Amulet Trail: Rowan loop, England

PRM 1893.18.3

This object was collected by Reverend John Christopher Atkinson by 1893. He was a cleric and antiquary interested in Yorkshire folklore. Amulets made from twigs of the rowan tree were designed to protect against witches primarily, but also faeries and ghosts.

The rowan tree has been associated with magical powers since ancient times – a rowan tree was said to have bent to rescue the Norse god Thor when he fell into a river. Such magical associations may arise from the five-pointed star that that grows opposite the stalk of each berry, or the bright red of the berries which is said to be the best colour to protect against enchantment. Rowan wood is dense and good for making divining rods and druid's staffs. By placing branches on doors, cattle and graves it was said to ward off storms and bad spirits. The association with witches and its widespread use in the Scottish highlands is reflected in some of the rowan's alternative names which include Witch Wood, Whitten Tree and Mountain Ash.