Bear And Mouse

"Waiting Gradually Eats The Soul"

JOMP BPC - 22nd July - Colours

Fictional Places Moodboards // Secret Garden

Page from a Book of Hours (France, 1510-1525) decorated with berries and insects.

Workshop of Jean Bourdichon.

At the shrine of Veles

Few plants can bring as much joy as a strawberry. The first red fruit plucked straight from the bed tastes of the sun, childhood and summer. And the best part is that even a complete beginner can grow their own strawberries. But few people know that its leaves also have healing powers. Our grandmothers used to collect strawberry leaves for tea for diarrhea, urinary tract infections or to purify the blood. In the Hořice region, strawberry was one of the St. John's herbs. People put it in the "crib" that they prepared for St. John the Baptist on the night of June 23rd to 24th. The strawberry is a great example of a plant that combines benefit and health. It is beautiful, tasty and also healing.

Folk superstitions show that strawberries do not grow only for people. They also belong to supernatural beings – the souls of deceased children, angels and some saints, especially the Virgin Mary. Ethnographer Sobotka mentions a similar superstition: “When children go into the forest to pick strawberries, they must sacrifice the first three they find on a tree stump to the Virgin Mary or to the little souls. If a strawberry falls, they are not allowed to pick it up, because it belongs to the Mother of God.” Another superstition comes from the Krkonoše Mountains: “In the Krkonoše Mountains, children, when going to pick strawberries, give the first three strawberries on a tree stump for the powerful spirit and king of the mountains – Krakonoš; because Krakonoše gladly accepts such an offering and is often richly rewarded for it.”

The strange thing is that no one can ever get enough of strawberries. Why this is so, explains the legend of the Virgin Mary: "Once upon a time, a child was carrying strawberries from the forest, and he met the Mother of God, who knew that the child had strawberries in a jug, but wanted to test whether the child was good, charitable and generous. And she asked: "What are you carrying, dear son, in a jug? If you have anything for refreshment, give it to the poor woman, tired from a long walk, so that her mouth does not go dry for good." But the little son rebelliously replied: "I am carrying nothing!" and went on, ignoring the Mother of God. The Virgin was saddened by these impudent words, she was saddened by the boy's stingy heart, and as a warning for all time, she exclaimed: "You, stingy people, will be able to pick strawberries wherever you please, but you will never and never be satisfied with the strawberries you have picked!" Having exclaimed this, she disappeared. Since then, no one has been able to get enough strawberries, even if they have eaten more than they need." (1888)

Medicinal effects and uses:

In official medicine, the leaves are used, but not from garden-grown strawberry varieties, but only from wild, forest strawberries! The infusion from the leaves can also be drunk as a substitute for black tea, and is also excellent mixed with raspberry and blackcurrant leaves. In addition to their delicious taste, they also have medicinal effects - they have a beneficial effect on the liver, digestion and kidneys, and generally purify the blood and the whole body. For regular (non-medicinal) drinking, it is advisable to ferment the leaves, which will give them a black color and taste much closer to real black tea. (source)

When growing strawberries, "suitable neighbors" are recommended: Onions, garlic, chives and leeks protect strawberries against mold; a few plants can be planted directly in the bed between the strawberries. Borage (also directly in the bed between strawberries) improves their growth and the taste of the fruits. They also don't mind spinach, radishes and beans. Unsuitable neighbors:

Original Czech language article:

illustrations for a poem I wrote called The Invisible Palace about a kidnapped princess and her best friend's attempt to rescue her.

“From a golden broom pluck five long straws, Light them as tapers at the fire; Carry them through the house, and cause Their subtle smoke to thicken the air– Then summon good fortune with this spell:

Wraiths of the house, Take heart and live: To every chamber This light I give, To every corner This breath I send– Approve and favor My willing hand

https://www.instagram.com/p/DaNnSGrN9G2/

The "Pilgrim's Coins" Necklace

Chainmail cord, pearl and glass beads, charms, safetypins, coins, and Catholic saint's tokens. Took four days to assemble and a lifetime of collecting random antiques and parking lot jewelry. April 11th, 2024.