Customer Reviews

Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees

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Obviously much time and effort went into researching this book, Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees. Excellent line drawings and b/w illustrations used appropriately. Includes European and Asian sources of information and illustrations. Quotes and all illustrations are excerpted from early printed sources - some dating back to 13th century.

Great layout design of text and illustrations. Text is concise yet informative on specific topics. An easy-to-use book!

*Table of Contents:

1) Sacred plants (including trees of life & knowledge) and specific plants;

2) Flower lore and legend (alphabetized by common flower & tree names)

3) Strange and wondrous plants (ex: Apple of Sodom, Ice plant, and Tree of Sorrow)

4) Flower Calendar - seasons, flowers of the month, both Chinese & Japanese flower calendars

5) Language of Flowers - Sentiments and symbolism

A good general background source book for those interested in folklore or historical "roots" of common and less common plants meanings. A basic source book for all who enjoy nature hikes and telling stories about plants along the way. Not only do readers learn more about their ancestors' views and beliefs of specific plants but also a new way of seeing the natural world around us.

The previous review by "tales2tell" has a much better over-view of the book, than I could give.
The only reason I'm not rating the book higher, is because it's not what I'd expected. I'd hoped for a bit more information and symbolism, than actual folklore. But re-reading the title, it's my own fault, really.

It is a LOVELY book if you want stories and mythologies and the like of plants. Very beautiful pictures.

All-in-all a very good book! Just not what I'd expected. :)