Lore Lore 280: Flower Power
May 19, 2025
Dive into the enchanting world of flowers and their dark secrets. Hear about the legends of a punished princess whose grave spawned tobacco and potatoes, and the historical stigma faced by these foods. Explore the 'language of flowers' from the Victorian era, and meet figures like the 'flower medium' Anna Roth, who brought solace to the grieving. Discover the chilling side of flower symbolism in folklore, and unravel the magical ties of common plants to witchcraft. It's a vibrant tapestry of history, magic, and the dual nature of our botanical companions.
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Parmentier’s Potato Advocacy
- Antoine-Augustin Parmentier famously campaigned to change Europe's negative views on potatoes.
- He held lavish 20-course potato dinners that helped popularize this once-feared vegetable.
Victorian Flower Language
- Victorian flower symbolism allowed courtship and mourning to be communicated silently through plants.
- Flowers decorated gravestones to reveal life stories, such as indicating a child's grave or suffering.
Magic and Medicine of Plants
- Many plants like vervain, datura, and mugwort hold both medicinal and mystical significance across cultures.
- These plants were believed to protect, heal, or induce visions linked to spiritual rites.