Are yew superstitious?

Yew trees are often found in churchyards, but rarely, like graves, on the north side (who knew?). Like many Christian traditions the roots (!) of this are probably much older. Apparently, the Druids regarded yew as sacred and planted it close to their temples. As early Christians often built their churches on these consecrated sites, the association of yew trees with churchyards was perpetuated. Superstitious monks believed that the yew could drive away devils. Its roots, were poisonous because they will “run and suck nourishment” from the dead, whose flesh is “the rankest poison that could be.” 

Thanks to JacZero for kindly hosting Mono Monday for the first time. A day off gave me the chance to visit a different church and find a photo.

Colour photo in extras - St. Mary the Virgin, Beech Hill

https://www.plant-lore.com/plantofthemonth/churchyard-yews/
https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2015/10/31/beneath-the-yew-trees-shade/

Thanks to everyone for your kind comments and stars on yesterday's 'Remembering'