Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

20th May 2012

Arbor Day takes place on the last Sunday of May and gives villagers the chance to honour trees and bring fertility to the community.

Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

20th May 2012

Lucy Corkhill

By Lucy Corkhill

20th May 2012

In the middle of the little village of Aston on Clun, in South Shropshire, is a black poplar tree dressed all year round with flags, known as the Arbor Tree. Each year, on the last Sunday in May, local people and visitors from all over the world come to pay their respects to the Arbor Tree and enjoy the famous ‘wedding pageant’. The tree is well placed at the head of several valleys and it is thought that historically it was decorated during fertility rites. These pastoral tribes worshipped Brigit, the Celtic goddess of fertility. Brigit’s shrine was the Arbor Tree, and it was decorated with tribal emblems and prayer flags with hopes for fertile families and lands. Saplings of the tree were given to young brides.

The tradition of tree dressing dates back to Celtic times, but Aston on Clun is the only village in Britain where this annual custom survives. It was in the Jubilee year of 1977, with a revival of the wedding pageant, that Arbor Day was revitalised. Since then, with hard work from local people, the festival thrives, and has become a popular annual event. Go along to enjoy a bridal party in period costume, the singing of the Arbor Tree song, morris dancing and fun children’s activities. Take some time to sit under the Arbor Tree and connect with Brigit and all the things in your life you’d like to bring to fruition.

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