Standing alone like a secluded monument over the countryside. The Holy Thorn Tree of Glastonbury in Southern England is one of the several famous pilgrimages of Christianity.

As the legend goes, it is believed after the crucifixion, Jesus’ uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, travelled with the Holy Grail (Jesus’ wooden staff) and had stopped to get some rest at the Wearyall Hill. Here, it is said that the tree unbelievably sprang out of the wooden staff the following morning.

The original miracle tree from Jesus’ wooden staff was unfortunately cut down at the time of the English Civil War. However, some specimens from the original stock have been planted as a replacement to ensure the continuity of the sacred tree.

Perhaps sacred status is the fact that these thorn trees found in Glastonbury only bear flowers twice in a year and this is during Easter and Christmas, which are 2 of the most important events in Christianity. Due to its utmost holy significance to Christians and especially those in England, a twig from one of these thorn trees are cut and sent to the royal family every winter.