SPRING HAS SPRUNG
The dreaded yellow pollen is falling, the sneezing has begun. That's how we welcome spring's arrival here in the south.
I hate the pollen and the sneezing, but it's something we endure to have beautiful blooms. There are many forms of blooming plants, but I have a few favorites.
We are all familiar with most plant names, but I wanted to learn the story behind them. Was a legend or some sort of symbolism attached? Lets explore that notion with a few I've seen blooming lately.
I'm really partial to Jasmine. Sweet smelling Jasmine is a favorite for bridal bouquets.
Legend says the Duke of Tuscany introduced Jasmine to Europe. He loved it so much, he ordered no cuttings be given away.
However, his gardener had a very beautiful sweetheart. Wishing to give her a birthday present, but without money to buy her a gift, he presented her with a sprig of Jasmine.
His lady promptly planted the sprig, it took root and multiplied rapidly. Cuttings were sold to wealthy men and women who coveted the exotic beauty and fragrance.
With the money from selling the cuttings, the gardener and his sweetheart could afford to marry and make a life for themselves.
In memory of this woman who used a gift of love to make a life of happiness, brides to this day, carry Jasmine in their bouquets.
Blooming Wisteria is another sight I see everywhere. This magnificent plant with impressive growth has been known to live up to a 100 years or more. In fact, in Japan, there is a reportedly 1200 year old Wisteria tree.
Because of being an incredibly durable vine, it is able to live through mistreatment and harsh conditions.
Thus, this one symbolism reminds us of love lost, but also of the ability for the heart to endure in spite of rejection. It speaks of sorrow, but also durability!
Wisteria symbolism deals with many different themes, but I prefer the one just mentioned.
The amazing, beautiful Dogwood tree is in full splendor. This tree has an interesting legend attached to it.
Supposedly, in the time of the Roman Empire, it grew as big as the mighty oak with a huge trunk and limbs.
At the time of the crucifixion, the wood from the mighty Dogwood tree was chosen for the cross.
To be used for such a cruel purpose, the Dogwood became extremely distressed and Jesus noticed. "Because of your concern for my suffering, you will never again be used for making a cross".
"From now on, you will be slender, bent, and twisted, and your blossoms will be in the form of a cross-two long and two short petals."
According to research, the Bible does not say what type of wood the cross Jesus was crucified on was made of. Roman history does not tell how the crosses were made or what type of wood was used. However, it's a great legend, one that is talked about every spring!
Hope you enjoyed this interesting bit of trivia. Stay tuned for more stories about plants. Give me your feedback if you like!
Remember,
Keep on the Sunnyside!
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Very nice piece! Spring is my favorite time of year! I must be a flower child! CARRY ON!