Plural of hawthorn, small trees or shrubs with white or pink blossoms, sharp thorns, and red berries, common in hedgerows and folklore.
From Old English 'hægþorn,' combining 'hæg' (hedge) and 'thorn,' literally meaning 'hedge thorn.' The plant's association with hedgerows shaped its name.
Hawthorns are stars of European mythology and folklore—in Celtic tradition they were so sacred that cutting one down was considered a curse, and people still leave offerings at them today!
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