Folklore of Plants - New GoYpedia Category

Posted on 20 Nov, 2009 9 comments

There are lots of enthralling tales from history, legend and mythology to illustrate the power of plants.
I will not lay claim to the research that has been done on the “stories” I will be posting; this was done by John Robertson, former warden of the Poison Garden at the world famous Alnwick Garden, where you all know I am a gardening volunteer.
I am Editor of this new section and look forward to hearing any of your folklore stories, particularly from our friends overseas.

Enjoy!!

Lou

Comments

Victoriaplum

It is said that the Zulu warriors before defeating the british in 1879 consumed a mushroom (mush like the red indians i suppose) which made them fearless - the mushroom is called fly agaric. I suppose it is much like the mushrooms sold on the Camden market about 2yrs ago before the English government classed it as a drug. Not quite folklore but a powerful use of plants nevertheless

20 Nov, 2009

Amblealice

Thats great Victoriaplum. Thank you. I will be adding it :))

20 Nov, 2009

Seaburngirl

i have read all the blogs lovely and so good of you to use your time to entertain/educate us amblealice.

20 Nov, 2009

Amblealice

My pleasure Seaburngirl.....and there's more!!

20 Nov, 2009

Terratoonie

I found these comments about the tradition of putting a buttercup under the chin to see if you like butter...

"The light reflects off the buttercup under your chin...
......if your chin appears yellow, you are supposed to like butter.

A less known meaning (archaic) ~

If the yellow colour appears, you are deemed innocent (the butter didn't melt in your mouth) so you can't have stolen it. If the yellow doesn't appear, you're guilty (of stealing the butter!) because it melted and you've swallowed it. You could have been deported to a penal colony - on the strength of light, reflected from a flower!!

It's a plausible origin for the term "butter wouldn't melt in his/her mouth" to represent innocence, but like so many other superstitions and myths handed down over the generations, things get twisted about and retold."

23 Nov, 2009

Victoriaplum

Thats a great one terratoonie!

25 Nov, 2009

Victoriaplum

What about that story about Narcissus - I remember something to do with greek mythology or am I barking up the wrong tree here?

25 Nov, 2009