Plants and Animals

What superstitions about ferns have arisen?

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Numerous superstitions have arisen about ferns. The mythical "fern seeds," believed to be produced by the male fern ( Dryopteris filix-mas ) and by the lady fern (formerly a name for the common bracken but now applied to Athyrium filix-femina ), were reputed to create invisibility if eaten by a member of the appropriate sex. The bracken was also considered protection against goblins and witches because the broken stem and root appear to be marked with a C, symbolizing Christ.

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Similar questions: Why were ferns considered to be protection against goblins and witches? What myths existed about ferns? Are there superstitions about ferns? [ Hide these questions ]

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