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Gardening is an inexact science and surrounded by centuries of tradition, folklore, myth and superstition. Hidden amongst it is some age old wisdom and also some age old cobblers.
Anemones
used to be called wind flower possibly because they grew in areas of wind anemos
is Greek for wind (anemometer - wind speed measuring device).
Despite
stories to the contrary, the camellia was not named for the notorious 19th
century French courtesan Camille. Although, Camille used to carry a bouquet of
camellias, for twenty-five days, the camellias were white, for five days, they
were red, this was thought to indicate the five days of the month she was
experiencing her menses. (We are not told how Camellias were kept in bloom year
round, presumably they weren't.)
Pink carnations have the most symbolic and historical significance. According to Christian legend, carnations first appeared on Earth as Jesus carried the Cross. The Virgin Mary shed tears at Jesus' plight, and carnations sprang up from where her tears fell. Thus the pink carnation became the symbol of a mother's undying love, and in 1907 was chosen by Ann Jarvis as the emblem of Mother's Day.
Bringing
a single daffodil into the house is to be avoided as it brings bad luck. A bunch
ensures happiness. In Wales finding the first daffodil of Spring is expected to
bring more gold than silver to your life and home during the following 12
months.
It is considered lucky to step on the first daisy of the year, and spring has arrived when it is possible to step on seven daisies with one footstep. To be avoided by young children as if the plant was uprooted the child would grow-up stunted in height. The traditional
flower to be used for "he loves me, he loves me not" enquiries. If a
young girl grabs a whole bunch of daisies with the eyes shut she can then count
how many years she would have to wait before she would marry (one per flower).
Passion flowers are climbers and
vigorous ones at that. Used in protection and love magic. When passion flower is
used, it calms and brings peace to the home. You can sprinkle dried or fresh
passion flower
over the doorsteps of your house to keep harm away. If you carry some of the
herb in an amulet bag, you will make friends easier since it will work to
increase your personal charisma making you more attractive and more likable.
Place Passion flower in a dream pillow and it will help you get a good nights
sleep. Use in love spells to attract love. You can also burn it as an incense to
promote understanding.
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else to add?
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Honeysuckle - Lonicera A
wedding will soon occur if this plant is brought into a house. Placing the
flower in a female's bedroom is reputed to encourage erotic dreams (not required
for males however).
Love, purification. Used in love sachets and incense. Put 2 handfuls of lavender flowers into a square of cheese cloth and tie with a purple ribbon use this aromatic "washcloth" in place of your usual one. Lavender was thrown into Midsummer fires by witches as a sacrifice to the ancient Gods. On a more mundane note, also used
as an insect repellent.
In the West Country (England) these are known as 'The Drunkards' due their reputation for turning people into alcoholics when the flowers are picked or even looked at for any length of time. The Welsh traditionally believed the flower could be used as a weather omen. If the flowers were not open early in the morning a storm was on the way. Used as a love charm, in wedding garlands and posies, it was also believed that rubbing the flower head on a wasp or bee sting would alleviate any pain. Often used as companion plants with tomatoes to keep pests away.
Avoid
picking these when you're in the middle of a spell of fine weather or the rain
will soon return according to tradition.
Roses are known as THE herb of love. Add rose bud petals to bath water to conjure up a lover. Put red rose petals in a red velvet bag and pin this under your clothes to attract love - or you can wear rosehips as beads to bring love to you. rose oil and rose incense
are both used in love spells (if you're that way inclined). If you wash your
hands with rose water before mixing love potions, the potions will be stronger. It's not all good news though, if the petals of a rose are consciously scattered on the ground it is thought to be unlucky, and if the petals fall from the plant when it is being held it is said that that person will die (the when is less clear). Different color roses have different meanings so you can use them to give someone a message magically. What the different rose colors
mean: Red - I love you
Sage - Salvia Attributed with many healing properties the botanical name comes from the Latin 'salvere' meaning 'to save". Used to relieve sore throats, gums, typhoid fever, measles etc...you name it. This plant was believed to have extremely powerful magical qualities and most ailments were treated with it at some time.
Frequently seen as an omen of death despite its springtime prettiness. It symbolizes purity but is said to be unlucky to bring the flower into the house if someone in the household is ill.
A flower mainly of ill. Wearing it around your neck can prevent drunkenness, but be careful as it is also believed to encourage fleas to move into the home. Violets originally warned of epidemic or death. Blooming in the autumn the small dark green leaves and beautiful purple flowers require shaded moist ground that has been undisturbed for some time to flourish. Napoleons favourite flower. |
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Daisy
Roses
Violet