WISHING CAP

The Welsh wishing cap was usually made of the leaves and twigs of HAZEL, though sometimes JUNIPER could be used. The hazel leaves had to be gathered at midnight, at new or full moon, and made up as quickly as possible (Trevelyan). The cap was worn for protection, and also for good luck, particularly by sailors, or anyone connected with the sea and ships (R L Brown). It was also said that, wearing one of these caps, a person could easily remember nursery tales or other stories (Roderick).