pfaat bore, "begel^/, cmE h^ncf, 319 



of flowers are narcotic, and are used in baking small cakes. The 

 smell of the leaves and blossoms has the reputation of causing 

 giddiness, whence arises the saying that "he who goes to sleep 

 imdcr an Elder-tree will never wake." The cross which is affixed 

 to the rod on which the Easter Palms arc fastened is made of 

 Elder-wood, as well as the cross which is carried before the coffin 

 in the fimeral procession. Although essentially a tree of shade and 

 of death, yet it and the funeral cross just mentioned are known by 

 the name of " Livelong." It is a favourite hiding-place for children 

 when playing at " hide-and-seek." The pith of the branches, when 

 cut in round fiat shapes, is dipped in oil, lighted, and then put to 

 float in a glass of water ; its light on Christmas Eve is thought to 

 reveal to the owner all the witches and sorcerers in the neighbour- 

 hood. Since this tree drives away spirits, it is often planted by 

 the side of manure sheds, keeping them damp by its shade, and 

 also protecting from evil influences the cattle in the adjoining shed. 

 It is commonly believed that he who injures an Elder-tree will 

 suffer from its vengeance. " Holderstock " (Elderstock) is a name 

 of endearment given by a lover to liis beloved, and is derived from 

 Hulda, the old goddess of love. 



In Lower Saxony, it was customary to ask permission of the 

 Elder-tree before cutting it, in the words, " Lady Elder, give me 

 some of thy wood ; then will I also give thee some of mine when it 

 grows in the forest." This was repeated three times, with folded 

 hands and bended knees. Pusch Kait, the ancient Prussian god 

 of the earth, was supposed to live under the Elder-tree. 



In the Tyrol, an Elder-bush, trimmed into the form of a cross, 

 is often planted on the new-made grave; and if it blooms, it is a 

 sign that the soul of the dead person is in Paradise. The Tyroleans 

 have such a regard for the tree, that, in passing it, they always 

 raise their hat. 



In Bohemia, three spoonfuls of the water which has been used 

 to bathe an invalid are poured under an Elder, with " Elder, God 

 sends me to thee, that thou ma3''st take my fever upon thee." This 

 must be repeated on three successive days, and if the patient has 



not meanwhile passed over water, he will recover. The Serbs 



introduce a stick of Elder, to ensure good luck, during their wedding 

 festivities. 



In Savoy, branches of Elder are carried about on May-day. 

 In Sicily, it is thought a bough of Elder will kill serpents, and 

 drive away robbers better than any other stick. In Labruguiere, 

 France, if an animal is ill, or has a wound infested by vermin, they 

 lead it to the foot of an Elder-tree, and twirling a bough in their 

 hands, they bow to the tree, and address it as follows : — " Good- 

 day, Mons. Yeble; if you do not drive away the vermin, I shall 

 be compelled to cut both your limbs and your trunk." This 

 ceremony performed, a certain cure is contldentl)' looked for. 

 In the country districts round Valenciennes, if an Elder-bough is 



