The Magic of Coin-Trees from Religion to Recreation

Focusing on the unique custom of coin-trees, this book explores the evolution of ritual landscapes in the British Isles from religious practices to modern recreational activities. Coin-trees, believed to possess magical properties, have a history dating back to the 1700s, initially used for folk-medical and dedicatory purposes. Today, with over 200 such trees, the practice resembles the casual act of tossing coins into wishing wells for luck and fortune. Ceri Houlbrook delves into the connections between religion, ritual, and popular magic from historical and contemporary perspectives.