It’s not just new growth sprouting up in lawns during the summertime. Science, myths and folklore also abound when it comes to what’s known as fairy circles or rings (see also elf ring, pixie circle, etc.).
These arcs or circles of taller, dark green grass that occasionally appear in yards grow from fungi feeding on organic matter underground and frequently include a ring of mushrooms. Keep in mind the mushroom-shaped growths often present are toadstools and very poisonous. (Who knew fairies were so dangerous?)
But enough of science. Let’s focus on folklore and myths passed down through the ages.
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Myth or Magic?
Myths differ between countries in three ways: how they formed, their purpose and what befalls anyone who steps into the ring.
The Dutch believed the circles resulted from the devil setting down his milk churn. The Austrians claimed flying dragons scorched the earth so nothing could grow in that spot except toadstools. Speaking of toads, the French thought giant toads guarded the rings, cursing anyone wandering too close. Others believed lightning strikes, shooting stars or the work of witches caused the circles.
The English, Scandinavians and Celts put a more positive spin on their myths, believing finding a fairy circle the morning following a moon-filled night proved fairies were present dancing in the moonlight.
Some myths say they bring good luck, while others predict bad luck, especially if you end up inside one.
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Circling Back Around
Why did they exist? Being circular, it obviously was a meeting place for whatever spirit folk in which a particular culture believed, such as fairies, elves, pixies or leprechauns. The fairies met and danced around the circles. The toadstools served as dinner tables. They opened portals to another world. A fairy village resided underground.
What happened if you entered the ring? You would be transported to another realm, where you would meet your doom. If you survived the circle, you would die young. You would become invisible to the mortal world. You would lose an eye. You would be forced to dance until going insane or dying of exhaustion.
What can you do to avoid a terrible fate? Run around the circle precisely nine times. If you run in the direction of the sun’s daytime path, you might hear fairies singing underground. Also, wearing your hat backward confuses the fairies, and they might leave you alone.
So, next time you walk across the lawn on the way to the garden and realize you’ve wandered into a fairy circle, switch your hat around and escape a horrible fate.
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Ask the Expert
Q: My yarrow is falling over, like the stems can’t support the flower. Is there anything I can do to keep them vertical other than staking?
A: Yarrow, a tough plant, prefers tough conditions. Is it growing in moist, rich soil with a lot of nitrogen fertilizer? First, don’t baby it. Next, after the first set of flowers fade, prune the stems down by one third, producing a more compact plant for the next set of blooms. Finally, try growing yarrow surrounded by sturdier plants, which should provide some support.
About the Author: Jan Phipps is a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener. She gardens, writes and podcasts near Chrisman.
