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Coltsfoot is the name of an early flowering spring perennial plant. The snow is just beginning to melt, and it is already appearing on hills, clearings, near streams and rivers. Moreover, coltsfoot flowers initially open in a bright yellow sunny shade, and only then leaves appear. The culture has a long flowering period of 38 days and has healing properties. However, many often wonder why it was called that way.
Coltsfoot blooms already in April, if the climate of the region allows
Latin name for coltsfoot
The Latin name of the coltsfoot plant is Tussilago. It is under this name that this culture is listed in botanical reference books and is found in medicines. The Latin name for coltsfoot consists of three words. The first “tussis” means to cough, and the second “lago” means to drive away. This is due to the culture’s ability to effectively treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract.
There are also other names for coltsfoot grass, such as riverine or camouflage grass, butterbur, two-faced grass, podbel, rannik, water burdock.
Why is the coltsfoot plant called that?
Coltsfoot is a medicinal crop that has been used to treat the upper respiratory tract and digestive system since ancient times. However, why does it have such a name, there are several versions. And each of them has the right to exist.
The legend of why the coltsfoot flower is called that
According to popular legend, the coltsfoot plant was named so because of family drama. Once upon a time, a man left his family and went to another woman. But at the same time, he constantly visited his daughter and took care of her. This, of course, made his new wife jealous, so she looked for all sorts of ways to destroy the girl. And one day, in a fit of anger, the woman grabbed her stepdaughter by the hair, led her to a cliff and threw her off into the waters of a cold mountain river.
The girl’s mother, having learned about what had happened, vowed to avenge her child. She also led her opponent to a cliff and tried to throw her down. However, something went wrong and both women fell into a mountain river. At the site of their death, a flower with yellow buds grew, the shade of which matched the color of the stepdaughter’s hair.
However, there is another sad legend about the origin of the name coltsfoot. It tells that one woman's daughter suddenly died. And her grief was so great that she constantly spent time next to the grave of her child, stroking the ground, crying. And as a result, a flower grew in this place, the underside of the leaves having a felt edge. She tenderly covered the earth in which her beloved child rested. However, this woman also had a stepdaughter whom she did not love. Therefore, the leaves on top were hard and cold.In this regard, the flower received the name coltsfoot.
People used the colors of this culture to determine the weather for the coming days.
The true origin of the name coltsfoot
There is also an official version of why this culture began to be called that. This plant got its name because of the characteristics of the leaves. Their lower side, as is known, is covered with a characteristic gray felt edge. When you touch it, you feel warmth and comfort, like from a mother’s palms.
But at the same time, the leaves of the plant are smooth and cool on top. When you touch them, an association arises with the evil, malicious character of the stepmother. This was the reason for the name of the flower.
Beliefs associated with the flower
Numerous legends associated with this culture have given rise to many beliefs.
For a long time, coltsfoot has been revered by women, since it was believed that carrying a linen bag with its dried leaves and flowers helps to find feminine happiness that will not leave until the end of days. There is also a belief that if you keep this plant under the mattress of children, it will protect them from various diseases.
In the old days, this flower helped determine where it was best to dig a well. It was believed that where it grows, there is water nearby.
According to popular belief, a mother and stepmother can also stop family quarrels and feuds. To do this, you need to weave wreaths from its flowers and place them on white saucers. Subsequently, they need to be placed throughout the house and updated periodically.
The plant opens flowers only in clear weather
Conclusion
It is no coincidence that the coltsfoot flower got its name. And although there are different opinions, they all boil down to one thing.This is due to the fact that the leaves of the culture combine the caress of the mother’s palms and the evil temper of the stepmother. Therefore, when touching them, each person has his own association, depending on the events in his life.
