Clootie Tree

 Introduction

This afternoon I am reporting on an unusual landscape feature known as a ‘Clootie’ tree. Clootie is Scots for cloth (c.f. Clootie Dumpling).  

Clootie Tree, Ireland

Clootie Tree, Ireland

Information on the term 'Clootie'. 

In practice a person partakes of holy (or medicinal) water from a stream or spring. Thereupon the person ties a piece of personal clothing to a nearby tree, which is usually a hawthorn.  This custom is believed to endow the participants with longevity and good health.

I have only encountered this practice on a few occasions. It will be interesting to learn the origin and age of the custom. It appears that the Celts from the iron and bronze age periods had a reverence for water so maybe there is a line going back 2000-3000 years?

 

 Clootie Tree near Glasgow Cathedral 

 

Clootie Tree, Dams to Dranley, Glasgow. 

More information on Scotland

Visitors are directed to Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This provides a wide range of information for tourists and is also available via Kindle.

 

 

 

 

 

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