The 2012 issue (7th of June) is dedicated to the so-called spring flowers, the same flower represented in both the top and the bottom stamp in its column.
First is the Viola odorata, that is more commonly known as wood violet or sweet violet or garden violet (a small stamp-salute to our dear host of Sunday stamps 😉). When I was a child we had plenty of pots in the garden with violets. I loved them! The colours were just so distinct, yet the petals felt so fragile.
Next to it are two examples of Primula veris, better known as cowslip, followed by the Helleborus niger, that bears the names of winter rose or Christmas rose (even though it does not belong to the rose family). In Macedonian, we call this plant "kukurek" and it is often used in the context when someone is ill... usually we say that when you wake up in the morning, you will feel as 'kukurek' (meaning you will get better and healthy). I never really thought about the etymology of the saying, until just now... There are some references to some old myths, but still not quite sure which one is to blame :)
The fourth column of stamps features the lovely Galanthus, or better known as snowdrop. We've been having these in our garden ever since I could remember, and they've always brought joy since they would be the first thing blooming during winter days, and were always like the herald of better days coming :) I just have the impression that each year they blossom earlier and earlier... or it might be just my impression...
The last in this set is the Crocus sativus, or much better known as saffron. I haven't used it in the cuisine yet, though I come across it in some recipes. Recently I spotted it in the supermarket and wanted to buy it and give it a try... but boy is this fella expensive 😀 And now I read it is considered to be the most valuable spice by weight...so it shall wait for some better days... till then my food can certainly survive without it 😊
The 2013, issued on 25th September, set features the so-called nectariferous plants (producing nectar). Again there are two stamps dedicated to each of the flowers, though the order is a bit mixed up here :)
First is the "black locust" (also known as 'false acacia). second is the sage, whose tea I sometimes drink when I have dental issues - it has proven really effective. In the middle, that little yellow flower with the bee is the dandelion, of which we have plenty in the front part of our garden, and with the daffodils in the mix, it is really a beautiful sight!
The fourth stamp features the 'common heather', while the last one is dedicated to the linden, which is also kind of a symbol of my city, famous for the smell of linden overwhelming the streets in spring (not so fun for the ones with allergies tho').
So, if you haven't gotten tired of flowers and springy themes, head over to Sunday stamps for some more beauties :)
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Gorgeous sets you chose today!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sets. I especially like the spring flowers (all my favourites) with their rain drops and snow on the snowdrop. I'm going to remember your sage tip. Our dentists are only doing emergency appointments since 2020 and I've managed to chip two of my teeth during the year, happily they are out of sight at the back of my mouth.
ReplyDeleteI will never tire of flowers! The top set looks so dreamy. And nice that there are two versions of the same flower.
ReplyDeleteI, too will remember that sage tip. Thank you :)
I hope none of you will need it, but am glad I might have been helpful with the sage tea :)
ReplyDeleteWe don't have most of those flowers here. In mean, wild; you still can find them in the gardens. Primulas grow near home, in the mountains. Dandelions and heather are common, I don't know if they are exactly the same variety. I didn't know heather was the symbol or your city. I really love that plant!
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