We'll Call Him Rowan

So as we were driving home today my mind flashed briefly to William Faulkner then to the name of his home in Oxford, Mississippi, Rowan Oak. I said it aloud. Sarah said she liked it. That is that. 

We had also been entertaining other names: Grayson, and Rylan. But neither had us both. These names may end up as middle names though. 

According to the OED, the name was first used in 1548 by William Turner in one of his many texts on flora: "The seconde kynde [of sorbus] is called..in Englishe a rountree or a Quicken tree."

The rowan's mythic roots are deep. Hebe's chalice was reclaimed for her by an eagle. That eagle battled many adversaries in that effort and lost some blood and feathers. Where the feathers and blood fell to earth a rowan grew. 

In Norse mythology the rowan is the tree from which the first woman was made and the rowan is also the wood on which runes were inscribed to make rune staves.



In the United Kingdom the rowan has a long history as a tree of protection, guarding against both witchcraft and enchantment (each rowan berry has a tiny pentagram). A vibrant red was also said to be good protection from evil, so the rowan's brilliant autumn berry display made it a natural favorite. 

The tree is suppose to afford protection to those dwelling nearby and pieces of it were often used to make crosses and other protective accouterment.

 

The rowan's wood is strong. Frequently bark and berries are used to dye garments black.