Did you know that all parts of the bluebell are toxic? This has lead to the plant being put to many uses throughout history.
The bluebell has also led rise to many folklore tales.
Read them below and beware as you visit the bluebell woods!
- In ancient times, bluebells were used to make a poisonous glue for book binding that protected it from insects. The same principle is now used in modern synthetic varnishes for things like missiles.
- The feathers of arrows used as early as the Bronze Age were stuck on with bluebell glue. It is said that the English bluebell glue and yew for longbows gave British archers the edge they needed in battle!
- In Elizabethan times, bluebells were used to stiffen their noble’s impressive ruff collars.
- It is believed that bluebells will help to prevent nightmares.
- It was believed that if you wore a garland of bluebells, you would be compelled to tell the truth.
- It was rumoured that if you turn one of the flowers inside out without tearing it, you will eventually win the one you love.
- Bluebell woods are believed to be enchanted. Fairies use bluebells to lure and trap people in their nether world. Indeed if a child picks a bluebell in a bluebell wood, it is said he will never be seen again. If an adult picks one, he will wander lost, led astray by pixies forever, or until someone rescues him.
- It is said to be unlucky to trample on a bed of bluebells, because you will anger the fairies resting there and disturb their spells.
- When a bluebell’s bell rings, it calls all the fairies to a gathering, but if a human hears the bell, they will be visited by a malicious fairy and die soon after.
Enjoy Saltwell’s bluebells from a distance but, as always, take care x
Comments