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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 20 June 2009 14:48 |
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Fireflies twinkle in the garden like little stars, crickets sing their tireless songs, white flowers glow eerily in the darkness of the night. And for some on this Midsummer Night, a bonfire blazes nearby. Commonly known as Summer Solstice and less commonly known as Litha, this is the longest day and the shortest night of the year.
Since ancient times, many countries of Northern Europe (mainly the Scandinavian countries, but also Ireland and northern England) celebrated Midsummer. Traditionally, a bonfire would be built on a hilltop as representation of the sun and the now shortening days. It was also believed the bonfire would provide protection from evil spirits. The midsummer celebration would also include a picnic dinner consisting of fish, sausages, potatoes with parsley, and fresh fruit. For those living near water, there would be boat or swim races in the afternoon. Singing and dancing would take place around midnight when the bonfire was burning strong and bright.
According to ancient lore, herbs gathered on Midsummer would have miraculous healing properties. It was believed fern seeds gathered on this day could make one invisible. Flowers were also harvested and made into garlands and wreaths to bring health and provide protection from evil. Unmarried woman would gather nine different types of flowers, form a bouquet, and place it under her pillow. Legends says she would dream of her future husband.
To celebrate Midsummer, plan a picnic with a simple menu consisting of fish and fruit. Decorate your home with blue, green, and yellow candles and gather fresh flowers to create wreaths and bouquets. Take a moment at midnight to burn a candle (if a traditional bonfire is not optional) and reflect on the season. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Sunday, 31 May 2009 16:03 |
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With long purple or blue fragrant flowers, the wisteria is hard not to notice. Depending on the variety, wisterias bloom from April to June. Wisterias need lots of support as they grow, even a wisteria tree may need support for its heavy flowers and branches; so grow your wisteria over an arbor or trellis or fence. Wisterias can be planted in partial shade, but prefer full sun. You won’t get many flowers if you plant it in partial shade.
Though wisterias are common all over the globe, the varieties from Japan and China should probably be avoided....Latin names: Wisteria Sinensis and Wisteria Floribunda These varieties are evasive and could even be destructive to other trees it is planted near. The variety native to the Americas is smaller and slower growing and is much easier to control.
Wisterias are a symbol of friendship and welcoming in strangers and those new friendships...”I cling to thee” and “Meeting you means so much to me”. |
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Written by Madame Aradia
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Saturday, 09 May 2009 15:12 |
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 Tucked away in dark shady gardens, you may find bleeding-hearts. Oh, it’s not a hard flower to find...their name describes what they look like. Another less common name for the bleeding heart is dutchman’s trousers. These delicate little flowers don’t last long...blooming late spring and only lasting a few weeks before they die back and go dormant for another season. You can encourage the bleeding heart to stay green through the season by watering it often during the hot summer months. Bleeding hearts look beautiful along side hostas and ferns. Bleeding hearts are native to North America and Japan. It grew wild in lush, shady forests where the soil was rich and the shadows deep. Years ago, it was believed you could tell if your love loved you by crushing the flowers. If the juice was red, he/she loved you. If it was white, well, perhaps it was time to move on. Other legend advises on not growing bleeding-hearts indoors as the flower might bring a negative spirit into your home. However, you can calm the plant by placing a stone or coin in the soil. |
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Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my site! Please feel free to look around my galleries. You can download all my art and photographs to use as desktop wallpaper for your computer.
I seek to be honest and express myself without pretense. I hope you find my site intriguing and inspirational.
- Madame Aradia
What is a "Book of Shadows"?
Originally, the "Book of Shadows" was a term that referred to a coven's collection of spells and secrets. In modern culture, the term is used to refer to a witch's personal diary and/or journal. The purpose is to keep a record of everything the witch learns and discovers. While usually kept private, I have decided to make mine public in the form of a blog. I have done this in the hopes of helping other find magic in everyday life, and especially in the practice of gardening.
My Latest...
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Spider Plant
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Mottled Rose
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Borage
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Bee Balm
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Gray Man
madamearadia posted a photo:
According to Irish folklore, a spirit called "Far Liath" or "the gray man" was in the fog. It was said this spirit would use his cloak of fog to hide rocky shorelines and ships would wreck on the rocks; or he might obscure cliff-side paths so some unfortunate soul might walk off the cliff....
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