Hazel

A hazel leaf in the bright, Autumn sunshine this morning. It was taken in the grounds of Buckland Abbey in West Devon and I am grateful to the National Trust for providing this account of the folklore and customs relating to the hazel.
 " Hazel was once viewed as one of the most magical trees. The wood was used to protect people against evil spirits. Apparently stirring jam with a hazel twig was supposed to stop it being stolen by fairies! The nuts were also very important on All Hallows Eve, or Nutcrack Night, when you could find out who you were supposed to marry. They would throw two nuts into the fire, if the nuts stayed still and burnt together - they would have a happy marriage. If they bounced, it was a sign of an unhappy marriage."