Birch Trees

(January 29, 2025) Birch trees (Betula pubescens spp. and B. pendula spp.) were among the earliest trees to re-colonize the land after the last ice age (Kullman, 2002) and grow abundantly all around the Northern Hemisphere with species spanning from Morocco to Greenland. 

Many parts of birch are used for food: their sap is traditionally drunk fresh, boiled down into syrup, and even brewed into beer (Buhner, 1998), 

Their small buds, harvested in the winter before they begin to shoot, are deeply resinous and aromatic. Birches also provide the color of life. The inner bark has a beautiful reddish color and a sweet woody aroma.

In Celtic mythology, the Birch is often linked to various myths and legends. One prevalent tale involves Brigid who is associated with healing, poetry, and fertility. The Birch tree is said to be her sacred tree, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation of life after winter.

References

https://nordicfoodlab.wordpress.com/2015/11/24/2015-11-24-tree-bark/

https://celtic.mythologyworldwide.com/the-birch-tree-a-symbol-of-transformation-in-celtic-lore/