Jaana: Our European Rowans (Sorbus aucuparia) are carrying a big crop of berries this year. According to an old proverb, it means that we won't be getting much snow this winter, because the Rowan won't carry two loads.
Kia: Autumn jewels in the shape of berries are dripping from trees and bushes right now. I especially like the deep pink berries of the ornamental Kite-leaf Rowan (Sorbus oligodonta). In Scottish folklore, Rowan trees are said to be protectors against evil and enchantments.
Over here when there's an abundance of berries, we say it's going to be a bad winter with lots of snow, because there's extra food for the birds and animals.
ReplyDeleteKia: Same here. In Britain there is also an old saying: "Many rains, many rowans; many rowans, many yawns", meaning that an abundance of the fruit predicts a poor harvest.
Deletehi ladies, happy day to you. Love the pictures, berries... the top picture looks like the berry that I use to toss at my brother when he bugged me as a kid :) have a happy
ReplyDeleteLOL, poor brother! ;D Enjoy the rest of the week.
DeleteI've not seen Rowan berries of that pink shade before. Our Rowan Trees have huge bright red berries. We call the berries "sorbe". My grandmother lives in southern Italy and she always makes "sorbe sotto spirito" and jam.
ReplyDeleteJaana: I'm not sure if I have ever tasted anything made of rowans, but these rowanberry flavored 'Fox Candy' are the oldest candy made in Finland. :)
DeleteKia: The Kite-leaf Rowan is native to Tibet and China, and is cultivated as ornamental tree here. The berries of the European Rowans are not as big here as they are in Italy. My father-in-law makes "sorbe sotto spirito" too. I have never tried the jam, tho', but the jelly, which is traditionally eaten in Scotland as an accompaniment to venison. :)