Fairy's Bells
by Connie Handscomb
Title
Fairy's Bells
Artist
Connie Handscomb
Medium
Photograph - Photography - Fine Art
Description
She was a Phantom of delight
When first she gleamed upon my sight;
A lovely Apparition, sent
To be a moment's ornament;
~William Wordsworth
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The Conval-lily is esteemed to have of all others, the sweetest and most agreeable perfume: not offensive or overbearing, even to those who are made uneasy with the perfumes of other sweet-scented flowers.
~ John Lawrence [fr. The Flower Garden, 1726]
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Lily of the Valley (Our Lady's Tears; Fairy's Bells)
Convallaria majalis
Family : Liliaceae
The John Lawrence quotation refers to the name that was used for this plant during the Middle Ages when the Elizabethan physician Gerard used it medicinally. His recipe for pain and gout: Put the flowers of May lilies into a glass and set it in a hill of ants, firmly closed for 1 month. After which you will find a liquor that when applied appeaseth the pain and grief of gout.
This wildflower is native to European and North American woodlands which, legends have it, grows where St. Leonard's blood was spilt during a fight with a dragon and where the Virgin Mary shed her tears.
Leaves were used to bind cuts, and were also infused in boiling water, wrapped in muslin & used as a poultice.
Ancient Greeks used it for heart conditions and dropsy; modern science would claims this to the plant's glycosides and it is apparently better tolerated than foxglove. After WW II, the aftereffects of poison gas were treated with it. Like the foxglove, it is also used in treating heart disease.
Brides became familiar with it during the Middle Ages, when it was used in bouquets as a symbol of modesty and purity.
Source:
Hatfield's Herbal [G. Hatfield]
Jekka's Complete Herb Book [J. McVicar]
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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :
Black And White Photog.
The Grayscale Outdoors
Peace And Simplicity
Black and white
First Friday Gallery
Fine Arts Professionals
10 Plus
Uploaded
June 18th, 2015
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Viewed 382 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 04/17/2024 at 9:30 AM
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Comments (44)
VIVA Anderson
Each/all your art is beautiful, Connie, so many I will re-visit. for now, this is my absolute favourite, I love your beautiful Wordworth poem, so eminently suited to your gorgeous photograph/subject.........compliments, f.v..........VIVA
Connie Handscomb replied:
Your words are precious, VIVA; thank you so much for your kindness .. the beauty of your soul shines through your beautiful words ;))
Kathy Liebrum Bailey
Excellent black and white photo Connie! Great contrast and a special softness. l/fv
Connie Handscomb
Peace and Simplicity has featured this image; I am very grateful {thank you again, Allan!} :)))
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