clootie wells

 

Clootie tree at Sancreed Well, Cornwall (Wikipedia)
 

Thinking about Imbolc and Clootie wells. And then, by extension - clootie rugs. How symbolic fabric is, of life and connectedness. We are wrapped in it from cradle to grave. And that metaphor for spatial and social connectedness - warp and weft, seems to somehow renew itself through constant usage.


Also springs to mind at this coming of spring, is Kathleen Jamie's poem: The Wishing Tree. Better to loosely tie our hopes and wishes to the branches I think, than press copper coins into the fissures of its bark (note that only immaterial wishes are granted).


Notes on Clootie Wells from Wikipedia:

When used at the clootie wells in Scotland and Ireland, the pieces of cloth are generally dipped in the water of the holy well and then tied to a branch while a prayer of supplication is said to the spirit of the well – in modern times usually a saint, but in pre-Christian times a goddess or local nature spirit. This is most often done by those seeking healing, though some may do it simply to honour the spirit of the well. In either case, many see this as a probable continuation of the ancient Celtic practice of leaving votive offerings in wells or pits.

 
The sacred trees at clootie wells are usually Whitethorn trees, though Ash trees are also common.
The most popular times for pilgrimages to clootie wells, like other holy wells, are on the feast days of Saints, the Pattern or Patron day, or on the old Gaelic festival days of Imbolc (1 February), Beltane (1 May), Lughnasadh (1 August), or Samhain (1 November).