Wildflowers are blooming

Let's start with the very common Dandelion. Also known as blowball, doon-head-clock, cankerworm, milk witch, witch's gowan, yellow gowan, Irish daisy, Priests'-crown, puff-ball, Priest's crown, white endive, swine's snout, wild endive, face clock, wet -bed, pee bed, and pee bed.

Dandelions have a long and rich folklore history. In many cultures, they are seen as a symbol of hope, desire, and new beginnings. In Europe, the nickname “pissabed” stuck because it was believed that if you ate too many of the flowers, you would wet your bed. In fact, this allegation is based on the fact that dandelion is a diuretic and remains a popular natural remedy for conditions such as water retention, edema, and kidney stones.

In Celtic folklore, dandelions are seen as a powerful symbol of the sun. They are often used in rituals around midsummer to celebrate the summer solstice. In Native American culture, dandelions are seen as a symbol of purity and innocence and are used in ceremonies to cleanse the body and soul.

Today, dandelions are still seen as a symbol of hope and hope. After the yellow flowers bloom, the petals dry out and fall off. The bracts fold back, the swollen white ball opens and that's when you can take a deep breath, blow out and say your wish…

Dandelion folklore provides a fascinating glimpse into how people have interacted with these common flowers over the centuries. The different meanings associated with dandelions reflect the different cultures and beliefs of the people who have encountered them.

I also found many stories growing up around our summer hedge hero, the common cowslip. One story tells of a fairy who was tricked into drinking a potion made from cowslip flowers, and then fell in love with a human. Did you know that if you pick a cowslip flower on May Day, it could be that your wish will come true or if you see a cowslip flower growing on a grave, it is a sign that the person buried there is indeed a fairy.

Wildflower folklore is a rich and fascinating tradition that has been passed down for centuries. These stories help us understand the cultural significance of wildflowers, and how they were used and known by people throughout history. Stories and legends about wildflowers often connect us to these plants on a deeper level than just studying their physical appearance and medicinal properties.