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Meadow Sweet Grove
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My interest in Asian folklore is relatively new and, as such limited, but I understand that these little fellows are moon rabbits, popular in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other folklore. The oblong dish to the left is made in Japan and depicts moon rabbits with the full moon above them in the dark blue night sky. They are surrounded by eggs. I had forgotten the imagery on it when I stumbled across the little pastel-coloured dish to the right. It mystified me a bit at first, because it is egg-shaped and the bunnies are busily cavorting among pretty pink eggs and a flower. This led me at first to think it was an Easter dish - until I flipped it over and saw an Asian back stamp! But of course, when you compare the two, there is simply no mistake - I believe the pink flower in this case serves as a pretty substitute for the moon. The white moon rabbit lives on the moon and stirs an elixir of immortality. Sometimes, when you look at the full moon, you can see his image. I'm not sure if the chocolate eggs I intend to place in these dishes will help in the quest for immortality ... but they certainly will satisfy the evening sweet tooth! Bibliography: Wikipedia, Moon Rabbit, 2019
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
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St. Patrick's Day brings popular images of leprechauns - cute, comical and dancing about ... jealously protecting their pots o' gold. They are seen as "fiercely" sweet but being oh so terribly tiny, can only trick human beings, rather than fighting a fair fight. But don't forget that leprechauns are of the same ilk as banshees (who foretell death), changelings (ancient creatures who secretly take the place of human babies) and also of béfinds? Remember fairy godmother #13 who cursed Sleeping Beauty to die? Yeah, you want to keep on the good side of a béfind. Also, what we mortals call fairies were gods and goddesses; once upon a long time ago. Most are part of the Tuatha Dé Danann, an ancient race that arrived in Ireland many eons ago, or they are at least descended from them. So in order to please a leprechaun, we need to replace the current cute image and replace it with one that garners respect. He is a very small, old and wizened fairy who makes his home under hills or in fairy mounds. He smokes his pipe for pleasure and works diligently at repairing shoes ... or at least one shoe - why only one? I think it's because it is a "smoke screen". The leprechaun is working ... but it is appearance only. He is actually waiting, observing, contemplating and if we wait long enough, this wise old fellow might remove the pipe from his mouth and let us in on a few secrets about the world. If you would like to gain favour with a leprechaun, I suggest the following:
May you secure the good luck blessings of your local leprechaun this St. Paddy's Day! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
~ It will be a lark! ~ On a lark ~ Just for a lark ~ Larking about ~ Go on a lark ~ These are English expressions used to describe something done for a bit of carefree fun; usually on a sudden impulse or whim. It can be silly and gay. It can be mischievous - but never malicious. "Come on, join me in the three-legged race ... it will be a lark!" Marie decided to buy a new hat on a lark. The children turned their desks around backwards, just for a lark, before the teacher came into the room. "Stop larking about and turn those desks back 'round front", she laughed. Sigh, I definitely need to go on a lark right now!! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2018
 Do you ever wonder why so many kitchen items feature roosters? Everything from canisters to casserole dishes, potholders to pictures, and spoon holders to salt and pepper shakers. A rooster in the kitchen brings you good luck - plain and simple! This belief is pretty universal around the world. Many countries relate fables wherein the rooster features prominently as the bringer of good luck to some situation or other. So common superstition says you would be well-advised to add one to your kitchen paraphernalia - if you haven't brought got one already! Check your kitchen - there is probably one lurking somewhere, as people often gift kitchen roosters in the form of towels, utensils, dishes or other kitchen do-dads ... they might even be worked into your tiles. I actually relish the day when the "sterile" stainless steel kitchen trend comes to an end ... and colour and variety returns. Then not only the humble kitchen rooster - but all those lovely French Provencal blues, yellows, reds and whites - can make a well-deserved comeback in kitchen tiles, counter tops and floors. But in the meantime, why not incorporate a rooster into your kitchen decor to bring good luck and good fortune into your home. You'll get all of the benefit ... without any of the early morning cock-a-doodle-doing! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2018 / edited 2020
Apparently, there is a folklore tradition, in Britain and North America, wherein it is very good luck to say "white rabbits" or "rabbits" or "rabbits, rabbits, rabbits!", or any combination of these words three times, on the 1st day of any month. Three's the charm as they say and is always an important component to the success of any spell. They must be your first spoken words upon waking on the 1st day of the month. I've never heard of it before but am going to give it a go this Sunday! How auspicious is it that the first day of our next month this year (April), is not only April's Fool's Day but also Easter Sunday. Can't get much luckier than that! There are so many diverse symbolic meanings attached to the rabbit - and often contradictory ones. But if you think of both the prolific nature of bunnies and also the common "trickster" aspect of the rabbit - the above charm makes a lot of sense. It both invites bounty and good fortune for the month ... while at the same time stymieing the possibility of silly tricks those cunning characters might play! Rabbits, rabbits, rabbits! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2018
  Illustration by Jean de la Fontaine I think most people are familiar with Aesop's Fable about The Fox and the Crow.
In this story, the Crow has found a wonderful round of cheese and is sitting in a tree, when along comes a sweet-talking fox. He wants the cheese for himself, but how to get it? He convinces the Crow that she has a beautiful voice and would love to hear her sing. She is flattered, opens her mouth to sing and, sadly for her, the cheese drops to the ground. Now, when you think about this fable, it becomes apparent that casting is important. Crows are really, really intelligent. Only a sly fox would have been right for this role ... for who else, in the entire animal kingdom would have the ability to out-smart a crow? Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 (gif courtesy of AnimatedImages.org)
 Crow Trinket - Treasure or Trash? There is rumour that a crow will sometimes strike up such a relationship with a person that they will show their gratitude for food by bringing some prezzies. I am hopeful that soon the shiny trinkets will begin to appear! The only thing he has brought me so far is an old stick. However, it is a very interesting stick, and looks like a small animal. My resident fairy, who is very observant, noticed that it has a teeny, tiny bit of red paint on it as well. So maybe the gift-giving has begun!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017
How appropriate then that bunnies are often shown as the companion of a young girl in modern art depictions or figurines. Or maybe, in older times, the Spring Maiden, or Ostara, was accompanied by an Oster Hare, as he is called in Germany. There is some contention on this matter as to whether or not the Spring Goddesses of older days were connected with hares, eggs and other symbols of Spring at all ... or if that is a more modern connection recorded around about the time of the Grimm Brothers. It matters little. In the minds of the eternal, the connection was made because it is the correct one. They both represent youth, hope and beginnings ... in every way the very essence of Spring!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2017 / edited 2019
 Winter Solstice Tree Winter Solstice is such an incredible time. The fairies in the Grove are abuzz with excitement! One of their favourite activities is making a Winter Solstice Tree for all the hungry little woodland creatures - this is most enjoyed by the chickadees, blue jays, bush tits, juncos, woodpeckers and yes, even the squirrels.
How to make a Winter Solstice Tree
Watch and enjoy your little visitors from a quiet place! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2016 / edited 2019 |
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