United Kingdom-England 5
Glastonbury Thorn Tree
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The legend of the Glastonbury Thorn belongs to the group of legends that surrounds Joseph of Arimathea and his legendary part in bringing Christianity to Britain. As with all legendary people there are many versions of his different exploits and achievements that cannot be verified. Such is the stuff of legends and the following has been pieced together from different sources.
Joseph was a man of rank in Jewish society, a wealthy merchant and reputed to be the great-uncle of Jesus. After the crucifixion of Jesus he became a Christian missionary who had been given the task by St Philip, along with others, of establishing Christianity in Britain. He arrived in Britain bringing with him a handful of followers, the Holy Chalice and his staff.
According to legend on arriving in England he traveled to Glastonbury which was, even then, a spiritual centre. In those days Glastonbury was virtually an island that could be reached by the sea. Arriving at Wearyall Hill he thrust his staff into the ground. The legend says that overnight it grew into a blossoming thorn tree.
The thorn tree is said to blossom on Christmas Day every year. A ritual involving local school children sees a sprig from the tree cut and sent to the monarch to decorate their breakfast table on Christmas Day.
