause harm to get what another has and the owner of the envious eye wants. So, it is much more (worse than) jealousy.  (In fact, "envy" makes it to the top dead cardinal sins list where "jealousy" does not. There's a difference.*) You can think of an evil eye as being similar to a gargoyle.  A gargoyle also protects.  It's fighting against evil with evil.

Origin of the Evil Eye:

The origin of the evil eye centers around ancient classical Greece, Rome and the whole surrounding Mediterranean area.

Click pic to see on Amazon

Evil eyes continued to move into Europe, the Middle East and Asia.  It is also common to see evil eyes through Central and South America. We are finally seeing more and more evil eyes here in the United States, although, most protective pieces are that of those found in jewelry.

* The terms "envy" and "jealousy" are often used interchangeably as synonyms. However, they are not.  They are very different.  If someone is envious of something, he or she may want it so much so that he or she wishes harm to the person who has what is wanted.  Jealousy is wishing you had what someone else has, but it stops there.  No harm is wished upon the owner.

image credit - photo from pixabay

What are Witch Balls? 

image credit - photo titled Glass-blown Balls"
by Kayla Sawyer  

And now we come to one my personal favorites, hanging witch balls. Witch balls are hanging glass balls with glass filaments within.  They are meant to work as the bottles of bottle trees do.  That is, to capture evil entities. Evil spirits are attracted to the beauty of the orb.  Inside are long glass filaments.  The evil entity becomes absorbed into the orb and is then, therefore, trapped within the filaments.

Origin of Witch Balls:

Hanging glass witch balls originate in 18th century England.  It was common to see countryside homes with witch balls hanging in doorways and in windows. The idea most likely stems from the origins of the bottles of bottle trees.

I find it important to note that sometimes people think a "witch ball" is designed to keep a "witch" away.  This is untrue.  A witch is not thought of as an evil entity, quite the opposite.

The term "witch" in 18th century England simply meant "country dweller."  It was in the countryside where most still hung onto their earth-friendly, pagan roots. The word witch also has word origins connected to "wise-women."  That is, a witch was the healer of various cultures.

image credit - photo by Random Michelle titled "Witch Ball"

Similar Articles You May Like:

What is the Protective Evil Eye? What is the Evil Eye of Envy?
Josh Simpson Art Glass Planets - A Tribute to an Artist
Tree of Enchantment Hanging Glass Ball for Winter - Love it!

Tree of Enchantment Hanging Glass Ball for Winter - Love it!

-article by melaniekaren

I came across Tree of Life hanging orbs years back.  I love them. I have started to collect them, and I like to give them as gifts too.

image credit - photo by Bogdan Migulski of a decorated tree at Peddler's
Village.  I'v been to the village many times during the holiday season.  They
have the best holiday light display I have even seen.  The larger red "apple"
lights remind me of "witch balls."

I am Reminded of the Old World Witch Balls

These remind me of old 18th century witch balls.  Years ago, I was browsing around Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA in Bucks County.  There was a shop that featured mostly gorgeous, hand-made pottery collections and other functional art pieces.  In a large front window were at least a dozen of similar hand-blown spheres all hanging in various sizes.  It was such a sight of beauty that I didn't forget them.  Oh, how I wished I could have this delight in my own home!  Each had a tag. They were called "witch balls." (Unfortunately, the shop has since closed :(  It was one of my most favorite shops ever.)

What are Witch Balls? 

image credit - "Witch Ball" by Laura Gillmore

Witch balls are glass colored orbs with threads of glass-work inside.  It is said that evil entities approaching a house would get sidetracked by the mesmerizing beauty of the hanging orb.  The entity would then get absorbed into the ball and then be forever trapped by the glass filaments within. If you've heard of a bottle tree, it is the same idea.  (If not, I'll be writing about those soon too :) )

image credit - photo by Ian Mackenzle titled "Witches Ball"

Here is a closeup photo of  the inside of a true witch ball.  You can clearly see the glass filaments.

An Important Note:

Sometimes I see witch balls with a description that states that the balls are meant to keep away witches.  This is not true and can be confusing for some.

Over time (and I'll simply leave it at that for now), witches have gained a bad rep. The term "witch" means "country dweller" in its truest definition.

Eighteenth century English country dwellers tended to be mostly the peasants of the time. These country folk held onto pagan beliefs, loved the earth and did no evil.

Now, Onto My New Favorite Witch Ball Find

click pic to see on AMAZON

This is the Kitras 10-Inch Tree of Enchantment, Winter colossal-sized witch ball.  It is beautiful!  I don't have mine yet, but it is coming.

I gave a large 10" size Kitras glass ball to my sister, titled "Sisters." (Yes, they make a variety of themed glass balls.)  It's huge, and I think the extra large size makes them even more beautiful for hanging outside.

But!  The biggest reason why I love this one so much is that it is for winter, a time when trees are sleeping.  I think the color choices of relaxing blues coupled with magical purple are perfect.  I can already picture how beautiful a backdrop of snow and gray naked trees will be for this winter orb.  -a true tree of enchantment!

I'll be hanging mine in the back under the arbor on the stone patio.  I'll be sharing a photo of two I'm sure.

If you like the idea of seasonal themed hanging glass balls, others are available.  Kitras Art Glass makes one for summer, spring and autumn.  So, be sure to browse around and take a look at them all if you like.  They are regularly listed on Amazon.  They also have other themed Tree of Enchantment orbs, Tree of Life orbs and even true witch balls.  Happy collecting and gazing. :)

You may also like my article about the Tree of Christmas Enchantment.

By Oak Ash and Thorn – Celtic Modern Shamanism – A Book Review

-article by melaniekaren

I really like this book, and therefore, I am sharing it with you.  It is both interesting and useful -at least it is for me -hope so for you too.

image credit – courtesy of Amazon

On Celtic Shamanism – By Oak Ash and Thorn: Celtic Modern Shamanism by D.J. Conway

By Oak, Ash, & Thorn: Modern Celtic Shamanism
by noted author D. J. Conway is a book I often find myself re-reading in its entirety or browsing through again and again at least once per year.

For me, it is a sort of comfort to immerse myself in once the earth begins to warm herself in spring or cool herself in fall. It marks a transitional period for me between the long, cold winter to the pleasant warmth of the summer sun. The book is filled with Nature, and the reading material makes me want to get out of the house and take part in Nature.

By Oak, Ash, and Thorn is a book about Celtic Shamanism. When I first saw this book, I was intrigued, as I thought the Celts had their own sect of teachers, philosophers and religious heads, the Druids. D. J. Conway provides a history showing that the common Celts practiced shamanism.

This is a very positive book by a well-loved author that focuses on alternative methods of self-healing and healing others. It is really about spiritual growth and development and helps us re-connect with Nature. It is fabulous reading material for anyone seeking or curious about spiritual enlightenment.

A Note on the Cover Before we Get Started – The cover of the book is a marvelous work of art by Anna-Marie Ferguson depicting the Celtic God Cernunnos, the God of Nature, also called The Horned God of fertility. Ms. Ferguson’s expression of Cernunnos is very well done, as he is often depicted with antlers of the stag and a horned serpent. All of the details of this cover image are in line with Celtic mythology and Celtic shamanism.

photo I took of one of the beautiful
illustrations by Anna-Marie Ferguson
found on page 49 showing Rhiannon,
the Celtic Goddess of Birds and Horses,
who may be associated with the Roman
Goddess Epona. Additional
illustrations throughout the book
are by Tom Grewe and the author
herself, D.J. Conway.

A Thorough examination of Celtic Shamanism

One of the things I like most about this book is that it is a very thorough examination of Celtic Shamanism and shamanism in general.

The author first introduces the reader to shamanism in general. Shamanism is defined and reasons for why shamanism of the Celts versus other shaman practices found in other cultures may be appealing for the reader. For me, I find Celtic shamanism is appealing simply because my ancestors were once Celts, as I have an English, Irish, and French ancestral heritage.

Ms. Conway also explains to us why shamanism must be modernized and not stay stagnant through time. Most of all, the reader is taught that shamanism is about healing oneself first and then healing others. The ethics that go with the role of a shaman are deeply discussed.

The beginning of the book is rich in Celtic history explained through legends and stories of old. The Celts mostly did not write things down. They partook in an oral tradition of passing down their culture to the younger generations. Most stories and histories that were written by the Celts were destroyed. So, any written history saved in books, such as this one, is welcomed.

Along with all the wonderful legends and history, the book is also filled with practical teachings of how to become a shaman. The one theme that stands out throughout the book is the importance of healing oneself and the role of healing others. It really is a beautifully well put together kind of self-help book. For example, there are meditative traveling teachings and guides on how to retrieve shattered parts of a soul, and another about how to re-align your energy light centers (chakras). There are many more. I use these two examples because they personally appealed and were helpful for me.

The book is divided into three main sections: Oak, Ash and Thorn

The book is divided into three primary sections of which are Part One: Oak, Part Two: Ash, and Part Three: Thorn. Trees were very sacred to the Celts. One could not discuss or practice Celtic Shamanism without talking about trees. Each tree had its special meaning.

• The oak symbolizes healing and protection along with prosperity and luck. The ash tree represents prophecy, prosperity, and protection and is also recognized as The World Tree for the Celts.
• The Thorn tree, which is the Hawthorn tree, symbolizes fertility and growth. It is associated with happiness and thought to be sacred to fairies.
• The hawthorn tree is thought to help us experience spirituality and encounters with elemental beings. I think it’s clever that the book was organized in this way. Below, we will take a closer look at each section of the book.

Part One: by Oak

Very little has been unified into one solid resource about the Celts and their shamanic practices. If one is interested in Celtic history, she will often become acquainted with topics about the Druids and Bards, but not of the common Celts. D.J. Conway begins her book with this notion.

She shows through legends and the remaining written history that the common people also experienced spiritual enlightenment and practiced shamanism. Because very little of this is written and published today, she set out to write her book feeling that those of us with a Celtic ancestral background may be more inclined to connect with our ancestors’ spiritual growth and practices. This works for me!

With my Celtic heritage, my interest was surely sparked. After the reader is introduced to legend and history and what it means to be a shaman, the reader is then introduced to practical exercises in meditation, working with our light centers (chakras) and the beginnings of Otherworld journeys. D.J. Conway teaches us through meditation and then with literal journeys to the Celtic Otherworlds. It’s actually quite fascinating and vivid. By Oak gives us a glimpse of the Upperworld, the Middleworld and the Underworld.

Part Two: by Ash

Part two gets into the real heart of shamanic training. The Celtic shamanic worlds are examined further. The author shows us through meditation exercises and real journeys within to travel to the Celtic Otherworlds, the Upperworld, Middleworld and Underworld.

The meditation exercises and journeys are very relaxing and filled with positive energy. Personally, I believe these exercises take you to the most beautiful places one could ever find.

D.J. Conway then gives a thorough portrayal of shamanic tools that are both needed and helpful to the shaman during Otherworld journeys. Each tool is taken from Celtic history, and the importance of each tool is explained. As tools usually are, the shamanic tools all have a practical, helpful use. For example, a rug to lay or sit on while in meditation offers a tangible connection between the physical realm and an Otherworld. Also, a crane bag worn around the waist provides storage for tangible items that are used or found in the Otherworld. One more example is a natural hide drum or a CD of pleasant drumming music, a tool to help the shaman journey into meditation or the Otherworld.

In Part Two we also learn about the labyrinth. I have completely walked a labyrinth once. It was a simple labyrinth created using white spray-paint on grass. I was at a peace fair. I had never been to one. So, I was curious and wanted to check the fair out. I noticed a person or two here and there walking the labyrinth. I decided to try it. I was amazed at how long it actually took to spiral all the way in and then spiral all the way out. It was a neat experience, and I recommend trying it for yourself. One really does go into a meditative mode while walking the labyrinth.

Lastly, in part two, the reader learns about Otherworld beings and is taken on a vision quest. By Oak ends with learning about the Shadow Self and the shattered soul. These two aspects are wonderful for self-help spiritual growth and healing.

Part Three: by Thorn

By Thorn delves into many practical training topics. A lot of useful information is brought forth in section 3. Now, that we understand what it is to be a shaman and have taken our first journeys into the Otherworlds, the reader is now ready to be introduced to the details of Celtic magick and what it all means.

In this part of the book, we learn about Celtic divination through stones and the Celtic Ogam alphabet. We learn about the elements, their meanings, and how to incorporate them into our work. We also learn about the importance of trees and animals and how to connect with them.

Just as with the other two sections of this book, section three is again filled with meditation exercises. This is one of the reasons why I like this book so much. First we are given the education and then immediately, we are asked to participate and use the material right away. It’s really sort of a workbook without the blank lined pages where you write as one does in a workbook.

click on image to view
on AMAZON

About the Author D.J. Conway

Author D.J. Conway is from Oregon and has an Irish-North, Germanic-Native American ancestral heritage. She has been studying paganism and the occult for well over 30 years. She is also the author of several other books dealing with spiritual development through pagan traditions.

What is the Protective Evil Eye? What is the Evil Eye of Envy?

-article by melaniekaren

Protection Against the Evil Eye - The Evil Eye of Envy

image credit - a photo of an evil eye tree in Turkey by "Curious Expeditions" -
A evil eye tree is said to protect one's home and land. In Asia, particularly with Feng Shui, an evil eye tree
is an evil eye "money" tree, bringing protection from harm, good luck, and good fortune.

The Evil Eye for many is misunderstood, particularly here in the United States. Many believe an evil eye represented in a piece of jewelry, charm, amulet or other representation in itself is negative - or evil. However, this is untrue, and in fact, it is quite the opposite.

When you see someone with an evil eye ring, for example, that evil eye is meant as protection against the "evil eye look" of another person, that is the evil eye of envy. The eye, when envious, has a particularly unique evil look to it. You've seen it. We all have. Someone may be spying on something of yours that he or she wants or is envious of. The evil eye in one's ring, necklace or other ornamental expression is meant to ward off that envious eye.

Today, those who wear or have an evil eye protective item may not necessarily believe in the literal beliefs surrounding the origin of the evil eye. Heck, many aren't even aware of its origin but still like to wear an evil eye. Some just simply like the positive aspects of protecting themselves and loved ones. It's a nice gesture and feeling. Others, may simply just really like symbolic jewelry based on ancient symbolism. Whatever brought you to this article, I hope you are enjoying learning about the Evil Eye and its meaning and origin.

Click pic to see on AMAZON

A Beautiful Evil Eye Pendant

An Example of a Traditional Evil Eye 

Pictured right is my first top pick in jewelry, a gorgeous Greek Key Theme Double Sided Evil Eye Pendant In Sterling Silver -18 Karat Gold Overlay protective evil eye.  It looks expensive, but it is not!  If you prefer the look of silver, it's available in that too.

With a continuous rise and interest in bringing the esoteric into light, ancient jewelry with meaning is becoming more common to find.

Many of the jewelry pieces are very well designed. In fact, it was in the late 90's when I discovered that the evil eye was getting a lot of attention by several higher-end jewelry designers. Evil eye fine jewelry was becoming available, and there was a market for it. The pieces were unique and symbolic.

image credit - photo by Gary Jungling titled, "Evil Eye"

What is the Evil Eye? -an evil eye of envy

The evil eye is not the amulet or charm itself. The evil eye is a look of envy from someone who admires something you have that they want even to the point of causing harm to get it. People believed (and some to this day) that the person who caste an envious eye had the magical powers to covet their source of envy. Thus, the evil eye of protection protected the victim even if the victim wasn't aware. The protective evil eye was aware.

The original or traditional evil eyes are blue. This is simply due to the fact that most people from cultures centered around the Mediterranean and into the South and East commonly had brown eyes. Blues eyes (and green eyes) were uncommon. Blue eyes were feared. Thus, an evil blue eye charm fought back against an evil blue eye. An example of this you might already be aware of is with the notion of gargoyles. It's a kind of fighting evil with evil. Of course, today, we now know that blue and green eyes are just pretty to look at and can be quite lovely.

Origin of the Evil Eye - An Evil Eye History

The notion of warding off the evil eye of envy with a protective evil eye charm dates back to the ancient Greeks, and it continued into the Roman Empire and can be seen in various classical writings of the time. At a time when it was generally believed one could cause harm to another by way of spell casting or other meta-physical means, protecting oneself was important. It continued to be important through the centuries as beliefs in the magical negative powers of the evil eye stare continued to grow and branch-out across Europe, down into Africa, across into Asia, and eventually into the Americas.

To this day, the concept of the evil eye with its original beliefs is still strong within the Middle East and other parts centered around the Mediterranean.

Again, the evil eye symbolized "envy," and envy to this day, is a human emotion we all try to suppress. You've heard of the seven deadly sins. Envy is number 6.

Hopefully now, you have a better understanding of the Evil Eye.  Thank you for reading, and enjoy your day. :)

Celebrate Spring and the Return of Summer this May Day

-article by melaniekaren

Much of the World Celebrates May 1st as May Day Based Around Ancient Traditions

image credit - "Petal Girls" by Pete Ashton

May Day is a Spring holiday celebrated in the Northern Hemisphere around the world. It is a very ancient Spring time tradition celebrated by many cultures going all the way back to the ancient Romans, Celts. and Germanic peoples of central and northern Europe.

May 1st was the first day of Summer for these folk. It's date landed precisely half way through the year from their first day of Winter, November 1st, also their New Year. Some traditions began the holiday festivities on the eve of May 1st, particularly those who celebrated with the lighting of bonfires.

With the Summer warmth returning in full-swing, people had much to be happy about. The harshness of Winter was gone, and even the days of a potential cold March and April had passed. May 1st marked a joyous day, and it marked one of the rights of passage through the turning wheel of seasons through the year.

Today, May Day is still celebrated around the world. There are different ways in which it is celebrated, however, the theme is all alike. Celebrating with flowers, dancing with intertwining ribbons around a maypole, and the lighting of bonfires are common throughout. It's a big party!

Please note that May 1st is also the date of other May Day holidays of more current times revolving around work, labor, and bank holidays. These are nice holidays, but we will not be covering these holidays in this article, as they are completely different in origin and history.

The Origin of May Day Traditions

image credit - by Roberto Rizzato depicting
Bartolomeo Veneto's
"Flora, the Goddess of Spring"

The first people to celebrate May Day were the pre-Christian Romans, Celts and Germanic peoples of central and northern Europe. May Day festivities centered around Pagan rituals and beliefs.

Romans celebrated "Flora" as May Day after the Roman Goddess of Flowers. Flora was a goddess of fertility, flowers, fruit-bearing vines and trees, and grains. Her appearance is first seen in Ancient Greece, when she was known as "Chloris."

The Germanic people called their May Day "Walpurgis Night," a night celebration of bonfires similar to the nightly Beltane festivals of the Celts. Walpurgis Night was a celebration of Fertility and the upcoming Summer.

For the Celts, it was their festival of Beltane, and celebrated with the lighting of bonfires. Today, Neo-pagans, Wiccans, Christo-pagans continue to celebrate May Day as Beltane, incorporating bonfires, dance, maypoles, and flowers into their festivals.

Traditional Ways to Celebrate May Day Today

- from Europe to the British Isles to the Americas

image credit - "Maypole Dancer" by Michael Zupon

Today, many spring holidays and spring festivals are centered around May Day.

In the British Isles, May Day celebrations most commonly involve traditional May flowers, a Crowning of the May Queen, and dancing around the Maypole. The May Queen wears a long white dress symbolizing purity and a white tiara placed upon her head. Often she is also adorned in white flowers. As May Queen, she leads the May Day celebrations and festivities. Dancing around a maypole is performed by different age groups in the style of Morris Dancing and symbolizes fertility.

In Ireland, most old pagan traditions of lighting bonfires have long gone with the wide-spread increase of Christianity. Today, the Irish celebrate May Day as "Mary's Day." If you see a portrait of Mary with Spring and Summer flowers, this is a depiction of Mary's Day." It should be noted, however that, with the increase in understanding and appreciation of old ways and with a rise in neo-paganism, some folk do celebrate the traditions of Beltane on May Day or May Day's Eve with lighting of bonfires to symbolize the upcoming welcomed longer Summer days.

In France, the Lily of the Valley flower is the symbol of May Day. It is small white bell-shaped flower that grows naturally and in abundance around late April into Early May. Christians say it is a symbol of the tears Mary cried during her son's crucifixion. For others, it is simple a gesture of Springtime and good luck. It is customary for people to give others a Lily of the Valley flower on this day.

In Germany, Finland, and Sweden, May Day is celebrated similarly, although in Germany, the traditions are more elaborate. In Finland and Sweden there are street festivals and bonfires of the old Walpurgis Night tradition. In Germany there are also the bonfires of Walpurgis Night, however, there is also dancing around the Maypole.

As I said, in Germany the festivities are a bit more elaborate. Anytime secret romantic love is involved, things tend to get more elaborate. Perhaps a better word is a sarcastic "complicated." In theory though, it sounds lovely, as it is a time for secret admirers to leave their secret anonymous message for their heart's desire. A man might carry a maypole to the home of the woman he secretly admires, and a women, conversely, might place roses or rice in the shape of a heart outside the home of her secret admirer. Whether or not they tell their secret love's it is a romantic gesture from themselves is completely up to each individual.

In the Americas, May Day is also celebrated.

In Canada, the day is celebrated further into the month and typically only within British Columbia. May 1st is a time that can still be pretty cold in Canada. They wait for more warmth and Spring-like days! The style of celebration is that of Great Britain.

In Hawaii, May Day is traditional known as Lei Day. Yes, this is when we see many beautiful Lei necklaces with all the interwoven flowers the season has to offer. In Hawaii, May Day celebrations focus primarily on the island's culture and history of it's peoples.

image credit - "Maypole" by Konrad Glogowski depicting the maypole
at the Music Garden in Toronto, Canada

The May Day Maypole - What is a Maypole?

The Maypole is a pole that is erected on May Day during many of the May Day Celebrations. The most common custom is to dance around the maypole with ribbons. The dance choreography allows the ribbons to be interwoven as they spiral down the pole. Many maypoles are also beautifully decorated with flowers, while others are painted with vibrant colors.

Maypole symbolism includes fertility, celebration of sacred trees, and they may have been symbols of the world's axis, a connection between two worlds (i.e. Heaven and Earth).

Spring and Summer are the months of mating. That's for sure. You can feel it in the air and animals get kind of wacky and bees pollinate. I know particularly well that "wolf call" are in high numbers during the first warm days of Spring. So yes, the maypole is often a symbol of fertility with young maidens dancing around the maypole. It is a symbol of fertility among people, but it is also one in that people are dancing and hoping that the growing season will be a bountiful harvest come Autumn.

Many maypole's represent sacred trees. The "World Tree" is one of these sacred trees. The maypole is a symbol of the World Tree's reaching upward into the universe, being here with humanity on Earth, and the roots reaching down into the Under World or our ancestor's resting place. Two other sacred trees represented by a maypole are "Thor's Tree," a sacred Ash, and "Yggdrasil," a tree that cradled the whole Universe.

The World's Axis, heard sometimes in Latin as "Axis Mundi," goes back to early Christianity and has "pagan roots." This axis connects all that is above with all that is below. It is the central focal point of the Universe connecting the Heavens and Earth.

I wrote another article that is dedicated to celebrating the World Tree, also known well as the "Tree of Life." titled "Celebrate Spring with the Tree of Life."

Children Performing the Maypole Dance

image credit - "Children Perform the Maypole Dance" by Anguskirk - Today, Maypole dancing is
often performed by lovely little girls dressed in their best whites. It's a celebration of children.

image credit - "May Flowers on the Door Knob" by Alyss

May Day Flower Baskets and Bouquets

It is also customary to make May Day flower baskets and bouquets in many May Day traditions. Of course the flowers making up the baskets and bouquets are all the beautiful indigenous flowers of April and May.

The flower arrangements are quite lovely. In many traditions, the flower baskets and bouquets are left in secret at neighbors' door steps. It's a community day of giving and receiving flowers.

image credit - photo by Susan Reimer of May Day flowers in Annapolis, Md

Learn More About May Day

Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids: A Journey Through the English Ritual Year by author Sara Hannant is a loved, well-received book filled with photography, information and humor.

It's in hardcover with 256 pages.  It's surely a book for the coffee table.

Share Your May Day Stories

If your May Day tradition is not listed here, you can share it with us below in the comments. Feel free to share your May Day personal stories and traditions here below in the comments too. I would love to hear all about it, and I am sure others would as well. So, share. :)

Tree of Christmas Enchantment Glass Ball Ornament - An Heirloom Idea with Meaning

-article by melaniekaren

click pic to see on AMAZON

I love these hanging ornamental orbs. They are hand-blown, and each is a one-of-kind amazing art piece. They are offered in different sizes ranging from 2" to 10." A combination of sizes and designs hanging together look fantastic.

The 2" to 3" designs are perfect for most Christmas trees, and thus, can be used for tree ornaments. The 4" and 6" could work well on a colossal tree. I've seen a few of those colossal sized trees in a few residential homes, and wow! is all I can say.

I recently gave my sister a 10" sized "Sisters" themed orb, and she loved it. It was truly huge and stunning.

These orbs also look lovely hanging anywhere in your home, and they are durable for hanging outside too. I think you'd be surprised at just how durable they are.

Being of hand-blown glass, they remind me of the years long ago when my sister, and I were able to pick out just one special hand-blown glass ornament for the Christmas tree. My first pick as a Christmas ornament for the tree is one of these hand-blown glass orbs. They are amazing, and each one comes with a special meaning or positive intent.

These orbs were originally intended to be outside. They are designed after witch balls that were used in 18th century England. People would hang them outside of their homes to ward off evil spirits from coming into the home. The idea was that an unwanted spirit would become mesmerized by the beauty of the orbs, thus becoming trapped.

There are many to chose from for all seasons and special occasions. You may get bit by the bug and have to start collecting and gifting them as I have. :)

An Heirloom Idea with Meaning - a small personal story

For three years in a row starting when I was eleven and my sister was eight, we would go to our grandparent's cottage in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. We would go twice a year off season in April and then at the end of September. It was often a hit or miss on what the weather would be like at those two times of year. I would say it was freezing cold at least half of the times. Therefore, we would gallivant around to whatever we could find to keep warm indoors during the day instead of spending long hours on the beach.

One day, we traveled into the town of Manteo and found the best Christmas shop I've seen to date. The place seems endless as you make your way through a maze of multitude rooms, each with a different Christmas theme and feel. During our first time there, we decided to start a collection. Together, we would choose one hand-blown glass ornament. We ended up only having the chance to collect two of these ornaments from Manteo, as a hurricane took the cottage, and we no longer continued to visit the Outer Banks.

Years later for one Christmas, my sister and I were given one of the glass ornaments. She got the deer, and I got the porpoise. Every year upon decorating the tree, I bring out my porpoise and my thoughts linger back to those family vacations in the Outer Banks. I like the idea of special heirloom items with meaning a lot. My little porpoise is the only heirloom piece I believe I will ever receive. My family just hasn't passed other items down as "heirlooms" or anything else for that matter for the last few generations. Anything prior was lost, or at least lost to our side of the family. So, it stops with me. I keep special treasures with meaning, and I plan to hand down each one to my son as an heirloom.

Side Notes - This article was originally published on Squidoo and then HubPages, two writing sites, by Melanie Wilcox (aka melaniekaren).  Now, it resides here.

Below are previous comments received.  Readers took the time to comment.  Therefore, I felt the comments should remain with the article.  Please feel free to leave your own comments and thoughts below.

kenneth avery from Hamilton, Alabama - Melanie, Oh, what sweet memories you have brought up about my childhood. Truthfully, my dad sharecropped, and mom was a homemaker. My sister married young leaving me with mom and dad. Our Christmas tree was real and due to low income, we had few ornaments, but there were three ornaments on our tree along with two strings of those huge bulbs. I would spend hours sitting in the floor admiring our tree. But the one ornament that I loved was so similar to this one. Oh, how I loved that ornament.

takkhisa - A wonderful art piece! I guess we need this as a new decor item :)

Mishael - Those are beautiful! I love hand-blown glass. :-)

noner - Those balls are AMAZING!

PaigSr - I worked at a Renascence fair one year. There was a glass blower there that made their own ornaments. Seeing your lens brought back some great memories. Thanks.

RebeccaRubia - Beautiful

Craftypicks from Las Vegas - Wow, these are truly beautiful!

JoanieMRuppel54 from Keller, Texas - I love your story behind the orb.

Merrci from Oregon's Southern Coast - These are beautiful. Enjoyed reading your lens too! Very nicely done.

esmonaco esmonaco from Lakewood New York - The ornaments are beautiful! and no I have never seen them before this. We always have our special ornaments that we've had for years to hang on our tree. Very nice story and lens. Thanks

DebW07 - Beautiful!

marvins - Wow Seriously this glass ball ornaments are great. I am sharing this lens to my friend :) 

Max Globe - Thanks you for a nice article! These hand-blown tree ornaments are really masterpieces!

Kindly Sign and Share below.     

Music of Trees - What Tree Rings Sound Like - It's Eerily Beautiful!

-article by melaniekaren

Tree Rings Played as a Record on a Turntable (and Birds on the Wires)

This is incredible.  Thank you Bartholomäus Traubeck for being creative, curious and taking the time to do this.

image credit - tree rings

We all know that tree rings can give us a lot of information about the tree itself as well as environmental factors of old and new, plus each ring represents a year of growth. Botanist have been studying tree rings for a long time.

Mr. Traubeck came up with a wonderful, creative idea.  He got curious and wanted to how tree rings would sound.  Surely, a cross- section slice could play as a record on a turntable if adjustments were made.  It did.

Without further ado, here is the music of a tree.  Enjoy! :)

What you are listening to is the end result of feeding tree ring sounds played on a turntable into a computer.  The "needle" is designed to pick up information from the rings, such as texture and color. The needle is a sensor and not a literal needle scratching into wood. Music notes are assigned as algorithms to the various ring variations.  The piano notes you hear are the result, and it's quite nice!

Bartholomäus Traubeck released an album titled "Years."  On the album, he features the
sounds of beech trees, walnut trees, maple trees, oak trees and others.

You can learn more about the process and find out how to get your own copy of "Years" at Bartholomäus Traubeck's website at traubeck.com. If you enjoyed the sounds of tree rings, then you are sure to love this next one too!  I cannot help but share it, as it is also one of my absolute favorites.                  

Birds on the Wires

click photo to see on AMAZON
and download for free! 

Musician Jarbas Agnelli happened to notice one day that the birds perched on electric wires looked similar to musical notes.  So, he decided to play it. He wrote a full composition.  It sounds amazingly beautiful.

Below is a sampling of his masterpiece.  Enjoy (and I dare you not to watch it more than once, twice,.... I always find myself coming back to this one. -pure beauty.)

The Birds on the Wires single is available for free on Amazon if you have "prime," or 99 cents otherwise. You may learn more about at his website on About.me here.