There is a hawthorn sapling growing on the bank (Vole County). The hawthorn is also known as the May tree after the month in which it is covered in white or pale pink blossoms. It is one of the earliest trees in leaf. The leaves are small and deeply lobed and the branches spiney. The flowers once pollinated grow into deep red berries called haws.
Hawthorn blossom marks the beginning of summer and coincides with the Celtic festival of Beltane, which celebrates the return of life and fruitfulness after the winter. The hawthorn is thought to have special powers, but inside the home is a harbinger of illness and death at any time apart from May Day. It was from these superstitions that arose the tradition of Bringing Home the May, in which young people would gather garlands of May blossoms on May Day eve and bring them home at sunrise (for one day only).
Previously, at this time of year, the Roman festival of Floralia celebrated the goddess Flora breathing flowers across the land.