Myths and legends associated with flowers and plants.

I love some of the stories connected with flowers, so today I thought I’d share some of them with you.Geranium

There are many legends attached to the anemone. In Palestine, it’s sometimes referred to as “Blood drops of Christ” as it was thought to have grown under the cross and on the graves of those who died in the Holy wars.

Red poppies appeared on the field of Waterloo after the Duke of Wellington s victory and were thought to have grown from the blood of those who fell. After the first World War, thousands of poppies grew on the battlefield of Flanders. [see poem…In Flanders Fields.]

Lilly of the Valley was also known as “Our Lady s tears”. This names comes from the Christian legend which stated that Eve’ s tears turned into Lilly of the valley as she was driven from the garden of Eden.

Sunflowers are the National flower of Russia and the Ukraine. The Inca Indians worshipped the sunflower as they regarded it as a symbol of fertility and wore golden sunflower medallions.

Iris means “eye of heaven” and is associated with Iris, Goddess of the rainbow.

Holly comes from the word “holy” and is associated with Christmas. According to the Christian legend, the pointed leaves of the holly represent the thorns of Christ’s crown. It is also said that holly was used to make the crown of thorns.

According to the bible, Hyssop was used to treat leprocy and is widely used as a cleansing herb.

Of all the flowers, the rose has most symbolism and meaning. A rose was found carved on a silver medal found in a tomb in Southern Siberia 7 thousand years ago.

The pansy comes from the French word “pensee”  meaning thought, named such as it resembles the human face.

The Greeks thought use of the Hyacinth was able to stop a young boy s voice from breaking.

The Shamrock is a Christian symbol, its three leaves representing the Holy Trinity.

Free Masons fashion their hammers from Beechwood.

Fennel seeds, when eaten are thought to improve eyesight.

A vase of Lilly’s in a home are thought to invite peace.

Sunflowers absorb air pollutants.

Bonsai trees are a symbol of immortality.

People once believed drunkeness could be avoided by wearing a garland of crocus. The Romans thought the same was true if rose petals were added to wine.

Lemon rubbed onto the forehead eases tension.

Garlic reduces blood pressur.

Chives are high in vit C.

Sage is the all round “wonder herb”

And so the list goes on and on, it fasinates me…….do you have any to add to my list?