Post by bogmyrtle on Feb 11, 2009 14:58:29 GMT 1
February
'Much February snow
A fine summer doth show'
The primrose was considered for many centruies to be a magical flower. In rural England they are known as fairy cups as it was believed that fairies used them for shelters in rainstorms.
From The Garden Oracle, 1896
'Contrary to general opinion, February is the driest month of the year, and, when the weather is not exceptionally severe, affords a favourable opportunity for pushing on outdoor work of all descriptions'
14th Feb - St. Valentine's Day
This is more likely to have derived from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration of fertility held in mid-February.
According to folklore, this was the day on which birds chose their mates.
24th February - St. Matthias's Day
This is the day that it was believed that trees threw off their winter sleep and our ancestors could look forward to the promise of better days ahead.
The pansy - is the emblem of love and kind thoughts - hence it is known as hearts-ease - other country names are love-in-idleness, kiss-her-in-the-pantry and tickle-my-fancy. An infusion of pansy leaves is said to cure a broken heart.
The forget-me-knot - the story behind this is that an angel fell in love with a mortal woman and was banished from heaven, only being allowed to return if he placed forget-me-knots in every corner of the globe. The angel and his lover worked very hard to fulfill this task & St. Peter took pity on them and allowed them both into heaven.
The forget-me-knot means friendship and fidelity as well as remembrance.
'Much February snow
A fine summer doth show'
The primrose was considered for many centruies to be a magical flower. In rural England they are known as fairy cups as it was believed that fairies used them for shelters in rainstorms.
From The Garden Oracle, 1896
'Contrary to general opinion, February is the driest month of the year, and, when the weather is not exceptionally severe, affords a favourable opportunity for pushing on outdoor work of all descriptions'
14th Feb - St. Valentine's Day
This is more likely to have derived from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration of fertility held in mid-February.
According to folklore, this was the day on which birds chose their mates.
24th February - St. Matthias's Day
This is the day that it was believed that trees threw off their winter sleep and our ancestors could look forward to the promise of better days ahead.
The pansy - is the emblem of love and kind thoughts - hence it is known as hearts-ease - other country names are love-in-idleness, kiss-her-in-the-pantry and tickle-my-fancy. An infusion of pansy leaves is said to cure a broken heart.
The forget-me-knot - the story behind this is that an angel fell in love with a mortal woman and was banished from heaven, only being allowed to return if he placed forget-me-knots in every corner of the globe. The angel and his lover worked very hard to fulfill this task & St. Peter took pity on them and allowed them both into heaven.
The forget-me-knot means friendship and fidelity as well as remembrance.
I love the stories about the pansy and forget-me-knots as well.