Description
Book SynopsisTrying to understand the wonders and mysteries of the natural world has been a human preoccupation since the earliest times. Myriad myths and legends have subsequently evolved to explain the existence and power of our fertile planet. At the same time, the knowledge of which plants to use as essential foods, remedies, and for construction was of obvious importance, not only to learn but also to pass on and remember.
It is therefore hardly surprising that from all corners of the globe a wealth of stories, myths and legends about plants has been passed down to us, gathered together in this fascinating volume. Here you will discover sound principles in some of the traditional advice, and wisdom in many of the observations of the plant world. However there are also highly fanciful superstitions, intriguing tales and amusing anecdotes, which any plant lover will truly relish.
Discover which trees are believed to have healing powers? How, in legend, the white rose turn red? Why the lily is a symbol of purity? Any why is it considered unlucky to bring some flowers indoors?
Table of Contents1 Introduction 8
2 The wonder of flowers 12
3 Modesty and chastity: floral virtues 14
4 Degrees of passion - the language of flowers 15
5 Flowers and their meanings 16
6 Flower 'mania' 18
7 Cherry blossom beauty 19
8 Faces to the sun 20
9 The rose of love 21
10 The pure lily 22
11 Flowers arranged 24
12 Flowers that tell the time 25
13 Petal power 27
14 Liquid roses 28
15 The poppy of oblivion 29
16 Foxglove to strengthen the heart 31
17 Efficacious chamomile 32
18 The May, a flower of mixed fortunes 33
19 Flowers of fate 34
20 Bringing home the May 35
21 Floral pick-me-ups 36
22 Flowers of St John's Eve 37
23 Dreams of flowers 38
24 Fairy flowers 39
25 The lotus: flower of creation 40
26 In floral form 41
27 The lore of trees 42
28 The wild wood 44
29 The apple of immortality 45
30 The powerful divining rod 46
31 The prophetic oak 48
32 The ash: tree of life 49
33 Wand of wood - and magic 50
34 Branches in flight 51
35 Branches of the gallows tree 52
36 Trees of wisdom and curiosity 53
37 The mysterious upside-down tree 54
38 The immortal olive 55
39 Victory bay and palm 56
40 The useful coconut 57
41 The precious vine 58
42 Tree cures 60
43 Healing branches 61
44 Remedies from bark 62
45 Fruits for fertility 64
46 Around the maypole 65
47 O Christmas tree! 67
48 Trees of the graveyard 68
49 Trees of immortality 69
50 In the form of trees 70
51 The power of plants 72
52 The green, green grass 74
53 The wonder of wheat 75
54 Precious rice grains 77
55 Potato lore 78
56 Mystery maize 80
57 Harvest time 81
58 Witches' plants 82
59 Deadly insect-eaters 84
60 Tobacco smoke - wafting up to heaven 86
61 Mind-changing hemp 87
62 Sacred fungi 88
63 Plants of remembrance 89
64 Painting with plants 91
65 Plant music 92
66 The garden of delights 93
67 The story of incense 94
68 What's in a name? 95
69 The living pharmacy 97
70 Soothing seeds 98
71 Root cures: ginger and liquorice 100
72 Herbs for a better night's sleep 101
73 Full of (coffee) beans 102
74 Tea: the cup that heals 104
75 The blessed garlic bulb 105
76 Plant purges - nasty medicine 106
77 Healing essences 108
78 Easing the toothache 110
79 Against the gout 111
80 Hair tomorrow? 112
81 Pain from plants 113
82 Deadly vegetation 114
83 Nature's pick-me-ups 116
84 Passing water 118
85 Against unwelcome warts 120
86 For problem skin 121
87 To cool a burn 122
88 Better memories 123
89 Coping with alcohol 124
90 Safe at home 125
91 Lucky leaves 126
92 Reading the leaves 128
93 Ensuring conception 130
94 Who'll be my love? 131
95 Nature at Halloween 132
96 Christmas evergreens 134
97 New Year, new start 136
98 Index 138
