Yesterday was October 31, which–over time–has become the date of Halloween. Today is November 1, which–over time–has become [for Catholics and Christians] the date of All Saints Day. I have said this before, but again, I want to add that the Catholic Church and the Early Christians evoloved out of a Pagan Culture, and I…
Category: Ancient Civilizations
Samhain – The Ancient Celtic Origin of Halloween – A Struggle to Light the Darkness
Over the years, I have read many explanations about the origin of Halloween. Until recently, no explanation stuck, but I am in the process of researching ancient civilizations, and I have begun to understand why and how the need to celebrate Halloween has been etched on our consciounesses. Before I begin this post, allow me…
Halloween – History and Mythology of an Ancient Harvest Festival
SUN-WORSHIP. THE SOURCES OF HALLOWE’EN “If we could ask one of the old-world pagans whom he revered as his greatest gods, he would be sure to name among them the sun-god; calling him Apollo if he were a Greek; if an Egyptian, Horus or Osiris; if of Norway, Sol; if of Peru, Bochica. As the…
Apple – Fruit and Dew of Heaven – Gift from the Eternal Hills
APPLE.—Whether the Apple, the Orange, the Pomegranate, the Fig, the Banana, or the Grape was the actual fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, which tempted Eve in Paradise, will possibly never be settled; but it is certain that not only is the Apple mystical above all the fruits of the earth, but it is the…
Anemone – Delicate Windflower – Passed Down from Antiquity
ANEMONE. Image Credit: Bluestone Perennials Anemone Robustissima Japanese Anemone, Windflower Vigorous and Extremely Hardy “Soft pink single, cup-shaped flowers float above attractive deep green foliage. The most adaptable of the Japanese Anemone. From late summer to fall, there is no flower quite like it in the border for providing late season color. The hardiest to zone…
Amaranth – The “Never-Fading” Emblem of Immortality – Favorite Family of Plants of the Ancients — Including Globe Amaranths and Cockscomb
AMARANTH.— Love Lies Bleeding Image Credit: Eden Brothers A unique growth habit of cascading pink plumes to attract pollinators Annual with bright red hanging blooms Easy to grow summer bloomer that’s great for cut flowers Thrives in bright, sunny growing areas Image Credit: Eden Brothers Red Garnet Antioxidant filled fuchsia leaves makes wonderfully rich microgreens…
Alyssum – A Healing Plant – Believed to Ward Off the Evil Eye
“Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is an annual native to the Mediterranean area which is popular with modern gardeners. “The plant is low growing, about 20 cm tall, with dense clusters of tiny flowers in white, lavender or pink and a sweet scent. “Other Names Sweet alyssum, Sweet Alison, madwort, healbite, sweet Alice, seaside lobularia, gum…
Aloes — Including Sandalwood in the Bible and Aloe Vera
There are hundreds of types of aloe, and aloe vera is one of many varieties. The aloe that is mentioned in the Bible was probably sandalwood–a fragrant plant. “Aloes are mentioned both in the OT and NT in connection with incense, scent or perfume (Num 24:6; Ps 45:8; Prov 7:17; Song of Solomon 4:14; and John 19:39). The perfume…
Acanthus – A Plant that Influenced Art and Design
Acanthus has been part of both gardens and design since ancient the time of Ancient Civilizations: Image Credit: The Met Marble pilaster with acanthus scrolls Roman – 1st half of 1st century CE Image Credit: The Met Marble corner acroterion with acanthus scrolls Roman – 1st half of 1st century CEImage Credit: The Met Fragment…
Plant Encyclopedia
ENCYCLOPÆDIA OF PLANTS. ACACIA.—In the deserts of Arabia the finest tree is the Acacia Seyal, which is reputed to be the Shittah tree of the Old Testament. The timber of this tree was termed Shittim, translated by some as “incorruptible wood.” In Exodus xxv. it is recorded that the Ark of the Lord was made of Shittim wood, overlaid within…