Primrose.
The sentiment of not being able to live without a partner usually comes with young love.
This is why the primrose also symbolises youth. It can also be related to the etymology of the plant’s name. Coming from the Latin word, primus, it means first.This is also connected with the fact that primroses bloom in the early spring. In Norse lore, Freya is the goddess of love. The primrose is her sacred flower. In rituals to honour the goddess of love, these flowers were laid out on the altar dedicated to her. In other cases, the primrose was seen to represent the woman. Also, the petals on the blossom stood for the various stages of life - birth, initiation, followed by consummation. Then there’s repose and in the end, death.
Nettle Folklore: A fairly large body of folklore surrounds the humble nettle, as befits such a widespread and useful plant. On the prosaic level, the stems yield a tough fibre that has been used by many different cultures to make clothes, ropes, nets and paper.
The nettle's name comes from the Latin word 'uro', meaning 'I burn' – appropriately enough given how uncomfortable nettle stings seem to burn! Some think that the common name for the nettle comes from the anglo saxon word 'noedl', or needle, possibly referring to the tiny hairs that pierce the skin so easily and inject the acid that causes a nettle sting, or possibly referring to the plant's long use to make fabric
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Nettles have of old had an association with lightning, and with serpents. Legends say that the Great Serpent Lightning gave the plant some of his sting, while others speak of the Underworld Serpent giving the plant some of his poison. The Romany gypsies have folklore that states that the nettle grows in places where there are underground passages to places where Earth faeries, or Pcuvus, dwell – the nettles are dedicated to these beings.
An old piece of lore from the venerable Albertus Magnus concerns the ability of nettles to attract fish when an infusion or oil of nettle and houseleek is applied to the hands. Apparently the fish swim gladly straight into the hand coated with such a preparation, though I rather suspect that if an oil was used, you wouldn't be able to hang on to the fish for long! Nettle renders strength to the emotions, underpinning them and allowing a person to use them to grow and manifest change.
Daisy: At first, it can seem that there can be as many meanings for daisies as there are species of daisies. However, the most generally accepted meanings are:
- Innocence, especially with white daisies with yellow or pale centers.
- Purity – also shown by daisies that are as white as possible.
- New beginnings, which is why they are often found in bouquets for new mothers or as gifts for children.
- True love – because each daisy flower is really two flowers blended together in harmony.
- That the sender can keep a secret. Keeping a secret is one way a person can exhibit that they truly love another.
Anemone: The beautiful Anemone flower symbolises:
- Protection against evil and ill wishes
- The approach of a rain storm when the petals close up
- Forsaken or forgotten love and affection
- Anticipation and excitement for something in the future
- Fairies and their magical world of twilight
- The death of a loved one or the loss of them to someone else
- Protection against disease and illness
- The arrival of the first spring winds
- Bad luck or ill omens
Reflection
The symbolism of these plants paint a narrative to those who are informed about there hidden meanings, It is important therefore to arrange these specimens in a way that creates a narrative that is of careful placement and consideration. By picking plants that have meanings centred around young love and death, I have crafted a under story to this work. It will be all the more interesting to see how they relate to the other works in the exhibition.
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