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Toadflax (Linaria Vulgaris) is also known as Trwyn y Llo, or Calf’s Nose, in Wales.
In England, 3 Toadflax seeds strung on a linen thread were said to ward off evil.

🖼️The Estate of Cicely Mary Barker

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2023-03-15



Christmas rose was considered a protective plant, able to drive away evil spirits

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2022-03-26

New print design finished (I think...) this afternoon.

It was believed the spirit of the corn would be made homeless when harvest emptied the fields, so a vessel was woven from corn in which the spirit could dwell over the winter.

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2021-01-22

It was once a common notion that in a broad beans grew with their seeds (beans) the wrong way around in their pods! This comes from what was called Ladies' Year; a privileged time when women could propose to men. 💍 cc:

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2020-02-29

Cheers to 2020! 🍾 Traditionally, on St. John's Eve (23 June), English girls picked Moss Rose (Rosa muscosa). If, on New Year's Eve, the flowers were still pink, a lady's lover was faithful.

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2020-01-01

1/ Cornish ladies used roses for divination. Walking backwards into a garden on Midsummer's eve (as you do), they would pick a rose, then place it in a bag... [A plate from 'Flora Londinensis', by William Curtis.]

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2019-08-09

The Floralia was an ancient Roman festival in honour of the goddess Flora. Celebrated in lavish fashion from the end of April to the first of May, the festival included Ludi Florae, the "Games of Flora".

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2019-05-02