Description:
One of Glastonbury's more charming and enduring legends is that of he Glastonbury Holy Thorn. Joesph of Arimathea, Jesus' great uncle and the owner of the tomb where Jesus' body was lain after his crucifixion, is said to have brought the now famous hawthorn to Glastonbury when he visited England during hs mission to spread the word of Christianity throughout the land. Arriving at Glastonbury, which was then a series of island hills rising from the flooded Somerset Levels, it is believed that Joseph of Arimathea climbed Wearyall Hill to plant the staff which once belonged to Jesus (which came into his possession at the time of his nephew's death - Joseph being Jesus' last surviving male relative). As the staff was pushed into the fertile soil of Wearyall Hill, it is recorded that it magically took root and sprouted branches and leaves - ecoming Glastonbury's famous Holy Thorn tree. More than this, whereas Hawthorns usually only flower once a year - in the Spring, the Glastonbury Holy Thorn flowers twice yearly - it's blossoms coinciding with Christianity's greatest festivals - Christmas and Easter. This was believed by many to be symbolic of the trees celebration of its original owner's birth and resurrection. The Glastonbury Holy Thorn's fame was thus sealed.

Keywords:
abandon arimathea arthur arthurian bible birth blossoms branches celtic christmas crucifixion easter england flower glastonbury hawthorn hill holy jesus joesph king legend magic mystery mystic resurrection somerset spring staff thorn wearyall windswept

Categories:
- Nature > Plants and trees
- Abstract > Religion
- Nature > Landscapes