According to the University of Illinois Extension, strawberry lore has been around for just about forever.Time travelers might note that Native Americans were quite fond of the fruit long before Europeans imitated the original cornmeal version of strawberry shortcake. Shakespeare found these berries alluring enough to be included as symbolism on the handkerchief of Othello’s love, Desdemona. One of Napoleon’s cohorts, Madame Tallien, enjoyed bathing in the juice from 22 pounds of fresh strawberries. Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII’s ill-fated wives, was thought to be a witch because she had a strawberry-shaped birthmark on her neck.
However, there is none so famous a strawberry association as that with Venus (Aphrodite), the ancient Roman (Greek) goddess of love (and its many facsimiles). The red heart-shaped fruit must have reminded many of Venus’ tantalizing powers. As Venus Cloacina, she was a purifier – as Venus Erycina. a prostitute. As Venus Felix, she was lucky – as Venus Calva, bald. As Venus Murcia, she was slothful – as Venus Obsequens, indulgent. As Venus Genetrix, she was a mother (Julius Caesar claimed her as his literal ancestress) – and as Venus Urania, a heavenly one. Not to mention that, as Venus Kallipygos, she had “a pretty bottom” (not unlike her possible other descendant, Pippa Middleton)…
After all those type associations with Venus, a strong medicinal tonic might be just what the herbalist ordered. Good thing that strawberries fit the bill on that score, too. Herbs2000.com reports that wild (must be that Venus influence again) strawberries can be quite effective when dealing with wounds, inflammation, diarrhea, gout, or a sore throat. They are members of the rose family, as their natural fragrance indicates.
As for Strawberry Fields Forever? The jury is still out on those lyrics. Even Venus, with all of her incredible powers, couldn’t quite figure them out.
Resources
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/strawberries/history.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_(mythology)
http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_wild_strawberries.htm
http://i-am-walrus.blogspot.com/2005/07/meaning-of-strawberry-fields-forever.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desdemona
Copyright June 27, 2011 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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