Sprinkles Of Springtime

by Connie Handscomb

Title

Sprinkles Of Springtime

Artist

Connie Handscomb

Medium

Photograph - Photography - Fine Art

Description

My joy is like Spring, so warm it makes flowers bloom all over the Earth.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

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Plum Tree
Prunus cerasifera ; Prunus domestica


Most domestic plum trees are thought to be from an ancient hybrid between the blackthorn and a cherry plum, originating from eastern Europe and western Asia. During the Roman Empire, settlers planted trees and shrubs they were familiar with, such as the plum, and it has since been cultivated for centuries.

There are several uses for the plum tree, one of them being this interesting natural old time remedy: The leaves from the tree boiled in wine was apparently a good mouthwash and throat gargle (with its wine base, I'm guessing its use was a popular one!). The leaves in our modern times are still used as a diuretic and to treat fevers.

One of the first trees to blossom in the chilly breezes of springtime, the plum blossom is an important symbol in Chinese culture, representing endurance. It was also given four virtues, together which embody the characteristics of Heaven [from the Book of Change]: potential [the bud]; prosperity [the flower]; harmony [the fruit]; rightness [its maturity].

Additionally, the 5-petals of the flower symbolize five blessings: longevity, prosperity, health, virtue, and good living.

In the language of flowers, receiving a bouquet of plum blossoms means one is to keep a promise. And dreaming of plums is, apparently, a good omen [so may you be blessed with plum dreams!] .

Sources:
The International Book Of Trees [H. Johnson]
The Origin Of Plants [M.Campbell-Culver]
Culpeper's Color Herbal [Ed.David Potterton]

* --------------------- *

The scent of the ocean is wafting through my open window on this glorious , perfect blue sky, spring day. The plum blossoms are long finished now, but just like the cherry blossoms, I wish they would bloom all year round, they are so beautiful!

While I cannot see the real thing once the blooms fade for the season, their beauty is preserved forever in my image to be viewed whenever I wish .... nature in all her splendour :)

Uploaded

May 23rd, 2019

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