What common garden plant was believed to help you see faeries, and why was it planted near doorways?
Thyme, a common garden herb, was widely believed to help people see faeries and was often planted near doorways for several magical purposes.
Seeing Faeries
Thyme, especially wild thyme, was thought to grant the ability to perceive faeries. People would wear sprigs of thyme or use thyme essential oil to enhance their chances of glimpsing these ethereal beings. Some folklore even suggested that potions or amulets containing thyme could allow one to peer into the fairy realms.
Here’s a Faerie Fondue with Thyme – plus some magical fae histories of thyme!
Inviting Faeries
Planting thyme near entrances served a dual purpose:
- Attracting Faeries: Sprinkling dried thyme on doorsteps and windowsills was considered an invitation for faeries to enter one’s home. This practice was believed to create a welcoming atmosphere for these mystical creatures.
- Creating a Protective Barrier: Interestingly, while thyme attracted faeries, it was also thought to establish a protective boundary between the human and faerie worlds. This dual nature allowed for peaceful coexistence between the two realms.
