My grandmother grew tulips in many colors of the rainbow next to her wrap around porch on her farm in Greencastle, Indiana. She passed years ago, but this poem by Lisa Schroeder reminds me of her.

As a child, tulips reminded me of my grandmother and the promise of spring! The varieties are delightful from the huge Emperor tulips, classic Dutch, double tulips, fringed, flared, parrot and more. All colors from pristine white to deep black, and every color in between are available, with some having two or more colors!  Tulips planted around a home were thought to provide protection from curses and evil spirits, and bring prosperity and luck.

They originated in Central Asia and Turkey, and were associated turbans and protection. I always thought they came from the Netherlands, but they didn’t arrive there until the 17th century, and were a symbol of wealth and status. There was a period during 1636 and 1637, called the Dutch Golden Age, when the prices for exotic and rare tulip varieties skyrocketed.  One of the most expensive bulbs was compared to the price of a brownstone home in New York City. The ‘mania’ was short lived and the collapse of the bubble  had economic repercussions long after the brief period of madness.  

Many of you know I research topics for my workshops and topics using the alphabet. When I got to H as I was researching tulips, I was surprised to learn of the Hunger Winter. Tulips were used as food in attempts to stay alive, but tens of thousands died, and many suffered long term health issues for the rest of their lives. Actress Audrey Hepburn was a teenager living in the Netherlands during the winder of 1944  - 1945. She suffered from malnutrition and hardships as a result of the famine. 

The deaths during the hunger winter resulted from a variety of factors. It was a harsh and brutal winter, and the Germans requisitioned food from the Netherlands to support their war efforts, depleting the food supply for the Dutch population. Allied forces implemented a blockade to German occupied territories, and bombings and military action in the area greatly impacted transporting food. ​

The modest violet is one of five herbs that will be featured in my Spring: The Season of Awakening Guide! Violets only bloom for a short time each year, yet I’ve done more violet collages than almost any other flower! More collages will also be included in my guide. ​

Viola spp.

Gender: Feminine
Element: Water
Planet: Venus
​

Ginger Orange Spice Tea

• I cup ginger root, chopped or sliced
• 4 cups water

Put ginger in a small saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes

Gather additional ingredients

• I orange, juice and zest
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 star anise 
• nutmeg, grate a pinch on top
• 1/4 cup honey (local is best, especially if you get spring fever)

Remove ginger from heat. Cool slightly. Strain liquid into a quart jar. Add orange juice and zest, honey and spices. 
Pour into mugs. Add more honey if desired and use a cinnamon stick to stir, or as a garnish. 

 Why drink ginger tea?

In addition to tasting delightful,  there are so many benefits! Here are a few!

• Heart Health - ​Ginger lowers cholesterol levels and improves circulation. 
• Anti-inflammatory - ​It has bioactive compounds that reduce inflammation and can provide relief to those suffering from arthritis.
• ​Rich in Antioxidants -​ Combats oxidative stress and protects from damage caused by free radicals.
• Aids in Digestions - Relieves indigestion, bloating and nausea associated with motions sickens, morning sickness and chemotherapy.
• Boosts Immunity - Ginger has antiviral and antibacterial properties that can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of infections. 

The Irish are credited with bringing Halloween celebrations to the United States when they immigrated following the Potato Famine between 1845 and 1852. People began dressing in costumes and going door to door asking for treats, but the first candy corn didn’t appear until the 1880s.

Have you ever wondered what sweets and treats were like before Hershey’s chocolate bars and kisses showed up in the early 1900s? My daughter Mycala took me on a field trip to True Treats in Frederick, MD where we had a chance to find out! Sadly, the store is no longer there, but when I returned  I did a two page spread in my illustrated journal while nibbling on the sampling of delights we purchased. 
My descriptions aren’t complete recipes but they’ll give you ideas and you will probably be able to find more information on line. 

Please leave a comment if you try any of these historic treats. I found some to be delicious and others left me craving a peanut butter cup. You decide!

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water

My grandmother made fabulous jellies, jams, marmalades and preserves. She always had an assortment on the breakfast table, often with homemade, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits. She used a variety of fruits - grapes, apricots, apples, peaches, pears, strawberries, raspberries and there may be some I’m forgetting. My favorite by far was elderberry jelly. It’s still my favorite.

Elderberry is a powerful antioxidant. It boosts the immune system, is high in vitamin C, reduces inflammation, lowers stress, is good for heart health, as well as respiratory health. Many people, myself included, are convinced it lessons the chances of getting colds and the flu.  And I think it’s beautiful! 

One of my most memorable experiences with the American Elder was with the flowers, not the berries. I was on a camping trip, and one of the cooks was making pancakes for breakfast. She gathered a few of the white-blossomed umbrels, dipped them in pancake batter, placed them in the cast iron skillet, and snipped the stems off. They looked like lace doilies and tasted delicious!

Elder has been around a long time and is associated with numerous legends. The seeds were reportedly used in Switzerland in 2,000 B.C., and both Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder praised its medicinal properties. Over the years, it has had a wide variety of folk names. It was called Pipe Tree since the hollow stems were used as whistles . At one time, it was rumored to be the tree Judas was hanged on. It was condemned as the wood of the cross of Calvary and began to be analogous with darkness, sorrow and death. It was called the Tree of Doom and the Devil’s Eye.

Fear and superstition surrounded the elder. Trimming the branches or using the wood for firewood was certain to bring bad luck. If furniture was made from the wood, the bad luck was carried into the owner’s homes. Magicians, however, often took the risk to cut off a branch and use it for their magic wands. 

Another folk name, Lady Ellhorn, was associated with the belief that a witch lived in each bush, further substantiated by the red sap that bled when the tree was cut. To ensure safety before cutting down an elder plant, it was recommended that these words be used for protection: 

Saying these words before making the first cut gave the witch an opportunity to leave the tree without experiencing any harm. 

 In spite of the fears associated with using the plant, the elder is praised for its ability to protect.  If an elder is planted on a property, it will protect the family from lightning, negativity, snakes and evil spirits. Robbers will be unable to enter the home, and the occupants will be guaranteed prosperity. Placing elderberries under the pillow is said to ensure a good night’s sleep, as long as you aren’t the one who has to do the laundry the next day. 

When I was in middle school, I read that some plants are good for the eye, others are good for the soul. Elderberries are good for the eye, the soul and the body. If you aren’t familiar with this delightful plant, I suggested you take a proactive approach to meet it personally! A plant that contributes to good health and prosperity, and will protect you and your home is one to be treasured!