I've Just Visited Ireland. Why Do People Leave Ribbons And Little Gifts Etc On Trees There?

The dressing of trees takes place all over the world, not only in Ireland.
In many cultures some trees are deemed to be sacred.

For example in Ireland the Blackthorn Tree is held to be sacred and have magical powers.
The oak and holly trees are also highly regarded.

The symbolism attached to trees is vry ancient and it was and to many still is - thought that some trees are inhabited by spirirts and have their own powers to heal or grant wishes. The practice of leaving offerings probably started in the pre-Christian period and has developed over many centuries. For example there is an ancient tree on an island in Loch Maree in Northern Scotland which still stands and has many coins and other offerings hammered into it's trunk. In Ireland as elsewhere it's thought that by leaving something either belonging to oneself or another on a tree the power of the tree can help heal or grant wishes

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