A brief introduction to the meaning of the tree

What was the importance of the hornbeam in the Middle Ages?

The hornbeam was in the Middle Ages with wise women and their healing arts connected. The hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is mentioned, for example, by Hildegard von Bingen. However, this tradition has broken down over time. Accordingly, the tree species was later no longer given such great importance as is the case with other tree species. However, the beautiful leaves of the deciduous tree have always been revered.

How important was the hornbeam to the Celts?

The Celts wrote of the hornbeam charismatic qualities to. Anyone born under the sign of the hornbeam in their tree calendar had a unique charisma. The Celts associated the tree with a special ability to persuade other people. The tree calendar had a function similar to that attributed to the zodiac signs in other cultures.

Which proverb goes back to the hornbeam?

The term "hanebüchen" is always traced back to the old name of the hornbeam as hornbeam. The word, which is still used as a proverb today, was originally a designation for rough and coarse behavior. Perhaps this phrase refers to that hornbeam leaf. Compared to beech leaves, this is less smooth and very coarse. In fact, the hornbeam is not a beech, but a birch tree.

What does the "hain" mean in hornbeam?

A "grove" is a small grove. The word derives from the Middle High German word "hagen". This referred to a cherished forest. The word hagen/hegen is generally considered obsolete. In the gardening vocabulary, however, it has survived to this day via the talk of “nurturing and caring for” plants. In fact, the tree with its well-formed leaves makes a very well-kept impression. In this respect, the attribution can be understood. With a hornbeam hedge you can have a pretty miniature version of a grove in your garden.