Norwich City Council have cut to the bone several beautiful weeping willow trees along the river Wensum (grrr!). And last night I watched the Steeleye Span video of All Round My Hat on the Now 70's TV channel. I've always loved this song, and it made me wonder if the custom of wearing weeping willow strands around ones hat was a widespread custom in UK, or just a very local one. And how long ago did people do it?
I think it was done to express sadness at a bereavement or a separation from someone dear.