How can it be May already? I am sure I am not alone in thinking the year has flown by so far!
Regular visitors may have noticed I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. It wasn't planned, but I seem to have had an unofficial blog break! So many of you were involved in A-Z during April that I decided to step back and watch from a far.
So what am I celebrating this week? Firstly, making it to Friday in one piece! It has been busy at work, and I must confess I am quite tired. Hurrah for it being a Bank Holiday weekend in England so an extra day off on Monday.
The bluebells are starting to appear in the local area. I love to see them carpeting the woods. Such a wonderful colour and an important flower in our particular town. Next week the town celebrates Flora Day. Shops are decorated with greenery, bluebells and yellow gorse to mark the official arrival of spring.
The picture above shows a Spanish bluebell. These, slightly paler blooms,have flowers all up the stem giving them an upright appearance. They are somewhat of a threat to the native bluebell whose flowers are all to one side of the stem, giving them their characteristic droopy appearance.
However, not all associations with bluebells are joyful ...
Also known as 'fairy flowers or thimbles,' the bluebell was said to be used by the fairies to trap passing children (they would have to be quite small I think!). Some legends suggest that it is unlucky to pick a bluebell or bring it into your house. As they are a protected species they should not be picked anyway. The blooms do not last long when cut so it is much better to leave them in the woods for all to enjoy. I believe special permission is granted for Flora Day to allow a certain amount to be picked.
Another legend states that wearing a wreath made of bluebells will compel the wearer to tell the truth. Or, try turning the flower inside out without tearing it and you will find your true love!
Happy weekend
Thanks to Lexa and her co-hosts
L.G. Keltner @ Writing Off The Edge
Katie @ TheCyborgMom
The bluebells are beautiful. We all need an unofficial break sometimes, at least I do. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marilyn you too,
DeleteI love those legends, we have such a beautiful display in the woods not far from us. I remember picking armfuls as a child, long before it was forbidden to do so.
ReplyDeleteDo you think you could do me a big favour and sign up for my newsletter, please, on my blog? It is monthly, very brief with free book offers from time to time and an unsubscribe button! Carole.
I'll pop on over to your blog, Carole Anne.
DeleteHi Suzanne - I didn't mention the festivals ... or music ... such is life sometimes .. but I'm glad you had a bit of a break .. especially if you were busy. The bluebells are coming out here too - time for a walk in the bluebell woods shortly ... Spring is lovely .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading some of your Cornish themed A-Z posts, Hilary.
DeleteTell the truth you say? Geez, the cat can't lie. he'll avoid wearing those haha
ReplyDeleteGive the bluebells a swerve cat!
DeleteThose legends sure are interesting! I love the color of the bluebells :)
ReplyDeleteThey're an awesome colour!
DeleteEnjoy your bank holiday and take some time to smell those beautiful flowers.
ReplyDelete.Thank you Jaybird. Happy weekend to you too.
DeleteBluebells are gorgeous flowers!
ReplyDeletePrecious Monsters
Thanks for the visit today.
DeleteBluebells are so beautiful - I think it's odd that the legends don't always agree.
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
I know, some of the legends are very varied!
DeleteYay for 3-day weekends! Bluebells trap children?! But they seem so pretty... Have a great weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteLol, so pretty! Happy weekend to you too, Lexa.
DeleteThe pictures are gorgeous! Lol! I have to tell my kids about the trapping children one. I bet they'll avoid those flowers at all costs (yes, that's my slightly evil side peeking through.)
ReplyDeleteThey are really very pretty flowers!
DeleteWhat interesting legends! They are really beautiful flowers. I'd love to have them in my garden.
ReplyDeleteI find the legends and myths fascinating, Elizabeth.
DeleteI love hearing about the legends Suzanne. Thanks for sharing the beautiful flowers with us.
ReplyDeleteHi Deanie, glad you enjoy hearing about the legends.
DeleteWould like to add blue bells to our yard, but we are redoing it with a drought resistant theme.
ReplyDeleteBluebells are gorgeous. I don't see many around here though. Have a great bank holiday weekend, hope the rain doesn't last too long!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzanne, would love a review if you have a moment :0)
ReplyDeleteA lot of myths for one flower.
ReplyDeleteTaking a break last month was a good idea. Now you're refreshed and the rest of us are exhausted.
Lucky you for getting an extra day off! Those bluebells are beautiful...thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKatie @TheCyborgMom
Suzanne, I'm glad you posted a photo of the bluebells. That's what is growing in the woods behind my yard. My Mom had planted all kinds of flowers but I haven't been able to remember the names of all.
ReplyDeleteI have a rabbit and four deer, that travel through there all the time to come eat my hydrangea leaves. Too bad they don't seem to eat the bluebells.
Good to see you back!!
Hi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI love the way bluebells start sprouting up all over the place. I can assure that the fairies in my garden of the past always had the noblest of intentions :)
Enjoy the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend, which are North American friends would know as a long weekend.
Now that the madness of the alphabet craze has almost subsided, we can both dazzle them with our after the blog break posts.
Thank you, Suzanne.
Gary :)
Great photos, and happy new month!
ReplyDeleteI love it when the bluebells start to appear - a sure sign that spring is here at last. They are pretty much the only thing that grows in my garden - apart from weeds, that is. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Bank Holiday! :-)