Abracadabra

by Connie Handscomb

Title

Abracadabra

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

Abracadabra
..... magic lives in the ordinary world, in the details of our everyday lives.
~Joan Halifax [fr. The Fruitful Darkness]

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Dill
Anethum graveolens
Peucedanum graveolens


Dill has been around for a long, long time. The Roman gladiators used to cover their meals with dill; they believed it gave them extra strength, so it is very likely they carried dill with them to other parts of the world. It is a reputed digestive aid.

It was a very important herb in ancient times: The Talmud notes it was subject to a tithe, so economically it was a treasure.

Its oil was used in soap.

Some folklore: the aroma of dill can calm a child's hiccups. Witches used dill in their spells and charms; alternatively, it was also used as a protection against witches. As a good omen, English brides used to wear a sprig of dill on their wedding day. In the garden, dill planted next to brassica will help bring forth a larger crop. In the Ukraine, its seedlings signal spring's arrival.

The etymology of the word Abracadabra is uncertain, although it has been suggested it derives from the Aramaic meaning "I create as I speak."


Sources:
Herbs & Edible Flowers [Lois Hole]
Encyclopedia Of Herbs [N. Vermeulen]
Country Wisdom [R. Richardson]
Harrowsmith Illustrated Book Of Herbs [Lima; Forsyth]

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A wand of dill caught some unexpected light refractions {may all your wishes come true} ;)

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♥ Heartfelt Gratitude to FAA groups for featuring this image :

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Uploaded

June 2nd, 2016

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