Hawthorn and the Feast of Julian

May 16 - 28

In this seasonal show, Arusha Gallery looks to celebrate the mythologies of both the thorny Hawthorn bush and the writer, mystic and anchorite Julian of Nowich. Both invite rich visual narratives and contemplations ushering us into the summer months. 

The arrival of the Hawthorns flowers and thorny branches is a hallmark of May.  Their leaves, flowers and fruits are useful in herbal remedies, particularly the blood and the heart.  In Celtic mythology it symbolises love and protection but its flowers can never be brought inside a home for it will invite illness and death linked to its pungent aroma. Herbalist Culpeper noted that ruled by Mars the Hawthorn ‘thorn gives a medicine for its own pricking’. It is important to note that wearing a spring in your hat band would protect you from being struck with lightning.