FLORAL CUSTOMS, SUPERSTITIONS, AND HISTORIES. 225 



were gifted with the power of curing all diseases ; and in such high 

 esteem were they held, that the most implicit faith was reposed in 

 them to accomplish things utterly impossible. It was the prevailing 

 opinion of the nations of antiquity, that all internal diseases pro- 

 ceeded from the anger of the gods ; and that the only way of obtain- 

 ing relief, was by applying to the priests to appease their anger by 

 religious rites, and propitiatory sacrifices. Indeed, the Gauls and 

 Britons frequently sacrificed one man as the most effectual means of 

 curing another. "Nobody doubts," says Pliny, "that magic de- 

 rived its origin from medicine, and that by its flattering and delusive 

 promises, it came to be regarded as the most sublime and sacred part 

 of the art of healing." 



The well known plant, the vervain, was a Druidical plant. By cer- 

 tain mystical performances with it, they were enabled to predict 

 future events. After libations of honey had been poured forth, it was 

 gathered with solemn ceremony at the rising of the dog- star, on a 

 moonless night ; for its virtue could not be obtained if gathered when 

 either the sun or moon looked upon it. In digging it up, the left 

 hand only was used. It was then waved aloft, and the leaves, stalk, 

 and root, dried separately in the shade. It is described in their writ- 

 ings, as " cheerful, placid vervain, which has been borne aloft, and 

 kept apart from the moon." 



From it they prepared an ointment, which was efficacious not only 

 in curing all diseases, but in conciliating friendships, and procuring 

 the accomplishment of every wish. 



" Yes, wrapped in the veil of thy lowly flower, 

 They say that a powerful influence dwells. 

 And that duly culled in the star-bright hour, 

 Thou bindest the heart by thy powerful spells." 



The hypericum, or common St. John's-wort, was another Druidical 

 plant ; and is still looked upon with superstitious reverence in many 

 rural districts, as peculiarly fitted for a spell or charm. Many curious 

 ceremonies are still performed in villages on Midsummer-eve, and the 

 succeeding morning, distinguished as the day dedicated to St John. 

 These performances have a peculiar interest to young maidens and 

 bachelors, and like those of Halloween, in Scotland, are believed by 

 the superstitious observers to lift the veil of futurity for the coming 

 year, and enable the inquirers to prognosticate their lot for married 



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