The birch is an important tree in the folk traditions of several European
countries.

It is associated with the Goddesses Freya and Perchta, and symbolizes
youth, love, fertility and femininity, but also renewal, protection, and
flexibility.

Regionally, the “May Tree” is often a birch, or a softwood tree topped with
a birch, and young men will frequently place a decorated young birch tree
or branch at their beloved’s house, in front of her window, as a sign of
their interest in her.

In the Scandinavian rune poems, it is associated with the rune Berkana.

-PGM