Woodturning Wales 

Wood

Ash

Since ancient times some have believed that the first man was created from the branches and flesh of the Ash tree (and also of the oak). The Ancient Greeks thought that at the beginning of time cloud-ash was produced spawning small melia which came together and resulted in humanity being created. (The oak was thought to produce the first man and the trees themselves were called the first mothers). Perhaps if it can create man this is also why the ash tree was thought traditionally to hold many curative powers.

Beech

It is said that the God and Goddess Apollo and Athena sat in a beech tree having transformed into vultures. The legend tells of how the two Gods sat and watched the fight between the Trojans and the Greeks

Oak

It is said that when the announcement of Christ's Crucifixion was made, all the trees met together and agreed that none of them wished to be part of the event. The time came for the wood to be selected. As the Jews began to chose the wood each piece began to split and break into many pieces making it impossible to use. Only the 'Evergreen Oak' or the 'Ilex' did not split and allowed itself to be used, seen by the other trees as a traitor or another Judas. As a result is it said that Grecians will not have any part of the Oak tree brought into the house, or allow their axes to come into contact with the Ilex. Just like Judas the tree is seen as eternally condemned.

Yew

Since ancient times the Yew has been viewed as a protector of the dead. The Yew tree has become a common feature in graveyards across Europe as a guardian against evil and negative forces. Some people even believed that the removal or cutting down of the tree would result in misfortune and dire consequences. The location of churches has often been associated with Pagan sites of worship and perhaps this is one reason why so many are found together. The tree is also a symbol of immortality, with the tree being able to live to considerable age. This could also be a reason for the proximity of church and tree. The Yew tree is the symbolic tree of the Fraser clan (Scotland Uk). The Highlanders believed it brought them good luck and kept evil spirits at bay. It is also poisonous to cattle!

Cherry

According to Serbian folklore the 'Vila' are beautiful female creatures similar to Fairies and Elves. These mystical creatures live in the hills and forests, often by Cherry trees loving to pass their time singing and dancing. Always clad in white, with long hair the only danger they cause is the breaking of men's hearts as they fly over. When travelling through the forests the Vila make a sound similar to that of the woodpecker, and ride seven year old stags which are bridled with snakes. Folklore has it that should a parent discipline a child and indicate that they have the Devil in them, or should be sent to him, then the Vila are thought to have a right to take the child, perhaps to protect it.