The Brich tree is one of the most sacred trees in Celtic Mythology, symbolising new beginnings and protection. This meaning derives from ancient times, before the writeen word, when the sacred Silver Birch tree was associated with the Celtic goddess Bridig. The tree was used to make May Poles and to start fires to celebrate Beltane, the festival of New Beginnings.
 
The Birch tree was also used for protection, especially on Midsummer's Eve when boughs were hung over doors to gaurd evil and bring about good luck. 
 
This amazing tree was also used for it's medicinal and practical purposes- the leaves used to be brewed into a tea to treat infections and stimulate a healthy vitality. In terms of practical sense, early man stitched the bark together to amke food vessels and canoes for gunting. In the spring, the sap was made into a delicious mead and the fresh cambial tissue was made inot a highly nutritious bread.
 
Artist: Jayson
Size: 16"h x 12"w
Acrylic on canvas