In Pure Spirit

There are only two surviving blooms of the rare camellia; one is in Waitangi, New Zealand, and the other one is in Chiswick House in London. It is thought that Middlemist’s Red has been present in Chiswick conservatory since the early 19th century. The plant is believed to have come from China, brought to Britain [...]

Image by Per Ola Wiberg (Powi) via Flickr October means the eighth month. October was the eighth month in the year according to the old Roman calendar until January and February were added to the start of the year. The Old English name for October is Winterfylleth which is said to refer to the Winter [...]

Image by Getty Images via Daylife September means the seventh month. September is the month where many Christian denominations celebrate the Feasts of the Cross. The feast commemorates the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus. The Anglo-Saxons called the month Haligmonað (holy month). Events in September Zhongqiu Jie (Moon Festival) Born in September? Birthstone: [...]

Image by euthman via Flickr August means Augustus Caesar’s month. Augustus Caesar completed the calendar reform started by Julius Caesar and also named a month after himself. Augustus became the first emperor of Rome after Julius was assassinated in 44 BC. Events in August The Feast of the Assumption Born in August? Birthstone: Peridot Flower: [...]

July means Julius Caesar’s month. July was added to the year in 46 BC when he altered the Roman calendar and named a month after himself. Gaius Julius Caesar was the Roman emperor who invaded Britain in 55BC. He was instrumental in changing Rome from a Republic to the militaristic Empire. It was Julius who [...]

Image via Wikipedia June means Juno’s month. Juno’s equivalent in Greek mythology is Hera. She was Jupiter’s wife and the mother to Mars, the god who gives his name to the month of March. Juno is the goddess of marriage and it is therefore considered good luck to be married in June. Events in June [...]

Old English tradition considers lilac to be an unlucky flower which should not be carried into the house. This tradition is particular strong in Norfolk and surrounding areas.

Dragon and bamboo windchimes
Dragon and bamboo windchimes*

It is often suggested that the lilac flower – especially the white blossom – is associated with death and that’s why lilac is unlucky. As a result lilac is especially unwelcome in hospitals.

To understand how to cope with lilac in the house we need to look at more closely at the superstition.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife May means Maia’s month.  Maia was an Italic goddess of spring and known as Maia Maiestas or Fauna by the Romans. She was seen as a good goddess and the 15th of May was dedicated to her. Events in May Beltane May Day Born in May? Birthstone: Emerald Flower: [...]

April means Aphrodite’s month. Aphrodite is a Greek goddess of love and beauty. Her Roman equivalent is Venus. The Saxons called the  month Eostur-monath after the goddess Eostur. It is the Goddess Eostur from who we derive the the the name Easter. Events in April Buddha’s birthday Chaul Chnam Thmey – the Cambodian New Year [...]

March means Mars’ month. Mars is the Roman god of War and is identified with the Greek god Ares.  Mars was the son of Juno and Jupiter and second only to his father in importance for Roman soldiers. Until ~700BC March was the start of the year and the beginning of the war season. The [...]