Friday, June 26, 2009

Blooming Friday

a cluster of elderberry flowers


These are the flowers of an elderberry. The color and shape of the cluster blooms remind me of lace. They look so fragile and pure, daintily suspended from a willowy branch. No wonder the plant is believed to be guarded by an old lady or a witch. Its fair beauty can tempt anyone in to picking them, or even cut down a branch and plant it in his garden, so a forbidding protector should stand sentry… like Rapunzel in a dauntingly high tower that is only accessible to her witch guardian.


So if anyone wants to pick a flower or cut the wood or even a twig, one has to ask first the elder mother (as the guardian is known to be called). But it’s worth asking for because carrying a twig or hanging some of them in your house can ward off evil or misfortune. It’s supposed to be a lucky charm and a good remedy for some illnesses like toothache or rheumatism… unless you anger the Elder Mother by cutting part of the plant without permission.


And on midsummer’s eve, it is believed that by standing under it, you’ll see the Elf-king
. Too bad, I didn’t know about this until recently. Maybe next year, I’ll try it. Who knows, I might just see one of the many enchanted creatures we hear of *winks*. But I’ll ask their permission first before doing it. I don’t want to displease them by “coming” uninvited. No one likes having an unwelcome guest, magical creature or not *smiles*.


Here’s wishing everyone an enchanting weekend!


source of folklore: wikipedia
see my other blooming fridays
see other blooming friday participants

12 comments:

ASSA said...

Beautiful!

I wish you an lowely weekend!

Anette said...

Lovely elderberry flower and interesting story! /Anette

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Your flowers are pretty. Thanks for your comment on my post.

Chloe m said...

such delicate flowers, Beautiful!
I miss my elderberry bush in Nebraska. Do you think one would grow in Colorado?

Katarina said...

I like the story a lot! Never heard this before, but I'll keep it in mind...
The pictures are fantastic - you've really captured the beauty of the Elderberry.
Katarina

PS The blue flowers in my Blooming Friday post isn't Sage - it's Nepeta.

sweetbay said...

Those are enchanting. Absolutely beautiful photos!

lareine said...

to everybody: thank you very much for dropping by...i really appreciate your visits, especially now that i know many of you are quite busy in your respective gardens:)...

to rosey pollen: i think elderberries can grow in colorado... just find the specie that is suitable to the weather there... there are some that grows in cold temperate climate and some in warmer environment like the mexican elder... they're nice to have in the garden not only because of the flowers but also because birds love the berries:)...

to katarina: oooops! i should have taken a closer look at the blue flowers:)... nepeta has a euphoric effect on cats, right?... these furry animals must be so happy in your garden:)... well, i would be, too because your garden is such a haven:)...

Unknown said...

I'll take a twig! I love the little elderberry blooms! And I could use to ward off evil!

storyteller's other blog said...

What lovely white blossoms! I'm not sure I've ever SEEN an Elderberry bush in bloom.
Hugs and blessings,

Nussaibah said...

I'd love to see those enchanting creatures myself, maybe you can take a picture of them next year :)

Rajesh said...

Superb shots. They look so delicate and beautiful.

lareine said...

to lisaschaos: maybe we can use the twig as a magic wand à la Hogwarts students in the Harry Potter books:)...

to storyteller and rajesh: they're really beautiful... and the birds love the berries that these flowers produce...

to nussaibah: i i'm tempted to, i hope they'll give me their permission to take their photos, if ever i caught them dancing around the tree :)...

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