Celtic Meaning of Heather
The Celtic meaning of heather deals with:
- Luck
- Purity
- Beauty
- Romance
- Cleansing
- Attraction
- Protection
- Intoxication
- Refinement
The Druids and ancient Celts were superb botanists. Their hebal sense was incredibly insightful and they utilized every leafy resource available to them. The heather was no different and after trial and error the ancient Celts recognized it served as a great cleansing agent, breaking up blockages found in the body.
Interestingly, brooms were most popularly made by the Celts with heather, another symbol of clearing, cleansing and manifesting purity. Perhaps these associations with purity made it a symbol of promise and good luck in the Highlands. Indeed, no Highland bride would walk in her joining (wedding) ceremony with out a bit of white heather in her bouquet or hair adornment. The custom still lingers today.
What's more, not only were the Celts clever herbalists, they were also genius at mead making. Heather was a prize for meads (during a time before hops was recognized for beer making). When properly rendered, it made a heady, aromatic blend suitable for splendid nights of merry making.
Here enters the symbolism of the heather dealing with romance, intoxication and attraction. Heather mead was some powerful stuff. I wonder if the Celts knew that the ergo fungus that grows naturally on the leaves contains a strong hallucinogenic. Merry making indeed.
Post script:Heather photo by Foxypar4
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