The Birch in History and Folklore

The Birch tree is a pioneer species and was one of the first trees to re-appear after the last ice age and has been used by mankind since pre-historic times for both practical and magical purposes.
Birch bark was used for making containers and also for weaving into rope. The sap was boiled down to make a kind of tar, which was used as glue by the prehistoric people, the leaves and flowers were used to produce a bright yellow dye
Birch twigs were used throughout Europe to flog delinquents and lunatics with the objective of beating out the evil spirit within. They were also used in ritual to beat or drive out the old year.
A peeled white birch wand was carried by the bride dolly at the festival of Imbloc (a sheaf of wheat twisted into a dolly shape to represent the spring aspect of the goddess.)
To see green Birch in a dream was an omen of illness but to see two birches growing together with briars on the grave of two lovers indicated that death had not divided them.
Birch was also reputed to have healing qualities. A tea was made from the leaves to relieve rheumatism and a pleasant drink was made from the spring sap that was said to be beneficial to the kidneys and bladder. Birch sap was also used to produce wine and this still continues to the present day.