to some old writers, the black briony went by this name, and Hare gives
this explanation:--"'Our Lady's seal' (Sigillum marioe) is among the
names of the black briony, owing to the great efficacy of its roots when
spread in a plaster and applied as it were to heal up a scar or bruise."
Formerly a species of primula was known as "lady's candlestick," and a
Wiltshire nickname for the common convolvulus is "lady's nightcap,"
Canterbury bells in some places supplying this need. The harebell is
"lady's thimble," and the plant which affords her a mantle is the
Alchemilla vulgaris, with its grey-green leaf covered with a soft silky
hair. This is the Maria Stakker of Iceland, which when placed under the
pillow produces sleep.
Once more, the strawberry is one of the fruits that has been dedicated
to her; and a species of nut, popularly known as the molluka bean, is in
many parts called the "Virgin Mary's nut." The cherry-tree, too, has long
been consecrated to the Virgin from the following tradition:-- Being
desirous one day of refreshing herself with some cherries which she saw
hanging upon a tree, she requested Joseph to gather some for her. But he
hesitated, and mockingly said, "Let the father of thy child present them
to you." But these words had been no sooner uttered than the branch of
the cherry-tree inclined itself of its own accord to the Virgin's hand.
There are many other plants associated in one way or another with the
Virgin, but the instances already given are representative of this wide
subject. In connection, too, with her various festivals, we find numerous
plants; and as the author of "Flower-lore" remarks, "to the Madonna
were assigned the white iris, blossoming almond-tree, narcissus, and
white lily, all appropriate to the Annunciation." The flowers appropriate
to the "Visitation of Our Lady" were, in addition to the lily, roses red and
white, while to the "Feast of Assumption" is assigned the "Virgin's
bower," "worthy to be so called," writes Gerarde, "by reason of the
goodly shadow which the branches make with their thick bushing and
climbing, as also for the beauty of the flowers, and the pleasant scent and
savour of the same."
Many plants have been associated with St. John the Baptist, from his
having been the forerunner of Christ. Thus, the common plant which
bears his name, St. John's wort, is marked with blood-like spots, known
as the "blood of St. John," making their appearance on the day he was
beheaded. The scarlet lychnis, popularly nicknamed the "great
candlestick," was commonly said to be lighted up for his day. The carob
tree has been designated "St. John's bread," from a tradition that it
supplied him with food in the wilderness; and currants, from beginning
to ripen at this time, have been nicknamed "berries of St. John." The
artemisia was in Germany "St. John's girdle," and in Sicily was applied to
his beard.
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