Cherry trees are steeped in various superstitions and folk beliefs. From predicting the future to ensuring love, cherries have inspired fascinating traditions across different cultures.
1. Abundant Fruit
In Switzerland, it’s believed that a cherry tree will bear a bountiful harvest if its first fruit is eaten by a woman who has just given birth to her first child, symbolizing a transfer of fertility from mother to tree.
2. Avoid Climbing on St. James Night
A longstanding belief warns that anyone who climbs a cherry tree on St. James night (July 25th) risks a fatal fall, as it was said they would break their neck.
3. Love Juice
Cherry juice has been used as a base for love potions, particularly by witches, due to its association with sexual desire and lust.
4. Wish Magic
To make a wish come true, two people must simultaneously eat a double cherry while focusing on their desired outcome.
5. How Long to Live
To determine how many years of life remain, one should run clockwise around a ripe cherry tree nine times, then shake it. The number of cherries that fall represents the years left to live.
6. Never Lack in Lovers
Planting a cherry tree in your yard is said to ensure that you will always have a lover.
7. Love Charms
Writing love charms on cherry leaves is believed to make those charms come true.
