We went to the Isle of Wight over half term again and - behold! the sun shone! I did some concentrated beach combing for Hag Stones. This is where I find most of them along with a lot of sea glass too.
Both of these are £8.99 in my Folksy shop
So, what are Hag Stones exactly?
Stones found with a natural hole through them are called Hag Stones. The holes have been worn away by years of wave action on weaker minerals within the stone. In bygone days, when superstition played a part in everyone's lives, it was common to see these stones hanging above the doors of people's houses in England. They were believed to provide protection for your home and those living within it. A horse was vital to the family in these days and people also tied them into their manes to ward off any disease that might afflict the horse.
They are also known as Witch Stones, Fairy Stones, Holy Stones and Eye Stones.
I like - but why are they called hag stones?
ReplyDeleteMe too - why 'hag' stone. They look great and would go down a storm here in North Devon
ReplyDeleteI love these - I especially like the way they aren't tied to a particular season if you see what I mean:)
ReplyDeleteOooh, good trivia!
ReplyDeleteInteresting!!!! This brings back so many memories for me. When I was a little girl we used to walk along the beach and find shells... only those with holes in and we would make necklaces. In fact, we're visiting the beach this weekend, i may play that game with my kids.
ReplyDeleteMe again. I've tagged you, but feel free to not do it! Tis rather long. :o)
ReplyDeleteGreat information. I am always on the lookout for these on our local beach. I like what you have done with yours. x
ReplyDelete