Tag: Greek Mythology
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Poppy: The Elixir of Life is Poison
How the flower of death factored into the Eleusinian mysteries and the Persephone myth. Scientific Name: Poppy Somniferum (Sleep-bringing swell) Opium/Bread-seed poppy In all the steamy drama, romance, and speculation that comes from re-tellings of the myth of Persephone and Hades, people often hide and ignore key elements of the story in favor of sweeter…
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Willow: The Mother of Korean Rebellion dipping her toes by the Shore
Scientific Name: Salicaceae Salix (“Near Water”) Common Names: Willows, Sallows, Osiers While many of the same willows sprawl across the globe, there are often several discrepancies in how each culture interprets them. When regarding the flowing branches of the famous weeping willow, for example, some people see a symbol of elegance and flexibility, while others…
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Mint: Dr. Frankenstein’s monster smells of love and shaving cream
Menthe (mint), from the family Lamiaeacea (jaws) Mint is a lovely, versatile garden plant that has rooted itself deeply into gardens worldwide— a distinct, vibrant personality setting it apart from its neighbors both subjectively and physically (being an isolated plant in garden beds). Its personality is so distinct that ancient Greeks had personified it in…
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Pomegranates: Planting infused with vitamins, minerals, and the meaning of life
Expensive, messy, and highly acclaimed for its health benefits, the pomegranate is stereotypically associated with rich wellness enthusiasts who care too much about questionable scientific research on chemical compounds no one can pronounce. And surely the pomegranate must not have changed its branding much since the beginning of time, with its association with rich pharaohs…