My neighbor across the street has a Fairy ring on his side yard. I can see it from my second-floor window. From this height and distance, the ring of mushrooms could be an ancient stone ring like those scattered all over the British landscape.

Very little is known about the prehistoric builders of these mysterious constructions. The sheer number of these stone rings was not realized until the advent of flight. The first aviators who soared high above the rocky landscape were astounded by the remains of Bronze Age earthworks, partially obliterated by 4 thousand years of continual farming. 

The concentric rings of pre-historic Hill forts crowned hilltops and the vast dimensions and complexity of some more elaborate configurations of standing stones can only be appreciated from high in the air.

A swarm of amateur archeologists drew sketches and diagrams. they determined that many of the gigantic boulders had been moved and used for other more recent constructions such as barns and cottage walls.

Many of the sites have Legends associated with them. Giants, Fairies, and the Devil play roles in the moving of tons of stones and building prehistoric circles.
Dinosaur bones were not identified as an extinct species until 1664 before then these gigantic, reptilian creatures’ bones were attributed to Dragons and Giants. The Great Serpent has deep religious roots.

Many of the ancient pagan stone monuments were incorporated into the construction of early Christian churches.

Since all the local people were already coming to worship at these ancient, traditional locations it was a simple matter to embrace their new Gods and Goddesses into the storybook realm of Mythology and Legend.

Over many generations, Satan became Saint Anne, and Sinclair became Saint Clare. Virgins still call themselves Brides after a traditional Gaelic Goddess.
The veil was to hide her face so that no evil spirit could fixate on her while she was in such a vulnerable state. The Bride was also carried over the threshold so her footprints wouldn’t be seen entering the new home. And up to this day, the tradition seems to be alive and well.

Fairy Rings

Fairy rings can be found in lawns, forests, golf courses – almost anywhere. They appear as circles in the ground marked either by withered grass or by the presence of mushrooms. Sometimes mushroom rings are also accompanied by lusher, darker grass.

Folklore

Folklore tells us that the rings were the meeting places of the Fey Folk where they would hold their parties and dances.

A ring of withered grass was formed by the Fairies dancing in a circle or resting on the mushrooms lining the edge.

Finding a Fairy ring is lucky, or unlucky, depending on local customs. Certainly, if you come across one at night when the Fairies are dancing, all the tales advise caution… For if you enter the circle to join the merry party and enjoy a lively dance – You will never again leave the world of Faerie.

Circular Fungi

In the late 18th century Fairy Rings were identified as the result of fungal growth – or mushrooms.

The most common cause of the circle is the mushroom Marasmius oreades, (although other species can also cause the effect.) The fungus grows spreading out in a circle. As the fungus grows outwards, the central part dies off.

The circle of mushrooms, at the edge of the ring, is where it’s still growing underground. The live growth absorbs nutrients and causes the withered effect in the grass.

The facts are not as much fun as The Fairies dancing in a circle. But I would still be careful where you step!