Mythology
Known often as the bore-tree, the elder was also called
Frau Holla in stories wher, as a tree of the Great Goddess, her older names included 'holun tar' (tree of Holla), (German) and Hyllemoer (Elder Mother), (Danish). Elder is commonly understood as
guardian of house and farm and an invisible protection. To keep away illness and bad luck, elder was offered milk (Swedish), bread and beer (Prussian); and cakes and milk (Scots), and its wood was generally not cut down or burnt without good reason. 'Hats off to the Elder!' was a widespread farmer's saying in Switzerland and parts of Germany.
Unfortunately, due to elder representing the thirteenth month, it is sometimes known as the 'evil elder' and associated with Judas Iscariot (who hanged himself on an elder). Although such attribute is therefore inaccurate, because it does have association with death (being the last month of the year), the symbol of the elusive 'white hind' (which hides in a thicket of the twenty-two sacred trees) better represents the passage into the deeper mysteries (in other words of the yew's domain which follow). Frau Holle, ancient 'crone' of the triad of the White Goddess, knows these mysteries - she has been there!