![]() ![]() The acorns of the Oak tree which ripen in late summer, are wonderful food for many creatures making thris tree one of the most important for our native wildlife.Ĭlick here to purchase your own Irish Oak tree gift. The oak itself is considered a symbol of wisdom, strength and knowledge so this brooch is stacked full of symbolism and meaning. The Irish Oak tree has an abundance of lush, green leaves in spring and summer, this dense foliage provides vital cover for small birds to safely make their nests. Perhaps this is because the Oak tree is most prone to lightning strikes, yet when struck will often continue to thrive. The Oak tree is treasured by many cultures throughout Europe, including ancient Greeks, who associated the tree with their most powerful god Zeus, the king of all the gods and the sky. This derives from the Ancient Celts, who observed the Oak’s incredible strength, beauty and noble presence. In mythology, the Irish Oak symbolises truth, courage and wisdom. The Druids also believed that the Oak tree is host to the strength and energy of their gods and so to catch a falling Oak leaf brings good luck and prosperity. The word Druid actually comes from the Celtic word for Oak, ‘Duir’. Known as the ‘King of the Forest’, for thousands of years the Druids have worshipped the Irish Oak as their most sacred tree. ![]() To learn more about the colour possibilities of oak & a variety of seasonal dye plants, sign up for our monthly membership The Colourway & start learning today.This majestic tree is much-loved in Celtic mythology for its strength and longevity. You can follow the same instructions to work with the other parts of the oak that produce colour (branches, bark & acorns). ![]() For initial experiments consider using small swatches of natural fire to learn about the colours & hues of the dye. Return to the heat & keep your fibre in the dye until you’re happy with the colour. Turn off the heat, let the dye cool completely, then strain out the plant parts & add your fibre. When the water changes colour & you have a nice strong liquid, your dye is ready to use. Soak the plant parts in hot water for 2-4 days, then bring to a gentle simmer & simmer for 3-4 hours. An unusual and cherished Christening gift with a meaning, the symbolism of the Acorn growing into the mighty oak makes this lifetime bracelet a gift to. If you’re curious about natural dyeing with oak leaves, gather enough to experiment with, 2-4 handfuls for small experiments and more for larger tests. They have also been used throughout history to create dark greys & ink when combined with iron. The oak galls contain the highest concentration of tannin & these are commonly used to mordant plant fibres such as linen, cotton or hemp. These parts contain tannin which acts as a natural mordant ensuring beautiful long-lasting colours on plant fibres. Acorns are widely believed to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity. With deciduous & evergreen varieties they are characterised by their wavey leaf pattern & distinguishable acorn seed.Īs a dye plant, the leaves, bark, acorns, twigs & oak galls can all be used to create colour. With over 500 hundred species of Oak, they are known for their longevity & can live for 300-400 hundred years. Historically, the oak was essential to the Irish way of life, providing shelter, fuel, building materials, food & habitats for wildlife. The Oak itself has a lineage dating back roughly 85 million years. Considered the King of the forest, it was associated with strength, nobility, inspiration & knowledge. In ancient Ireland, the Oak held special meaning to the Celts. You can naturally dye with the leaves, branches bark & acorns, all producing beautiful earthy tones. An oak tree at a family homestead may have provided shade for several generations. It can take 40-50 years for an oak tree to go from acorn to full-height and nearly a century before it fills in with thick leaves and branches. ![]() Oak is the first of the dye sources detailed in The Colourway, as a dye source the leaves are rich in tannin and can provide a surprising range of natural hues. Cemetery Symbol 25: Oak Leaves and Acorns. For anyone interested in natural dyeing with oak leaves, this is a wonderful dye source, to begin with. ![]()
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