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| Cranberry Blossoms (by Bernd Haynold) |
Although the human variety of Cranberries is somewhat floundering, the botanical variety has been going strong for centuries.
Wikipedia tells us that these plants consist of "low, creeping shrubs or vines up to 7 feet long and 2 to 8 inches in height." Their evergreen leaves are offset by dark pink flowers which eventually morph into white, then red, berries.
It is believed that the name "cranberry" was first used by those European settlers in North America who thought that this plant, when flowering, resembled a crane's head and neck.
Europeans were introduced to the wonders of cranberries by Native Americans who had used these fruits for food, wound medicine and dye.
Kathie Letcher Lyle explains that cranberry poultices were used for poison arrow wounds, possibly because of their astringent qualities. They have also "been praised for easing cramps and childbirth, even convulsions, 'hysteria,' and 'fits.'" Best of
all, they are practically an instant cure for scurvy, due to their high vitamin C
content.
Courtney Alexander of Cornell University delves into the folk lore concerning these berries. She states that "in Victorian flower language, the cranberry blossom signifies that the receiver extend kindness to the giver." The berry is seen as "democratic" because it can be eaten as a delicacy for the rich and as a staple for the poor.
Resources
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranberry
http://books.google.com/books?id=JbI6iZpyoOYC&pg=PA89&lpg=PA89&dq=cranberry+history+and+lore&source=bl&ots=X5M8B08Jfr&sig=XVaFsj4gkuVocDIEq0REKYRgN64&hl=en&sa=X&ei=m1y4Ut-PEK3LsQSVyoKwCg&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=cranberry%20history%20and%20lore&f=false
http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/berry/production/pdfs/berryfolklore.pdf
Copyright December 24, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke All Rights Reserved
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