Discover nine fascinating facts about the superstitions and myths surrounding elm trees in the UK and Ireland, from their ties to the underworld to their role in dreams and astrology
The elm tree, towering and enigmatic, has deep roots in the folklore and mythology of the UK and Ireland. From its eerie ties to the underworld to its role as a symbol of transformation, this tree holds centuries of fascinating beliefs.
Elms Were Seen as Sentinels of the Underworld
In Celtic mythology, elm trees were believed to guard the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead. Their association with burial mounds and graveyards made them sacred yet ominous.
The Celts thought elves, protectors of the dead, lived beneath elms. Adding to their grim reputation, elm wood was traditionally used to craft coffins, giving rise to the chilling saying: “Elm hateth man, and waiteth.”
Elm Trees Were Believed to Whisper Doom
Elms have an eerie habit of shedding large boughs without warning, particularly on calm, warm days. This led to the superstition that the tree was a harbinger of doom, silently warning of misfortune.
Farmers and travellers were especially wary of elms, avoiding them whenever possible.
Elms Were Key to Rural Farming Traditions
In rural folklore, elms were deeply tied to agricultural life. A weather-predicting rhyme helped farmers determine the right time to plant crops:
“When the elmen leaf is as big as a mouse’s ear,
Then sow barley never fear.”
This practical rhyme shows how intertwined the elm was with the rhythms of farming.
Elms Featured in Norse Creation Myths
Norse mythology highlights the elm in its creation story. The first woman, Embla, was shaped from an elm tree, while the first man, Ask, was formed from an ash. Together, these trees symbolised the connection between humanity and the divine.
Interestingly, while the Celts linked elms to death, Norse mythology emphasised their life-giving, feminine qualities.
Elms Were Thought to Offer Protection
Despite their ominous ties to death, elms were sometimes viewed as protectors. Scandinavian and Finnish folklore tells of magical elves buried beneath elms, granting the trees powers to shield farms from witches and misfortune.
Some even believed the trees could offer warnings of danger by appearing sickly or damaged.
The Knights Templar Had a Mysterious Link to Elms
In 1187, the Knights Templar’s split from the Priory of Sion was marked by the symbolic cutting of an elm tree.
Legends suggest that elms were used to hide treasures. In Suffolk, the roots of a fallen elm revealed a buried skeleton, believed to be that of a Templar knight.
Dreams of Elms Were Seen as Prophetic
Dreams involving elms were thought to carry symbolic meanings. A healthy elm in a dream represented security and protection, while a withering elm signalled hardship or loss.
The tree was also sacred to Oneiros, the Greek god of dreams, further linking elms to visions of the future.
Elms Symbolised Transformation in Celtic Astrology
According to Celtic astrology, those born under the influence of the elm tree (12–22 January and 14–24 July) are natural leaders. They are described as ambitious, attention-loving, and known for holding others to high standards.
These characteristics reflect the elm’s commanding presence and enduring symbolism.
Elms Represent the Duality of Life and Death
The elm’s enduring connection to both life and death makes it a symbol of duality. It embodies growth and decay, protection and loss, standing as a quiet witness to the cycles of existence.
As you wander beneath the canopy of an elm, consider the many layers of history and mystery it holds. Are these superstitions relics of ancient wisdom, or do they carry truths yet to be uncovered?
Read more about British trees folklore on Spooky Isles with our article, British Tree Folklore: What You Need To Know
