erinthul

Masovian willow

Published: February 22nd 2025, 7:40:20 pm

My region of Poland is really known by the unique willow trees. They were (and still are) very popular here and are an indispensable part of the Masovian landscape.

The willow is a tree full of magic and a symbol of fertility. Slavic people planted them in border areas – at crossroads, marshes, and rivers, where the human world mixed with the spiritual world. In the spring, willow branches were used to decorate homes to ensure safety and fertility for the family members. At the same time, the willow was used as protection against unwanted pregnancies. Its leaves were boiled, and the boiling water was believed to protect maidens from the consequences of the night. Unfortunately, burning its fruits could result in irreversible infertility.

Willow was also used practically. Its wood was used to make tools, its bark in dyeing, and its wicker was woven into fences and baskets.

With the start of the witch hunts, the willow began to be associated with darker meanings. It was believed that witches made brooms from willow branches and rode on them to sabbats.

by Karolina Lisek (@slowianska.lisica) from her newest book "Słowiańska magia ziół" (eng. Slavic Herbal Magic)

This post is so important to me. This is where I was born and where I grew up. Even tho the people are gone and the place might change it is how I will remember my childhood so I really hope you'll enjoy this piece of me. Thank you so much for being here!

Love, Erinthul.