Garden Crypt

By Nikki Phipps

When you look in the garden, what do you see? Most people are likely to see only plants. Others, however, have the ability to look past all that. Gardens are actually filled with history and much of that history contains superstition. Superstitions in the garden realm have existed as long as gardens themselves. While some superstitions may seem a bit outlandish today, others are still widely accepted and just as popular as they were way back when.

Lilacs are one of my all-time favorites, with their delightful scents and breathtaking beauty. But did you know that these seemingly sweet plants were reputed as omens of ill fortune when given to others in time of sickness. Holly is also associated with superstition. Seen as good fortune, these shrubs were thought to offer protection from unsavory weather, witchcraft, and evil spirits. Holly is deemed especially lucky around Christmas; however, if there is an abundance of berries on the bush, it is still believed to foretell a harsh winter. Stepping on the berries of holly is also thought to bring about bad luck. Speaking of berries, did you know that blackberries were also supposed to guard against the forces of evil? They were even planted around the graves of the newly departed to prevent their spirits from rising.

Herbs have been surrounded by superstition for centuries as these were most often used in healing common ailments and other acts, such as spells. Basil was said to hold powers for a variety of things, from wealth, love, and luck to flying, protection, and exorcism. If a bay tree was planted near the home, it was thought to protect those inside against sickness. Bay leaves were also believed to induce prophetic dreams if placed under one’s pillow at night. Growing parsley in the garden was believed to bring about a death before the year’s end. Rosemary was said to grow well in gardens where the wife dominated and not at all, if there was any unrighteousness. Sage was also thought to grow vigorously in gardens where the woman dominated. Thyme was thought to be associated with fairies and magic. Angelica was believed to ward off spells, as was chamomile, which was used to remove curses and spells by sprinkling it around the home. Chamomile was often planted nearby other plants to make them stronger, especially in the vegetable garden alongside onions or cabbage.

Even the vegetable garden was not immune from the lore of superstition. Eating pumpkin seeds was thought to give you lice. Beans in many countries, especially the Far East, were thought to spawn demons. Watch out for those white ones, if just one is spotted in a row of bean plants, instead of the traditional green, there is said to be a sign of imminent death. Garlic is supposed to guard against the evil eye as well as envy. It was believed that garlic sprang up from the ground everywhere the Devil’s right foot touched in the Garden of Eden. Wreaths and garlands placed on the home or worn around the neck was said to offer protection against witches and vampires. Lettuce was supposed to be a powerful aphrodisiac. It is also believed to prevent drunkenness.

It’s supposed to be bad luck to bring a single daffodil into the house but good luck to bring a bouquet of them. Snowdrops are thought to spawn bad luck. If only one springs up in the garden, it’s said to be a sign of impending disaster and possibly death. Daylilies are thought to ease sorrow. Break a lily and you’re sure to have bad luck, especially if done by a male. Anemones were often used to ward off sickness and ill fortune. However, in some countries the flower was thought to carry diseases, believing that they gave off poisonous gases. Violets, when given as a gift is thought to bring about good fortune; however, these lovely flowers are also believed to have a dark side as well. While many have worn garlands of violets around their necks to prevent drunkenness, it was thought to encourage fleas. The flowers are also believed to foretell impending epidemics or death if seen blooming in the fall.

Snapdragon, a tough name for such a lovely plant. Did you know that these flowers were supposed to ward off curses and other forms of deceit? Don’t pick those pansies if there’s still dew touching their petals. This was believed to cause death to a loved one. Poppies were thought to be bad, turning one blind if their centers were looked upon. We’ve probably all, at one time or another, blown the seeds off dandelions. Were you aware that the number of seeds left denoted how many children you would have? Who hasn’t played “loves me, loves me not” with a daisy? Well did you know that picking them with your eyes closed would foretell the number of years until marriage by counting each flower picked? There is also an old saying that spring has not come until stepping on twelve daisies. If you dream about daisies in spring or summer, it is thought to bring about good luck. Dream about them in fall or winter, however, and the opposite is thought to be true.

Carnations, my favorite, are believed to tell fortunes. For instance, placing three in a girl’s hair would foretell her future by the order in which the flowers died. Got white geraniums. Plant them in the garden and snakes will not go near. Place them in the home near a window and flies will not enter. If the petals fall from a rose while holding it, you’ll supposedly die. I’m still here. Ferns look great in the garden but were once known as Devil’s brushes. Placing their seeds or spores in your pocket was supposed to make you invisible. Stepping on and crushing a fern was thought to trigger confusion, making the person lose his/her way. Yarrow was thought to be used by witches for concocting spells, as was foxglove. Hellebore was believed to be connected to demons and possession. Oddly enough, however, it was often used to provide protection as well. Lady’s mantle was often carried around in the hopes of attracting love. The mother of whoever picks Queen Anne’s lace, taking into the home, is supposed to die. Many feared the mandrake, as it was thought to embody demons. Anyone hearing the terrifying shriek it gives off when picked was said to die soon thereafter. This flower was also thought to promote conception or bring about alcoholism by those looking at them for extended periods.

Superstitions in the garden realm have long since been a part of their history. These is just a sampling of the many superstitions surrounding garden plants. So next time you look into the garden, look deep. There is sure to be an interesting tale or belief attached to the plants you are growing.