Since ancient times, the May season has been a time of celebration and merriment, a time to acknowledge the return of growth. Certainly, the rites of May are rooted in ancient fertility festivals traced back to the Hellenistic era of Greco-Roman religion. May 1 was a time to honor the Roman goddesses Flora and Maia with offerings of flowers and garlands ~ the month of May is named for Maia. Decorated wreaths were mounted on a pole adorned with flowers, garland and colorful ribbons and carried in street processions in honor of goddess Maia so that she would bestow her fertile bounty on fields and flocks. The flower garlands were a symbol of the inner connectedness between all things and a worthy gift in anticipation of the coming summer and harvest season.
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| Traditional Maypole dance |
The maypole was traditionally made from a hawthorn tree, which is the third magickal tree in the triad of fairy lore of oak, ash and thorn. In ancient times, springs of hawthorn and hawthorn flowers were taken home to banish evil. In ancient Greece, wedding couples wore crowns made of hawthorn blossoms while the wedding party carried torches of hawthorn wood. May is decidedly a fertile time - for the plants, the pollinators, and the community at large.
As herbalists have long known, Hawthorn berry (Crataegus monogyna) is a trophorestorative for the heart, and now 'Science' finally agrees, too!! A trophorestorative is a medicinal botanical that nourishes, tonifies and supports a specific organ or body system. ...Maybe 'science' will catch up on some other trophorestoratives that Wise Women have known about for generations: milky oats for the central nervous system, stinging nettles seed for the kidneys, etc. Here is the link to that article: http://www.naturalnews.com/035685_hawthorn_berries_heart_health.html.
Whatever your late spring holiday traditions, rituals, celebrations and/or spiritual practices may be ~ enjoy the warming days and the splendor of abundant new life and growth that this season celebrates in such vibrant colors! Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the gifts that each season brings. Blessed Be!
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Spring Splendor Tea
Sip this delightfully light tea when you take a few moments to get outside and be a part of Mother Earth's fertile abundance. Always try to use organic ingredients! These dried herbs can usually be found in your local health-food store. A 'part' can be anything from a tablespoon to a cup - depending on how much you want to make.
1/2 part dandelion leaf (supports the kidneys and bladder)
1 part nettle leaf (builds the blood)
1 part milky oats (supports the central nervous system)
1/2 part linden flower (calming, nervine)
pinch spearmint, optional (adds flavor)
2 parts hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries (nourishes the heart muscle and supports the circulatory system)
1 part rose hips (full of Vitamin C)
(Optional) 1 part motherwort (calming, cardiotonic)
(Optional) pinch cut/sifted licorice root or one dried sliced root (synergizes all the herbs and lends a smooth, silky feel to the tea)
1 part nettle leaf (builds the blood)
1 part milky oats (supports the central nervous system)
1/2 part linden flower (calming, nervine)
pinch spearmint, optional (adds flavor)
2 parts hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries (nourishes the heart muscle and supports the circulatory system)
1 part rose hips (full of Vitamin C)
(Optional) 1 part motherwort (calming, cardiotonic)
(Optional) pinch cut/sifted licorice root or one dried sliced root (synergizes all the herbs and lends a smooth, silky feel to the tea)
Combine herbs and mix well. To make tea, use 2 teaspoons herb blend per pint of water. Steep for 15 to 20 minutes and strain. Drink up to 2 cups per day while contemplating your abundance and the vibrancy of Spring! Store any unused portion in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
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Note: Any remedies or information listed on this blog are from historical references and used for teaching / educational purposes only. The contents are not meant to diagnose, treat, prescribe, cure or substitute consultation with a licensed health-care professional. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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