The hazel tree or rsquotree of knowledgersquo the celts associated hazel trees with wisdom and inspiration and it was thought that new skills and knowledge could be gained by eating hazelnuts hazelnuts were often presented to those facing a particularly tough challenge during weddings it was a tradition for children to present the bride with a bag of hazelnuts in order to bless her with good fortune today hazelnuts are enjoyed at christmas time and are quite a delicacy for the local wild