Strawberry Solstice

(Photo by Rlaferla)

Back in the 17^th century, Dr. William Butler exclaimed:  Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.

Butler is far from the only one in love with strawberries.  Elves are purported to be “passionately fond” of them, so much so

that Bavarians tie “small baskets of wild strawberries to the horns of their cattle each spring” in order to coax these tiny magicians into producing “healthy calves” and abundant milk.

Because of its shape and color, the hearty strawberry served as a symbol for Love Goddess Venus.  Medieval churches and cathedrals later sported strawberry designs that symbolized “perfection and righteousness.”

Strawberries were very much a part of Native American culture in North America.  “Crushed berries were mixed with cornmeal and baked into strawberry bread.”  Colonists later morphed this into strawberry shortcake.

Last night’s full moon coincided with North America’s summer solstice for the first time in decades.  This “Strawberry Moon” honors the red berry’s place in history and lore.

Resources

http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/Science-Notebook/2016/0620/Strawberry-moon-Rare-astronomical-coincidence-promises-an-extra-bright-solstice 

Copyright June 21, 2016 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved