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Submissions for the Europa Saijiki
Please add your submissions and additions
as a comment to this entry!
I will pick them up from there.
Or
Submit a Kigo to the Europa Saijiki
Gabi Greve
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12/30/2008
6/08/2008
Elm tree
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Elm tree
***** Location: Europa
***** Season: Non-seasonal topic
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
Elms are deciduous and semi-deciduous trees comprising the genus Ulmus, family Ulmaceae, found throughout the Northern Hemisphere from Siberia to Indonesia, Mexico to Japan. Many species and cultivars have also been introduced as ornamentals to parts of the Southern Hemisphere, notably Australasia.
Elms have alternate, simple, single- or doubly-serrate leaves, usually asymmetric at the base and acuminate at the apex. They are hermaphroditic, having perfect flowers which, being wind-pollinated, are without petals. The fruit is a round wind-dispersed samara.
The other genera of the Ulmaceae are Zelkova (Zelkova) and Planera (Water Elm). Celtis (Hackberry or Nettle Tree), formerly included in the Ulmaceae, is now included in the family Cannabaceae.
Elm wood was valued for its interlocking grain, and consequent resistance to splitting, with significant uses in wheels, chair seats and coffins.
From the 18th century to the early 20th century, elms were among the most widely planted ornamental tree in both Europe and North America. They were particularly popular as a street tree in avenue plantings in towns and cities, creating high-tunnelled effects, and to this day, 'Elm Street' remains the most common road name in the USA.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sacred Trees
In England the Elm tree was associated with elves.
It was also belived that the falling of leaves of the Elm out of season predicted disease among cattle.
The Elm was also used to cure cattle by means of the "Need fire".
Elm leaves have also been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.
Herbalists still use Slippery Elm.
In Finno-Ugric mythology the Elm`s were believed to be the mothers of the fire Goddess Ut.
© www.paralumun.com
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Elm trees have entered our mythology - a mark of their prominence in the lives of early civilizations.
Germanic tribes included the elm in their creation myth, and Mongols incorporated it in a wedding prayer.
Germanic Creation Myth
The ancient Germanic peoples who came to inhabit much of Europe, believed that three gods, Odin, Vili and Ve, created the world.
According to the myth, these three gods were walking by the sea examining their handiwork when they came upon two fallen trees. One was an ash, the other an elm. Odin imbued them with the spark of life. Vili endowed them with spirit and a thirst for knowledge. Ve gave them the gift of five senses.
When they had finished, the fallen trees resembled the gods themselves. Out of the ash came man. Woman was created from the elm and her name was Embla.
(Source: "Mythologies" compiled by Yves Bonnefoy v. 1, p.281)
Mongol Wedding Prayer
"Mother Ut (Fire), Mistress of Fire, descended from the elms on the tops of the Khangai-Khan and the Burkhatu-Khan mountains. Thou, who wast born when Heaven and Earth parted, who camest forth from the footprints of Mother Ötygen (Earth), thou creation of Tengeri-Khan. Mother Ut, thy father is the hard steel, thy mother the flint, thy ancestors, the elm trees.
Thy brightness reaches the heavens and spreads over the earth. Thy brightness reaches the Heaven-dweller, nursed by the Mistress Uluken.
Goddess Ut, we offer thee yellow butter and a yellow-headed white sheep. Thine are this brave boy and the beautiful bride, the slender daughter."
(Source: "Mythology of All Races" vol. iv, Uno Holmberg, p.453)
© www.elmcare.com
*****************************
Worldwide use
Germany
Ulme
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
today's thunderstorm
sheets of rain drum on the roof --
the elms full of birds
~ Denis M. Garrison, US
Previously published in
Haiku Harvest and Eight Shades of Blue, Lulu Press, 2005.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
yellow leaves
smothering the flowers -
a dying elm
© MGSwartout
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
an elm tree shrugs
summer leaves
this autumn night
© mary seabright
*****************************
Related Words
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elm tree
***** Location: Europa
***** Season: Non-seasonal topic
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
Elms are deciduous and semi-deciduous trees comprising the genus Ulmus, family Ulmaceae, found throughout the Northern Hemisphere from Siberia to Indonesia, Mexico to Japan. Many species and cultivars have also been introduced as ornamentals to parts of the Southern Hemisphere, notably Australasia.
Elms have alternate, simple, single- or doubly-serrate leaves, usually asymmetric at the base and acuminate at the apex. They are hermaphroditic, having perfect flowers which, being wind-pollinated, are without petals. The fruit is a round wind-dispersed samara.
The other genera of the Ulmaceae are Zelkova (Zelkova) and Planera (Water Elm). Celtis (Hackberry or Nettle Tree), formerly included in the Ulmaceae, is now included in the family Cannabaceae.
Elm wood was valued for its interlocking grain, and consequent resistance to splitting, with significant uses in wheels, chair seats and coffins.
From the 18th century to the early 20th century, elms were among the most widely planted ornamental tree in both Europe and North America. They were particularly popular as a street tree in avenue plantings in towns and cities, creating high-tunnelled effects, and to this day, 'Elm Street' remains the most common road name in the USA.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sacred Trees
In England the Elm tree was associated with elves.
It was also belived that the falling of leaves of the Elm out of season predicted disease among cattle.
The Elm was also used to cure cattle by means of the "Need fire".
Elm leaves have also been used for centuries for medicinal purposes.
Herbalists still use Slippery Elm.
In Finno-Ugric mythology the Elm`s were believed to be the mothers of the fire Goddess Ut.
© www.paralumun.com
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Elm trees have entered our mythology - a mark of their prominence in the lives of early civilizations.
Germanic tribes included the elm in their creation myth, and Mongols incorporated it in a wedding prayer.
Germanic Creation Myth
The ancient Germanic peoples who came to inhabit much of Europe, believed that three gods, Odin, Vili and Ve, created the world.
According to the myth, these three gods were walking by the sea examining their handiwork when they came upon two fallen trees. One was an ash, the other an elm. Odin imbued them with the spark of life. Vili endowed them with spirit and a thirst for knowledge. Ve gave them the gift of five senses.
When they had finished, the fallen trees resembled the gods themselves. Out of the ash came man. Woman was created from the elm and her name was Embla.
(Source: "Mythologies" compiled by Yves Bonnefoy v. 1, p.281)
Mongol Wedding Prayer
"Mother Ut (Fire), Mistress of Fire, descended from the elms on the tops of the Khangai-Khan and the Burkhatu-Khan mountains. Thou, who wast born when Heaven and Earth parted, who camest forth from the footprints of Mother Ötygen (Earth), thou creation of Tengeri-Khan. Mother Ut, thy father is the hard steel, thy mother the flint, thy ancestors, the elm trees.
Thy brightness reaches the heavens and spreads over the earth. Thy brightness reaches the Heaven-dweller, nursed by the Mistress Uluken.
Goddess Ut, we offer thee yellow butter and a yellow-headed white sheep. Thine are this brave boy and the beautiful bride, the slender daughter."
(Source: "Mythology of All Races" vol. iv, Uno Holmberg, p.453)
© www.elmcare.com
*****************************
Worldwide use
Germany
Ulme
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
today's thunderstorm
sheets of rain drum on the roof --
the elms full of birds
~ Denis M. Garrison, US
Previously published in
Haiku Harvest and Eight Shades of Blue, Lulu Press, 2005.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
yellow leaves
smothering the flowers -
a dying elm
© MGSwartout
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
an elm tree shrugs
summer leaves
this autumn night
© mary seabright
*****************************
Related Words
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
4/10/2008
Scilla
[ . BACK to TOP . ]
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Scilla
***** Location: Russia
***** Season: Spring
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
There are various members in the Scilla family.
Scilla (squill)
is a genus of bulb-forming perennial herbs in the Hyacinthaceae. The 90-odd species are found in woodlands, subalpine meadows, and seashores across the Old World. Their flowers are usually blue, but white, pink, and purple types are known; most flower in early spring, but a few are autumn-flowering.
Several African species previously classified in Scilla have been removed to the genus Ledebouria. The best known of these is the common houseplant still sometimes known as Scilla violacea but now properly Ledebouria socialis.
Species include:
© More SCILLA in the WIKIPEDIA !
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scilla Sibirica (Siberian Squill)
kigo for mid-spring
Siberian squill (Scilla siberica), also known as the wood squill or spring beauty, is a small perennial plant native to Siberia.
This plant grows to 15 cm (6 inches) tall and produces small, violet-blue flowers with blue pollen early in the spring.
It spends the winter as a small bulb, perhaps as big as the end of a little finger. It puts up short, somewhat grassy foliage very early in the spring, produces one or more tiny blue flowers, goes to seed, and disappears by summer.
This plant can be planted into a lawn, and, if it naturalizes, can give a very pretty early spring display. It can tolerate light foot traffic while dormant and transplants easily. They are best grown in cool, moist locations with well-drained soil of average fertility. They are very cold-tolerant. It does not do well in hot and/or dry conditions, though it does well in sun or light shade
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !
More external LINKS
http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/bulbs/scilla%20siberica/scilla%20sibirica.htm
http://www.fixedglance.com/picture.php?image_id=377&cat=9&expand=9
http://www.wildchicken.com/nature/garden/nature_200_106.htm
*****************************
Worldwide use
Germany
Szilla, Scilla bifolia, Blaustern
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chionodoxa (Glory-of-the-snow)
I can still
bend low enough:
snow glories
George Hawkins . March 2009
WKD snow glories, Chionodoxa
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
© Photo by Viola
murky day --
Siberian Squill gathers
the sky's blue
пасмурный день --
все краски неба собрал
цветок пролески
Siberian Squill --
stamens poking into
the cold air
© Origa, Olga Hooper
Live Journal
апрельская синева -- ..... April azure --
тянется к небесам ......... a thin shoot stretches out
тоненький росток .... ..... to heaven
© viola
Read more haiku in Russian on the
Live Journal of Origa san!
*****************************
Related words
External LINK to Origa's BLOG
The Pasque-flower
is called a "dream grass" or a "sleepy grass" in Russia.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scilla
***** Location: Russia
***** Season: Spring
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
There are various members in the Scilla family.
Scilla (squill)
is a genus of bulb-forming perennial herbs in the Hyacinthaceae. The 90-odd species are found in woodlands, subalpine meadows, and seashores across the Old World. Their flowers are usually blue, but white, pink, and purple types are known; most flower in early spring, but a few are autumn-flowering.
Several African species previously classified in Scilla have been removed to the genus Ledebouria. The best known of these is the common houseplant still sometimes known as Scilla violacea but now properly Ledebouria socialis.
Species include:
© More SCILLA in the WIKIPEDIA !
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scilla Sibirica (Siberian Squill)
kigo for mid-spring
Siberian squill (Scilla siberica), also known as the wood squill or spring beauty, is a small perennial plant native to Siberia.
This plant grows to 15 cm (6 inches) tall and produces small, violet-blue flowers with blue pollen early in the spring.
It spends the winter as a small bulb, perhaps as big as the end of a little finger. It puts up short, somewhat grassy foliage very early in the spring, produces one or more tiny blue flowers, goes to seed, and disappears by summer.
This plant can be planted into a lawn, and, if it naturalizes, can give a very pretty early spring display. It can tolerate light foot traffic while dormant and transplants easily. They are best grown in cool, moist locations with well-drained soil of average fertility. They are very cold-tolerant. It does not do well in hot and/or dry conditions, though it does well in sun or light shade
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !
More external LINKS
http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/bulbs/scilla%20siberica/scilla%20sibirica.htm
http://www.fixedglance.com/picture.php?image_id=377&cat=9&expand=9
http://www.wildchicken.com/nature/garden/nature_200_106.htm
*****************************
Worldwide use
Germany
Szilla, Scilla bifolia, Blaustern
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chionodoxa (Glory-of-the-snow)
I can still
bend low enough:
snow glories
George Hawkins . March 2009
WKD snow glories, Chionodoxa
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
© Photo by Viola
murky day --
Siberian Squill gathers
the sky's blue
пасмурный день --
все краски неба собрал
цветок пролески
Siberian Squill --
stamens poking into
the cold air
© Origa, Olga Hooper
Live Journal
апрельская синева -- ..... April azure --
тянется к небесам ......... a thin shoot stretches out
тоненький росток .... ..... to heaven
© viola
Read more haiku in Russian on the
Live Journal of Origa san!
*****************************
Related words
External LINK to Origa's BLOG
The Pasque-flower
is called a "dream grass" or a "sleepy grass" in Russia.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
12/03/2007
Beech Tree
[ . BACK to TOP . ]
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Beech Tree
***** Location: Ireland, Europe
***** Season: Various, see below
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
Beech tree (Latin: Fagus sylvatica)
The beech tree (or rather its leaves) in Europe is a kigo at least twice each year
-- in late spring / early summer for the fresh green of its young leaves,
young leaves of the beech tree
and in late autumn / early winter for the colouring of its leaves before they fall, and when they are shed.
red leaves of the beech tree
beechnut
kigo for winter
Beech trees are either green-leafed or copper-leafed, and much enjoyed during the entire leaf-bearing season. During the winter, the trees’ branch structure is equally appreciated. The beechnuts are edible for humans, and prized by squirrels. The bark of the beech tree is smooth, and many a love-lorn person has carved names and wounded hearts into these trees.
Even though the beech tree is not officially recognised as a native tree of Ireland (not having grown there 10,000 years ago, when Ireland was cut off from mainland Europe), it is nevertheless common and has been planted in parks, avenues and hedges all over the country (especially in Leinster). Many ancient beech trees are free standing and may suffer during the worst of the winter storms.
40-year-old beech avenue in the Midlands of Ireland
Text and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski, 2007
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The European Beech is the most common dominant climax tree of the woodlands and forests of central Europe and here it grows in a wide range of soils: acidic, neutral and calcareous. It is often found in combination with Silver Fir and Norway Spruce on the continent and this trio makes very productive, soil-improving forests. In the southern mountains of central Europe it will ascend to 1700 metres. The Beech is a native tree from southern Norway and Sweden down to northern Spain, Italy and the Balkans. The biggest species are found on low-lying sheltered parts. Towards the edges of its northern range it becomes rather stunted. In Finland, for example, its appearance will be much more bush-like.
The tree is able to thrive in poor thin soils, since its roots have a habit of spreading widely all through the upper layers of the soil. This is probably an important contributory reason why, in a wood that starts of with both oak and beech, the beech will usually end up being the dominating tree. The beech cannot cope with waterlogged soils and it prefers dry light soils. It also does well in heavier, stiffer loams, as long as the subsoil does not have a wet character. However, having said that, people have also observed that, as climate changes cause prolonged periods of hot dry weather, that the Beech does not thrive in drought conditions.
Beech delights in chalky subsoil and in Britain it is still only found growing naturally in the Cotswold Hills, the Chiltern Hills and the Sussex Downs, where the soils overlies chalk or limestone. Pollen grain studies suggest that Beech has been native to south England for at least 7000 years, but only around 500 BC did it spread to any considerable extent, including Wales and northwards to Yorkshire. Agricultural and timber felling practices may have eventually reduced its spread again, except on the thin limestone soils, which may not have been as attractive for ploughing to farmers as the more fertile lowlands.
Beech is an important timber tree and has displaced the Oak as Britain's biggest hardwood 'crop'. It has been successfully planted by foresters, as far north as Aberdeen, for its valuable wood, as shelterbelts, and as soil improvers. The beauty of this tree with its massive smooth trunk, its deep shade and attractive Autumn foliage, has also made it an extremely popular, widely planted ornamental tree. Young trees and those who are continually pruned, keep the brown , dry leaves on the twigs all through the winter and this peculiarity has made beech hedges a favourite choice around gardens and wherever else a windbreak or a non-see-through deciduous hedge is required.
http://www.the-tree.org.uk/BritishTrees/beech.htm
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beech tree in winter
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Irish Fea (Family - Fagaceae)
Description: Magnificent, large, deciduous tree. Important economic forestry tree.
Height: Max 40m. Age: mature at 120 years
Where found: Chalky soils and limestone but tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions. Up to 300m. Natural distribution in Southern England to Gloucestershire and a few localities in South Wales. Not native to Ireland. Found throughout most of Europe except Spain, Former USSR, Norway and Sweden.
Propagation and growth:
Grown from seed. Scaly cup splits in Autumn to release 2 three sided nuts. Seed should be moist chilled for approx 12 weeks before sowing. Approx 3000 germinable seeds per Kg. Best established when sheltered by birch or hazel coppice. Frost tender. Increases in size to 120 years.
Uses past & present:
Pale brown hard wood but relatively easily worked. Whitest wood considered to be best grade.
Uses of wood :
Large trees for timber. Not suitable for outside use although used for piles immersed in water. Used for furniture and many other uses such as bowls, spoons, tools, plywood, and veneers. Valuable as sawn timber. Good for firewood and production of charcoal.
Food and drink :
The nut is known as mast and occurs in abundance every five to eight years. It is nutritious and rich in oil and attractive to birds and small mammals including deer and badger. The oil can be extracted and used for culinary purposes.
http://www.british-trees.com/guide/beech.htm
*****************************
Worldwide use
Germany
Rot-Buche (Rotbuche )
Buche
Gemeine Buche
Orientalische Buche
Read more names from other countries !
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Japan
kigo for early summer
buna no hana 山毛欅の花 (ぶなのはな)
blossoms of the beech tree
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
North America
American Beech (Fagus grandiflora)
American Beech trees live a long time in the eastern United States from Michigan to Texas, except in southern Florida. They are usually found as canopy trees on acidic soils growing at higher elevations. The bark of American Beech trees is smooth and gray. They are grown as a landscape tree and turn from green to bronze in autumn. The nuts are eaten by people and animals.
Janice Rosenberger, Kigo Hotline
*****************************
Things found on the way
The historic Forêt de Soignes (Sonian Forest) of Brussels (Belgium), the biggest forest within a European city, consists very largely of beech trees and is a popular walking domain for the inhabitants of the surrounding communes.
More here :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonian_Forest
*****************************
HAIKU
beech avenue --
every bud on every twig
sparkling with dew
early nightfall --
the white of the snowdrops
under the old beech
even today --
beech leaves float in the wind
one by one
wayside statue --
Christ too is covered
in beech leaves
young dog --
every beech leaf is
a new world
Haiku and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
drover's road
beech leaves turn it
gold again
© ~ MATTM
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A Haiku Gallery of the WHC Autumn Festival Ginko
at Beacon Hill, Loughborough, Charnwood
September 23, 2001
'great place for haiku'-
from the giant beech shadows
rounds of laughter
grey autumn sky -
a golden beech candelabras
over it's sapling
© Haiku Series: Kevin Ryan
...
the darkness
of old beech trees
children's laughter
© Haiku Series: Haiku Series: Paul T. Conneally
*****************************
Related words
***** Colored cover leaves of beech tree buds falling on snow
yuki momiji 雪もみじ , haru momiji 春もみじ
kigo for early spring
***** Storm, Gales Europa
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beech Tree
***** Location: Ireland, Europe
***** Season: Various, see below
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
Beech tree (Latin: Fagus sylvatica)
The beech tree (or rather its leaves) in Europe is a kigo at least twice each year
-- in late spring / early summer for the fresh green of its young leaves,
young leaves of the beech tree
and in late autumn / early winter for the colouring of its leaves before they fall, and when they are shed.
red leaves of the beech tree
beechnut
kigo for winter
Beech trees are either green-leafed or copper-leafed, and much enjoyed during the entire leaf-bearing season. During the winter, the trees’ branch structure is equally appreciated. The beechnuts are edible for humans, and prized by squirrels. The bark of the beech tree is smooth, and many a love-lorn person has carved names and wounded hearts into these trees.
Even though the beech tree is not officially recognised as a native tree of Ireland (not having grown there 10,000 years ago, when Ireland was cut off from mainland Europe), it is nevertheless common and has been planted in parks, avenues and hedges all over the country (especially in Leinster). Many ancient beech trees are free standing and may suffer during the worst of the winter storms.
40-year-old beech avenue in the Midlands of Ireland
Text and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski, 2007
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The European Beech is the most common dominant climax tree of the woodlands and forests of central Europe and here it grows in a wide range of soils: acidic, neutral and calcareous. It is often found in combination with Silver Fir and Norway Spruce on the continent and this trio makes very productive, soil-improving forests. In the southern mountains of central Europe it will ascend to 1700 metres. The Beech is a native tree from southern Norway and Sweden down to northern Spain, Italy and the Balkans. The biggest species are found on low-lying sheltered parts. Towards the edges of its northern range it becomes rather stunted. In Finland, for example, its appearance will be much more bush-like.
The tree is able to thrive in poor thin soils, since its roots have a habit of spreading widely all through the upper layers of the soil. This is probably an important contributory reason why, in a wood that starts of with both oak and beech, the beech will usually end up being the dominating tree. The beech cannot cope with waterlogged soils and it prefers dry light soils. It also does well in heavier, stiffer loams, as long as the subsoil does not have a wet character. However, having said that, people have also observed that, as climate changes cause prolonged periods of hot dry weather, that the Beech does not thrive in drought conditions.
Beech delights in chalky subsoil and in Britain it is still only found growing naturally in the Cotswold Hills, the Chiltern Hills and the Sussex Downs, where the soils overlies chalk or limestone. Pollen grain studies suggest that Beech has been native to south England for at least 7000 years, but only around 500 BC did it spread to any considerable extent, including Wales and northwards to Yorkshire. Agricultural and timber felling practices may have eventually reduced its spread again, except on the thin limestone soils, which may not have been as attractive for ploughing to farmers as the more fertile lowlands.
Beech is an important timber tree and has displaced the Oak as Britain's biggest hardwood 'crop'. It has been successfully planted by foresters, as far north as Aberdeen, for its valuable wood, as shelterbelts, and as soil improvers. The beauty of this tree with its massive smooth trunk, its deep shade and attractive Autumn foliage, has also made it an extremely popular, widely planted ornamental tree. Young trees and those who are continually pruned, keep the brown , dry leaves on the twigs all through the winter and this peculiarity has made beech hedges a favourite choice around gardens and wherever else a windbreak or a non-see-through deciduous hedge is required.
http://www.the-tree.org.uk/BritishTrees/beech.htm
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beech tree in winter
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Irish Fea (Family - Fagaceae)
Description: Magnificent, large, deciduous tree. Important economic forestry tree.
Height: Max 40m. Age: mature at 120 years
Where found: Chalky soils and limestone but tolerant of a wide range of soils and conditions. Up to 300m. Natural distribution in Southern England to Gloucestershire and a few localities in South Wales. Not native to Ireland. Found throughout most of Europe except Spain, Former USSR, Norway and Sweden.
Propagation and growth:
Grown from seed. Scaly cup splits in Autumn to release 2 three sided nuts. Seed should be moist chilled for approx 12 weeks before sowing. Approx 3000 germinable seeds per Kg. Best established when sheltered by birch or hazel coppice. Frost tender. Increases in size to 120 years.
Uses past & present:
Pale brown hard wood but relatively easily worked. Whitest wood considered to be best grade.
Uses of wood :
Large trees for timber. Not suitable for outside use although used for piles immersed in water. Used for furniture and many other uses such as bowls, spoons, tools, plywood, and veneers. Valuable as sawn timber. Good for firewood and production of charcoal.
Food and drink :
The nut is known as mast and occurs in abundance every five to eight years. It is nutritious and rich in oil and attractive to birds and small mammals including deer and badger. The oil can be extracted and used for culinary purposes.
http://www.british-trees.com/guide/beech.htm
*****************************
Worldwide use
Germany
Rot-Buche (Rotbuche )
Buche
Gemeine Buche
Orientalische Buche
Read more names from other countries !
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Japan
kigo for early summer
buna no hana 山毛欅の花 (ぶなのはな)
blossoms of the beech tree
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North America
American Beech (Fagus grandiflora)
American Beech trees live a long time in the eastern United States from Michigan to Texas, except in southern Florida. They are usually found as canopy trees on acidic soils growing at higher elevations. The bark of American Beech trees is smooth and gray. They are grown as a landscape tree and turn from green to bronze in autumn. The nuts are eaten by people and animals.
Janice Rosenberger, Kigo Hotline
*****************************
Things found on the way
The historic Forêt de Soignes (Sonian Forest) of Brussels (Belgium), the biggest forest within a European city, consists very largely of beech trees and is a popular walking domain for the inhabitants of the surrounding communes.
More here :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonian_Forest
*****************************
HAIKU
beech avenue --
every bud on every twig
sparkling with dew
early nightfall --
the white of the snowdrops
under the old beech
even today --
beech leaves float in the wind
one by one
wayside statue --
Christ too is covered
in beech leaves
young dog --
every beech leaf is
a new world
Haiku and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
drover's road
beech leaves turn it
gold again
© ~ MATTM
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A Haiku Gallery of the WHC Autumn Festival Ginko
at Beacon Hill, Loughborough, Charnwood
September 23, 2001
'great place for haiku'-
from the giant beech shadows
rounds of laughter
grey autumn sky -
a golden beech candelabras
over it's sapling
© Haiku Series: Kevin Ryan
...
the darkness
of old beech trees
children's laughter
© Haiku Series: Haiku Series: Paul T. Conneally
*****************************
Related words
***** Colored cover leaves of beech tree buds falling on snow
yuki momiji 雪もみじ , haru momiji 春もみじ
kigo for early spring
***** Storm, Gales Europa
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
7/28/2007
Belgian National Day
[ . BACK to TOP . ]
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Belgian National Day
(Fête nationale de la Belgique)
***** Location: Belgium
***** Season: Mid-Summer
***** Category: Observance
*****************************
Explanation
21 July is the National Festival of Belgium, celebrating the historical achievement of independence in 1830. 21 July is always a public holiday, and everyone enjoys joining in for at least some of the varied activities.
The country has three languages -- Flemish, French and German -- and is never quite safe from a potential split. In addition, nowadays there are immigrants from all the EU Member States, as well as many other countries around the world -- and this day is a great unifying occasion for the country, as everyone enjoys the activities together.
The festival starts with a big outdoor dance party the night before, in one of the downtown city squares, free of charge for the population to enjoy.
Belgians are not a flag-waving people, but for the National Day, some of my neighbours hang out their black-gold-red flags and enjoy a short-lived burst of national fervour.
Belgian flag
The National Day always starts with the King and Queen attending a festive Te Deum in the Cathedral of SS Michel et Gudule, after which they proceed to host a parade of armed forces, many of them marching or riding past in their festive costumes. The parade concludes with a fly-past by the airforce, indulging in mild aerobatics.
Many of the Belgian institutions open their doors to the public, and so, for instance, one can take school groups to the Parliament, and ask questions about how it works, or be part of a mock debate. The museums are open free of charge, and some archaeological sites around the royal palace can be visited only on this day.
Between the Parliament building and the royal palace lies a huge park, where all day long special sports activities are organised for children and teenagers. Called “Olympicnic” and held under the auspices of the Belgian Olympic Committee, the event even includes the lighting of a mini Olympic flame. The young people are given cards and set to try out a circuit of the less well known sports, such as archery, beach volleyball, rugby and golf -- and for the small ones rope skipping and even gym dancing to the latest pop music. It is great fun! This year, for the first time, I noticed baseball was also there...
All who finish the course, win a prize -- this year, it was an orange sun hat, worn with pride by many around the park.
The armed forces and other disciplines, such as the fire brigade and the Red Cross, have stands to explain their work to all comers. The European Union had a prominent presence this year, celebrating its own 50th anniversary.
Finally, in the evening, there is a huge fireworks display in front of the royal palace -- a definite "must", with a great atmosphere gathering huge crowds, and always some new creation of beauty. My own commune (Saint-Josse Ten Noode) has its own fireworks immediately afterwards, and I enjoy them almost as much, as they are for the locals, on the local square, and one can get right up to the action. In some positions, one can even get showered with interesting Chinese debris...
Text and photos © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More information here about the 2007 events :
http://www.sibp.be/parc/fr/accueilparc.htm
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A bit of history...
In the 17th century followed Austrian rule, and a few years of French rule under Napoleon. After Napoleon's demise, in 1815, Belgium was reunited with the northern provinces in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, until the Belgian Revolution in 1830, which established an independent Belgian state. The Belgian revolution was initiated by the French-speaking minority who controlled the factories and other economical resources and who did not want to live under a Dutch-speaking administration. The fact that Belgium was mostly Catholic and the Netherlands predominantly Protestant also played a role. Another important factor which played a decisive role was the dramatic gap between the respective economic levels of the southern and northern provinces.
...
Since the 20th century, the history of Belgium became more and more dominated by the increasing autonomy of its two main communities, the Dutch- and the French-speakers. As an indication of this, since around 1970, there are no longer significant national Belgian political parties, but only Flemish- or French-speaking parties (and one German-speaking party). The regular attempts to re-establish national, Belgian parties end up below 1 percent of the electorate; the Brussels parties either never got started (as with the 'Blauwe Leeuwen' and 'Rode Leeuwen' for the Flemings in Brussels), or got merged into one of the French-speaking liberal parties (such as the French-speaking FDF, which, however, has had a significant influence for years, and still keeps some independence).
As such, the political landscape shows a near-perfect dual political system, reflecting the two underlying dominant communities. While some observers believe that Belgium is well on its way to disintegration, falling apart into two independent states, Flanders and Wallonia, others go on to argue that this would have already happened had it not been for the problem posed by the city of Brussels. Today, many view this as quite improbable, considering how the vast mayority of the inhabitants are in favour of a united Belgium.
© en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ghent Festivities, Ghent Festival, Gentse Feesten
Always at Summer time we have our Ghent Festivities. The Ghent Festivities are organised each year an the end of July. That week must include the National Belgian Day - the 21. of July.
During this week, the whole center of Ghent is one festivity zone.
Each day there is a lot to see. We have street theatre, music tents and many more. Infact the festivities go on the whole days and nights. Our Belfort is symbol for our willing for freedom. On top there is a 'golden' dragon with spread wings; a 'wind cock'.
And we have our halter procession. A procession reminding of the time we were terrorised by our 'son' Charles the Fifth. Born at Ghent in 1500. In that procession haltered men (must be real Ghenter during several generations) are walking in a silent procession. Also Charles the Fifth is seen with his soldiers and family.
At the end of that procession the whole procession stops in the shade of the belfry. People and the haltered men are singing the 'Roland Song (our 'national Song) about the clock Roland (or Roeland) who warned the Ghent Population against enemies and desasters. During the song (sung by most of us Ghenters) Charles The Fifth and his clique are showing their back to us public.
During the procession people are still insulting Charles and applauding the haltered men.
We are known as the halter people or rope people (stroppendragers) .
Die Genter Festzeit
Der goldne Belfrieddrachen
Steckt die Zunge aus.
Ghent Festivities
The golden Belfry dragon
Putting out its tongue.
ron rozendaal, July 2008
*****************************
Worldwide use
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
horse guards --
so many and so still
as they wait
(2007)
all cameras out --
the chessboard buttocks
of the chestnuts
(2007)
national day --
sound of cathedral bells
and hooves on cobbles
(2007)
national parade --
yellow balloon meets a
helicopter
(2005)
national holiday --
Belgian colours waft
across our street
(2005)
my windowsill --
a perfect position
for the fly-past
(2006)
old drone
skims over our roofs --
scaring the crows
(2006)
concentration
as he strikes his first baseball --
Olympicnic
(2007)
all decked out
in Belgian national colours --
two Americans
(2006)
fireworks --
catching the debris
spinning down
(2006)
Haiku and photos © Isabelle Prondzynski
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
*****************************
Related words
***** Independence Day worldwide
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Belgian National Day
(Fête nationale de la Belgique)
***** Location: Belgium
***** Season: Mid-Summer
***** Category: Observance
*****************************
Explanation
21 July is the National Festival of Belgium, celebrating the historical achievement of independence in 1830. 21 July is always a public holiday, and everyone enjoys joining in for at least some of the varied activities.
The country has three languages -- Flemish, French and German -- and is never quite safe from a potential split. In addition, nowadays there are immigrants from all the EU Member States, as well as many other countries around the world -- and this day is a great unifying occasion for the country, as everyone enjoys the activities together.
The festival starts with a big outdoor dance party the night before, in one of the downtown city squares, free of charge for the population to enjoy.
Belgians are not a flag-waving people, but for the National Day, some of my neighbours hang out their black-gold-red flags and enjoy a short-lived burst of national fervour.
Belgian flag
The National Day always starts with the King and Queen attending a festive Te Deum in the Cathedral of SS Michel et Gudule, after which they proceed to host a parade of armed forces, many of them marching or riding past in their festive costumes. The parade concludes with a fly-past by the airforce, indulging in mild aerobatics.
Many of the Belgian institutions open their doors to the public, and so, for instance, one can take school groups to the Parliament, and ask questions about how it works, or be part of a mock debate. The museums are open free of charge, and some archaeological sites around the royal palace can be visited only on this day.
Between the Parliament building and the royal palace lies a huge park, where all day long special sports activities are organised for children and teenagers. Called “Olympicnic” and held under the auspices of the Belgian Olympic Committee, the event even includes the lighting of a mini Olympic flame. The young people are given cards and set to try out a circuit of the less well known sports, such as archery, beach volleyball, rugby and golf -- and for the small ones rope skipping and even gym dancing to the latest pop music. It is great fun! This year, for the first time, I noticed baseball was also there...
All who finish the course, win a prize -- this year, it was an orange sun hat, worn with pride by many around the park.
The armed forces and other disciplines, such as the fire brigade and the Red Cross, have stands to explain their work to all comers. The European Union had a prominent presence this year, celebrating its own 50th anniversary.
Finally, in the evening, there is a huge fireworks display in front of the royal palace -- a definite "must", with a great atmosphere gathering huge crowds, and always some new creation of beauty. My own commune (Saint-Josse Ten Noode) has its own fireworks immediately afterwards, and I enjoy them almost as much, as they are for the locals, on the local square, and one can get right up to the action. In some positions, one can even get showered with interesting Chinese debris...
Text and photos © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More information here about the 2007 events :
http://www.sibp.be/parc/fr/accueilparc.htm
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A bit of history...
In the 17th century followed Austrian rule, and a few years of French rule under Napoleon. After Napoleon's demise, in 1815, Belgium was reunited with the northern provinces in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, until the Belgian Revolution in 1830, which established an independent Belgian state. The Belgian revolution was initiated by the French-speaking minority who controlled the factories and other economical resources and who did not want to live under a Dutch-speaking administration. The fact that Belgium was mostly Catholic and the Netherlands predominantly Protestant also played a role. Another important factor which played a decisive role was the dramatic gap between the respective economic levels of the southern and northern provinces.
...
Since the 20th century, the history of Belgium became more and more dominated by the increasing autonomy of its two main communities, the Dutch- and the French-speakers. As an indication of this, since around 1970, there are no longer significant national Belgian political parties, but only Flemish- or French-speaking parties (and one German-speaking party). The regular attempts to re-establish national, Belgian parties end up below 1 percent of the electorate; the Brussels parties either never got started (as with the 'Blauwe Leeuwen' and 'Rode Leeuwen' for the Flemings in Brussels), or got merged into one of the French-speaking liberal parties (such as the French-speaking FDF, which, however, has had a significant influence for years, and still keeps some independence).
As such, the political landscape shows a near-perfect dual political system, reflecting the two underlying dominant communities. While some observers believe that Belgium is well on its way to disintegration, falling apart into two independent states, Flanders and Wallonia, others go on to argue that this would have already happened had it not been for the problem posed by the city of Brussels. Today, many view this as quite improbable, considering how the vast mayority of the inhabitants are in favour of a united Belgium.
© en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ghent Festivities, Ghent Festival, Gentse Feesten
Always at Summer time we have our Ghent Festivities. The Ghent Festivities are organised each year an the end of July. That week must include the National Belgian Day - the 21. of July.
During this week, the whole center of Ghent is one festivity zone.
Each day there is a lot to see. We have street theatre, music tents and many more. Infact the festivities go on the whole days and nights. Our Belfort is symbol for our willing for freedom. On top there is a 'golden' dragon with spread wings; a 'wind cock'.
And we have our halter procession. A procession reminding of the time we were terrorised by our 'son' Charles the Fifth. Born at Ghent in 1500. In that procession haltered men (must be real Ghenter during several generations) are walking in a silent procession. Also Charles the Fifth is seen with his soldiers and family.
At the end of that procession the whole procession stops in the shade of the belfry. People and the haltered men are singing the 'Roland Song (our 'national Song) about the clock Roland (or Roeland) who warned the Ghent Population against enemies and desasters. During the song (sung by most of us Ghenters) Charles The Fifth and his clique are showing their back to us public.
During the procession people are still insulting Charles and applauding the haltered men.
We are known as the halter people or rope people (stroppendragers) .
Die Genter Festzeit
Der goldne Belfrieddrachen
Steckt die Zunge aus.
Ghent Festivities
The golden Belfry dragon
Putting out its tongue.
ron rozendaal, July 2008
*****************************
Worldwide use
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
horse guards --
so many and so still
as they wait
(2007)
all cameras out --
the chessboard buttocks
of the chestnuts
(2007)
national day --
sound of cathedral bells
and hooves on cobbles
(2007)
national parade --
yellow balloon meets a
helicopter
(2005)
national holiday --
Belgian colours waft
across our street
(2005)
my windowsill --
a perfect position
for the fly-past
(2006)
old drone
skims over our roofs --
scaring the crows
(2006)
concentration
as he strikes his first baseball --
Olympicnic
(2007)
all decked out
in Belgian national colours --
two Americans
(2006)
fireworks --
catching the debris
spinning down
(2006)
Haiku and photos © Isabelle Prondzynski
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
*****************************
Related words
***** Independence Day worldwide
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
7/27/2007
Swift (Apus apus)
[ . BACK to TOP . ]
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Swift (Latin : Apus apus --
German : Mauersegler -- French : martinet noir)
***** Location: Ireland and Europe
***** Season: Mid-Summer
***** Category: Animal
*****************************
Explanation
Swifts are one of the sure signs of the European summer. They arrive immediately after the swallows, at the beginning of May, and leave again, almost unnoticed, weeks before the swallows depart, at the beginning of August. They often fly in flocks, wheeling at high speed over the rooftops or under the clouds, screeching in chorus as they go, and are said to spend almost their entire lives flying.
The swift is more urbanised than the swallow, at least in Europe. While both happily coexist in rural Ireland, swallows lack the mud they need to build their nests in the modern city. Swifts make use of holes and crevices in buildings, and so long as sufficient old buildings offer such spaces, they will be found even in major cities.
Some years back, one of them strayed into my bathroom in Ireland, and flew round and round just below the high ceiling, in a space that was far too confined for it. After considerable time, I managed to trap it with the help of a curtain and found that, while its wings were wide and strong, it had quite rudimentary feet.
The shout of the swift is part of the height of summer in the same way that open windows are... and its disappearance is a clear harbinger of the imminence of autumn.
View from my window -- the swifts were too swift for my camera!
Text and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
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Scientific name : Apus apus
Status :
Common summer visitor everywhere except far N and W Scotland.
Habitat :
Breeds almost exclusively in buildings in towns and villages, but travels large distances to feed and can then be found almost anywhere.
Description :
Superb fliers and the most ariel of birds. All dark except for whitish chin (hard to see), and best told by its characteristic scythe shaped wings, and its screaming calls, often in small parties wheeling around buildings. Unlike swallows and martins, never lands on ground or perches on wires, and indeed spends almost all its life on the wing.
Size :
16 - 17 cm
http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/swift.htm
*****************************
Worldwide use
Czech Republic
The trials of the Common Swift - bird of the year in the Czech Rep
[11-08-2004]
By Jan Velinger
Over the last couple of days we've seen one of the first signs of autumn here in Prague, as swifts have started gathering for their annual migration to the south. But for how much longer will this annual ritual continue? The common swift has been chosen this year by the Czech Ornithological Society to be the subject of its annual Bird of the Year campaign to heighten a growing threat to the swift's traditional habitats.
In Latin it's known as Apus apus - the Common Swift. It's an acrobatic and feisty bird - easily recognisable for its characteristic screech that you often hear in the spring and early summer months.
The swift is no stranger to Czech cities, as the breed favours nesting under the eaves of apartment buildings or even within building themselves. Pavel Vasak is from the Czech Ornithological Society. He explains how the bird developed new habits in reaction to changing trends.
"After 1989 the majority of cities in the Czech Republic - especially Prague - began seeing extensive reconstruction of old buildings in very poor shape. The repairs of facades and roofs, however, meant that the birds' nesting choices eventually grew limited, which eventually influenced the species to begin nesting in ventilation shafts in pre-fabricated apartments. Today, that has proven to be a bad choice."
Setting up home within ventilation shafts is a habit that has now put the birds at threat. There have been many cases of birds being holed up, trapped inside ventilation shafts with access routes cut off.
The danger to the swift is one reason the Ornithological Society chose the bird for its 2004 campaign in the first place, and in part thanks to the campaign the society along with the Ministry for Regional Development, City Hall, and members of the concerned public,have been able to put pressure on construction firms to respect the birds' habitat, and rebuild in such a manner as not to put the species at continued threat. Pavel Vasak again:
"In past years our experience with construction companies was not that positive. But since last year we began co-operating with the Ministry for Regional Development and City Hall - that has made the difference. Construction firms - and the public - are now more aware of the needs of the swift and what needs to be done - and can be done - to help the bird's habitat survive."
In primeval times swifts used to nest in cracks and crannies on the sides of natural cliffs but their choosing man-made structures for nesting goes back to ancient times too - to the first stone structures and villages ever built by man. That set-up proved successful for millennia: the Czech Ornithological Society will do every thing within its power to makes sure that set-up continues.
http://www.radio.cz/en/article/56949
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France
martinet noir
More photos here, and a write-up of the swift (martinet noir) in French :
..www.oiseaux.net/oiseaux/
With a wonderful photo :
..www.oiseaux.net/photos/
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Germany
Mauersegler
Beautiful pages at the URL below, with photos taken by Erich Kaiser, who loves, researches and accommodates swifts in the gables of his house. The write-up is in German, but following the pages from 1 to 8, you will see a fascinating series of photos of swift fledgelings, from hatching all the way to stretching their enormous wings and getting ready for their first flight -- which they must succeed, as they could not manage to take off again if they fall to the ground.
..www.mauersegler.klausroggel.de/
*****************************
Things found on the way
birds nest soup
a delicacy in Chinese cuisine.
A few species of swift, the cave swifts, are renowned for building the saliva nests used to produce the unique texture of this soup.
The edible bird's nests are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans. The nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years, most often as bird's nest soup.
The Chinese name for bird's nest soup, yàn wō (燕窝), translates literally as "swallow's nest". When dissolved in water, the birds' nests have a gelatinous texture used for soup or sweet tong sui. It is mostly referred to as "yan wo" unless references are made to the salty or sweet soup in Chinese cuisine.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !
bird's nest―
a cave swift delicacy
in my bowl
- Shared by Santíago Víllafanía, Philippines -
Joys of Japan, 2012
*****************************
HAIKU
balmy day --
balcony seat under
swiftless skies
(15 September 2005)
high above
in the blue morning sky --
the first two swifts
evening sky --
a cloud of swifts
mills about
(both 3 May 2006)
swifts have gone --
will I be back next year?
warm autumn night
(5 August 2006)
all at once --
a sky full of
swifts
(4 May 2007)
evening sky --
full of jasmine
and swifts’ wings
(20 June 2007)
fading daylight --
the last swarm of swifts
more heard than seen
(15 July 2007)
Isabelle Prondzynski
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bedtime -
darting swifts
play tag
© ~ joanie
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
evening -
some swifts in and out
of a train's sound
© ~ O.G. Aksnes
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
noisy swifts spiral
into the old church chimney
as evening air cools
© ~ Pardee A Gunter
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Haiga
a traveller
in time and space
common swift rush by
Curtesy of © Ashi
*****************************
Related words
***** Swallow (tsubame, Japan)
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
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:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swift (Latin : Apus apus --
German : Mauersegler -- French : martinet noir)
***** Location: Ireland and Europe
***** Season: Mid-Summer
***** Category: Animal
*****************************
Explanation
Swifts are one of the sure signs of the European summer. They arrive immediately after the swallows, at the beginning of May, and leave again, almost unnoticed, weeks before the swallows depart, at the beginning of August. They often fly in flocks, wheeling at high speed over the rooftops or under the clouds, screeching in chorus as they go, and are said to spend almost their entire lives flying.
The swift is more urbanised than the swallow, at least in Europe. While both happily coexist in rural Ireland, swallows lack the mud they need to build their nests in the modern city. Swifts make use of holes and crevices in buildings, and so long as sufficient old buildings offer such spaces, they will be found even in major cities.
Some years back, one of them strayed into my bathroom in Ireland, and flew round and round just below the high ceiling, in a space that was far too confined for it. After considerable time, I managed to trap it with the help of a curtain and found that, while its wings were wide and strong, it had quite rudimentary feet.
The shout of the swift is part of the height of summer in the same way that open windows are... and its disappearance is a clear harbinger of the imminence of autumn.
View from my window -- the swifts were too swift for my camera!
Text and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scientific name : Apus apus
Status :
Common summer visitor everywhere except far N and W Scotland.
Habitat :
Breeds almost exclusively in buildings in towns and villages, but travels large distances to feed and can then be found almost anywhere.
Description :
Superb fliers and the most ariel of birds. All dark except for whitish chin (hard to see), and best told by its characteristic scythe shaped wings, and its screaming calls, often in small parties wheeling around buildings. Unlike swallows and martins, never lands on ground or perches on wires, and indeed spends almost all its life on the wing.
Size :
16 - 17 cm
http://www.birdsofbritain.co.uk/bird-guide/swift.htm
*****************************
Worldwide use
Czech Republic
The trials of the Common Swift - bird of the year in the Czech Rep
[11-08-2004]
By Jan Velinger
Over the last couple of days we've seen one of the first signs of autumn here in Prague, as swifts have started gathering for their annual migration to the south. But for how much longer will this annual ritual continue? The common swift has been chosen this year by the Czech Ornithological Society to be the subject of its annual Bird of the Year campaign to heighten a growing threat to the swift's traditional habitats.
In Latin it's known as Apus apus - the Common Swift. It's an acrobatic and feisty bird - easily recognisable for its characteristic screech that you often hear in the spring and early summer months.
The swift is no stranger to Czech cities, as the breed favours nesting under the eaves of apartment buildings or even within building themselves. Pavel Vasak is from the Czech Ornithological Society. He explains how the bird developed new habits in reaction to changing trends.
"After 1989 the majority of cities in the Czech Republic - especially Prague - began seeing extensive reconstruction of old buildings in very poor shape. The repairs of facades and roofs, however, meant that the birds' nesting choices eventually grew limited, which eventually influenced the species to begin nesting in ventilation shafts in pre-fabricated apartments. Today, that has proven to be a bad choice."
Setting up home within ventilation shafts is a habit that has now put the birds at threat. There have been many cases of birds being holed up, trapped inside ventilation shafts with access routes cut off.
The danger to the swift is one reason the Ornithological Society chose the bird for its 2004 campaign in the first place, and in part thanks to the campaign the society along with the Ministry for Regional Development, City Hall, and members of the concerned public,have been able to put pressure on construction firms to respect the birds' habitat, and rebuild in such a manner as not to put the species at continued threat. Pavel Vasak again:
"In past years our experience with construction companies was not that positive. But since last year we began co-operating with the Ministry for Regional Development and City Hall - that has made the difference. Construction firms - and the public - are now more aware of the needs of the swift and what needs to be done - and can be done - to help the bird's habitat survive."
In primeval times swifts used to nest in cracks and crannies on the sides of natural cliffs but their choosing man-made structures for nesting goes back to ancient times too - to the first stone structures and villages ever built by man. That set-up proved successful for millennia: the Czech Ornithological Society will do every thing within its power to makes sure that set-up continues.
http://www.radio.cz/en/article/56949
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France
martinet noir
More photos here, and a write-up of the swift (martinet noir) in French :
..www.oiseaux.net/oiseaux/
With a wonderful photo :
..www.oiseaux.net/photos/
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Germany
Mauersegler
Beautiful pages at the URL below, with photos taken by Erich Kaiser, who loves, researches and accommodates swifts in the gables of his house. The write-up is in German, but following the pages from 1 to 8, you will see a fascinating series of photos of swift fledgelings, from hatching all the way to stretching their enormous wings and getting ready for their first flight -- which they must succeed, as they could not manage to take off again if they fall to the ground.
..www.mauersegler.klausroggel.de/
*****************************
Things found on the way
birds nest soup
a delicacy in Chinese cuisine.
A few species of swift, the cave swifts, are renowned for building the saliva nests used to produce the unique texture of this soup.
The edible bird's nests are among the most expensive animal products consumed by humans. The nests have been used in Chinese cooking for over 400 years, most often as bird's nest soup.
The Chinese name for bird's nest soup, yàn wō (燕窝), translates literally as "swallow's nest". When dissolved in water, the birds' nests have a gelatinous texture used for soup or sweet tong sui. It is mostly referred to as "yan wo" unless references are made to the salty or sweet soup in Chinese cuisine.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !
bird's nest―
a cave swift delicacy
in my bowl
- Shared by Santíago Víllafanía, Philippines -
Joys of Japan, 2012
*****************************
HAIKU
balmy day --
balcony seat under
swiftless skies
(15 September 2005)
high above
in the blue morning sky --
the first two swifts
evening sky --
a cloud of swifts
mills about
(both 3 May 2006)
swifts have gone --
will I be back next year?
warm autumn night
(5 August 2006)
all at once --
a sky full of
swifts
(4 May 2007)
evening sky --
full of jasmine
and swifts’ wings
(20 June 2007)
fading daylight --
the last swarm of swifts
more heard than seen
(15 July 2007)
Isabelle Prondzynski
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bedtime -
darting swifts
play tag
© ~ joanie
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
evening -
some swifts in and out
of a train's sound
© ~ O.G. Aksnes
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
noisy swifts spiral
into the old church chimney
as evening air cools
© ~ Pardee A Gunter
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Haiga
a traveller
in time and space
common swift rush by
Curtesy of © Ashi
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Related words
***** Swallow (tsubame, Japan)
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7/16/2007
Bog grasses
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Bog grasses
***** Location: Ireland
***** Season: Autumn
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
Bog Grasses
There are three major types of bog in Ireland; firstly Fens, which form where the bog is fed from ground waters rich in nutrients; raised bogs, which occupy the sites of former lake basins, and often form on top of fens, especially in the Irish midlands; and lastly blanket bogs, which cover mountain tops or sloping ground, especially on the west coast.
Fens are bogs which form in lake basins (right). The community of grasses, sedges, and bryophytes is fed from ground waters rich in nutrients. They are very often an early stage in the formation of raised bogs which grow on top of the fen. Their depth can vary depending on their location but they are usually 2 to 3m in depth. ome of our rarest flowering plants and bryophytes are confined to fens.
Raised bog is almost pure sphagnum moss (susán) with scattered grasses and sedges, and these are the bogs from which moss peat is extracted. Sphagnum can grow on rainwater alone, and as long as grasses, sedges and heathers cannot obtain sufficient nutrients from the bog, the sphagnum will continue to outstrip them in speed of growth, forming a huge dome of moss that gradually spreads outwards from the original lake basin from where it starts. Raised bogs probably began growing about 7,000 years ago.
About a foot below the surface of a bog the water is deprived of all oxygen, and the dead remains of moss, other plants and even humans can be preserved indefinitely. Country dwellers used to store butter below the surface of bogs, and examples of ‘bog-butter’ are still occasionally found. Raised bogs are fragile because they are like a huge plastic bag full of water - as soon as you make a pin prick in them they drain away and collapse. These bogs are sometimes called red bogs, because the dry peat looks brownish-red in colour - in blanket bog the cut turves dry black.
Blanket bogs cover much of the hills and land along the west coast of Ireland. They are dominated by heathers, grasses and sedges as well as sphagnum moss. Blanket bogs only develop in areas of the west, or mountaintops, with particularly high rainfall (more than 1.3 metres per year). They began growing about 4,000 years ago when rainfall increased. On higher ground, bogs are often referred to as moorland, where they are somewhat transitional between heath (dominated by heathers) and bog (dominated by sphagnum moss).
Heath is a transitional community, which links the more upland types of grassland with the drier types of mountain blanket bog. It occurs on shallow, peaty soils, with a higher mineral content than true peat characteristic of bogs. This community usually comprises a patchwork, with different areas dominated by different species; bracken, raithneach mhór (Pteridium aquilinum), bilberry, fraochán (Vaccinium myrtillus), bell heather, fraoch cloigíneach (Erica cinerea), ling heather, fraoch mór (Calluna vulgaris), rushes, sedges or grasses.
HEATHER, see below.
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Worldwide use
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
bog grasses in the evening -
a seagull
absorbs the light
© Aisling White, 2006
Haiku from Irelnad
*****************************
Related words
Heather (Erika) (Ericaceae)
kigo for autumn
ヘザー（Heather）
エリカ属(Erica), カルーナ属(Calluna),ダボエシア属(Daboecia)
ヒース（Heath）, リング（Ling)
Heather is at home in Europe (e.g. Ireland) in areas with acid soil, such as bogs and similar landscapes.
Ireland, Scotland, Germany (Lueneburger Heide) are among the best.
France and Spain have their heathers too.
Heather flowers in the autumn and produces spectacular purple landscapes at that time.
Heather honey is the very best in flavour and the most expensive, and it is very hard nowadays to find it pure.
Ericaceae family:
HEIDE, Heidekraut, Erika in German.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidekraut
.................................................
When God first made the world, He looked at the bare and barren hillsides and thought how nice it would be to cover them with some kind of beautiful tree or flower. So he turned to the Giant Oak, the biggest and strongest of all of the trees he had made, and asked him if he would be willing to go up to the bare hills to help make them look more attractive. But the oak explained that he needed a good depth of soil in order to grow and that the hillsides would be far too rocky for him to take root.
So God left the oak tree and turned to the honeysuckle with its lovely yellow flower and beautiful sweet fragrance. He asked the honeysuckle if she would care to grow on the hillsides and spread her beauty and fragrance amongst the barren slopes. But the honeysuckle explained that she needed a wall or a fence or even another plant to grow against, and for that reason, it would be quite impossible for her to grow in the hills.
So God then turned to one of the sweetest and most beautiful of all the flowers - the rose. God asked the rose if she would care to grace the rugged highlands with her splendour. But the rose explained that the wind and the rain and the cold on the hills would destroy her, and so she would not be able to grow on the hills.
Disappointed with the oak, the honeysuckle and the rose, God turned away. At length, he came across a small, low lying, green shrub with a flower of tiny petals -some purple and some white. It was a heather.
God asked the heather the same question that he’d asked the others.
"Will you go and grow upon the hillsides to make them more beautiful?"
The heather thought about the poor soil, the wind and the rain - and wasn’t very sure that she could do a good job. But turning to God she replied that if he wanted her to do it, she would certainly give it a try.
God was very pleased.
Read the rest of the story here
© www.electricscotland.com
COPY
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
***** WKD : Ireland Saijiki, Irish Saijiki
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bog grasses
***** Location: Ireland
***** Season: Autumn
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
Bog Grasses
There are three major types of bog in Ireland; firstly Fens, which form where the bog is fed from ground waters rich in nutrients; raised bogs, which occupy the sites of former lake basins, and often form on top of fens, especially in the Irish midlands; and lastly blanket bogs, which cover mountain tops or sloping ground, especially on the west coast.
Fens are bogs which form in lake basins (right). The community of grasses, sedges, and bryophytes is fed from ground waters rich in nutrients. They are very often an early stage in the formation of raised bogs which grow on top of the fen. Their depth can vary depending on their location but they are usually 2 to 3m in depth. ome of our rarest flowering plants and bryophytes are confined to fens.
Raised bog is almost pure sphagnum moss (susán) with scattered grasses and sedges, and these are the bogs from which moss peat is extracted. Sphagnum can grow on rainwater alone, and as long as grasses, sedges and heathers cannot obtain sufficient nutrients from the bog, the sphagnum will continue to outstrip them in speed of growth, forming a huge dome of moss that gradually spreads outwards from the original lake basin from where it starts. Raised bogs probably began growing about 7,000 years ago.
About a foot below the surface of a bog the water is deprived of all oxygen, and the dead remains of moss, other plants and even humans can be preserved indefinitely. Country dwellers used to store butter below the surface of bogs, and examples of ‘bog-butter’ are still occasionally found. Raised bogs are fragile because they are like a huge plastic bag full of water - as soon as you make a pin prick in them they drain away and collapse. These bogs are sometimes called red bogs, because the dry peat looks brownish-red in colour - in blanket bog the cut turves dry black.
Blanket bogs cover much of the hills and land along the west coast of Ireland. They are dominated by heathers, grasses and sedges as well as sphagnum moss. Blanket bogs only develop in areas of the west, or mountaintops, with particularly high rainfall (more than 1.3 metres per year). They began growing about 4,000 years ago when rainfall increased. On higher ground, bogs are often referred to as moorland, where they are somewhat transitional between heath (dominated by heathers) and bog (dominated by sphagnum moss).
Heath is a transitional community, which links the more upland types of grassland with the drier types of mountain blanket bog. It occurs on shallow, peaty soils, with a higher mineral content than true peat characteristic of bogs. This community usually comprises a patchwork, with different areas dominated by different species; bracken, raithneach mhór (Pteridium aquilinum), bilberry, fraochán (Vaccinium myrtillus), bell heather, fraoch cloigíneach (Erica cinerea), ling heather, fraoch mór (Calluna vulgaris), rushes, sedges or grasses.
HEATHER, see below.
*****************************
Worldwide use
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
bog grasses in the evening -
a seagull
absorbs the light
© Aisling White, 2006
Haiku from Irelnad
*****************************
Related words
Heather (Erika) (Ericaceae)
kigo for autumn
ヘザー（Heather）
エリカ属(Erica), カルーナ属(Calluna),ダボエシア属(Daboecia)
ヒース（Heath）, リング（Ling)
Heather is at home in Europe (e.g. Ireland) in areas with acid soil, such as bogs and similar landscapes.
Ireland, Scotland, Germany (Lueneburger Heide) are among the best.
France and Spain have their heathers too.
Heather flowers in the autumn and produces spectacular purple landscapes at that time.
Heather honey is the very best in flavour and the most expensive, and it is very hard nowadays to find it pure.
Ericaceae family:
HEIDE, Heidekraut, Erika in German.
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heidekraut
.................................................
When God first made the world, He looked at the bare and barren hillsides and thought how nice it would be to cover them with some kind of beautiful tree or flower. So he turned to the Giant Oak, the biggest and strongest of all of the trees he had made, and asked him if he would be willing to go up to the bare hills to help make them look more attractive. But the oak explained that he needed a good depth of soil in order to grow and that the hillsides would be far too rocky for him to take root.
So God left the oak tree and turned to the honeysuckle with its lovely yellow flower and beautiful sweet fragrance. He asked the honeysuckle if she would care to grow on the hillsides and spread her beauty and fragrance amongst the barren slopes. But the honeysuckle explained that she needed a wall or a fence or even another plant to grow against, and for that reason, it would be quite impossible for her to grow in the hills.
So God then turned to one of the sweetest and most beautiful of all the flowers - the rose. God asked the rose if she would care to grace the rugged highlands with her splendour. But the rose explained that the wind and the rain and the cold on the hills would destroy her, and so she would not be able to grow on the hills.
Disappointed with the oak, the honeysuckle and the rose, God turned away. At length, he came across a small, low lying, green shrub with a flower of tiny petals -some purple and some white. It was a heather.
God asked the heather the same question that he’d asked the others.
"Will you go and grow upon the hillsides to make them more beautiful?"
The heather thought about the poor soil, the wind and the rain - and wasn’t very sure that she could do a good job. But turning to God she replied that if he wanted her to do it, she would certainly give it a try.
God was very pleased.
Read the rest of the story here
© www.electricscotland.com
COPY
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
***** WKD : Ireland Saijiki, Irish Saijiki
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
Rubber plant
[ . BACK to TOP . ]
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Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
***** Location: Ireland
***** Season: Summer
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is grown around the world as an ornamental plant, outside in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and inside in colder climates as a houseplant. Along with Philodendron, it is one of the most common houseplants in modern-days Ireland.
A ficus has green glossy leaves, which usually are about 3-4 inches long; they have a stem about as thick as the ink refil on a pen, about one inch long and attached to a wooden stem. The underside redness can vary greatly depending on the age, and so can the woodiness. A Ficus would drop their oval-shaped or rather pointed leaves in hot, dry conditions.
Anatoly Kudryavitsky
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Worldwide use
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
day's writing done -
the rubber plant sheds
a moony leaf
by Anatoly Kudryavitsky
(from 'Morning at Mount Ring', DOGHOUSE Books, 2007)
*****************************
Related words
***** WKD : Ireland Saijiki, Irish Saijiki
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
***** Location: Ireland
***** Season: Summer
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is grown around the world as an ornamental plant, outside in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and inside in colder climates as a houseplant. Along with Philodendron, it is one of the most common houseplants in modern-days Ireland.
A ficus has green glossy leaves, which usually are about 3-4 inches long; they have a stem about as thick as the ink refil on a pen, about one inch long and attached to a wooden stem. The underside redness can vary greatly depending on the age, and so can the woodiness. A Ficus would drop their oval-shaped or rather pointed leaves in hot, dry conditions.
Anatoly Kudryavitsky
*****************************
Worldwide use
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
day's writing done -
the rubber plant sheds
a moony leaf
by Anatoly Kudryavitsky
(from 'Morning at Mount Ring', DOGHOUSE Books, 2007)
*****************************
Related words
***** WKD : Ireland Saijiki, Irish Saijiki
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
Redcurrant
[ . BACK to TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redcurrant
***** Location: Ireland, Europe
***** Season: Mid-Summer
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
The redcurrant is a beautiful looking berry, the lushest red imaginable when fully ripe. It is much loved by blackbirds and other birds -- in our Irish garden, we drape the bushes with netting, so as to keep some of the berries for ourselves. It is picked from about the end of June to the second half of July, when the fruit fruit are a delicious kigo.
The berries are both sweet and sour, too sour for some to enjoy raw, but delicious when properly ripened, and often eaten with sugar and cream -- if not straight off the bush!
They make a delicious juice, a perfect jelly, and a wonderful jam (if one does not mind the little pips) -- as well as being the most essential ingredient in “rote Grütze”, a Northern German / Danish summer pudding stewed from red fruit. They are also a key component of “Rumtopf” (see below) -- itself a kigo for winter.
Redcurrants freshly picked from a net-covered bush
Text and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum)
is a member of the genus Ribes in the gooseberry family Grossulariaceae, native to parts of western Europe (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and northern Italy). It is a deciduous shrub normally growing to 1-1.5 m tall, occasionally 2 m, with five-lobed leaves arranged spirally on the stems. The flowers are inconspicuous yellow-green, in pendulous 4-8 cm racemes, maturing into bright red translucent edible berries about 8-12 mm diameter, with 3-10 berries on each raceme.
Although blackcurrant is more traditionally associated with medicinal uses, English and German language herbalist sources consider redcurrant berries to have fever-reducing, sweat-inducing, menstrual-flow inducing, mildly laxative, astringent, appetite increasing, blood cleansing, diuretic and digestive properties. Some of these proposed effects are probable, due to the verified high levels of vitamin C, fruit acids, and fiber the berries contain. Tea made from dried redcurrant leaves is said to ease the symptoms of gout and rheumatism, be useful in compresses for poorly healing wounds, and as a gargling solution for mouth infections.
© WIKIPEDIA
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
*****************************
Worldwide use
Rote Grütze
This is a Northern German and Scandinavian speciality, a delicious summer pudding made of red fruit, which must contain a good helping of red currants to give it that pleasantly sweet and tart flavour. In Danish, it is called Rødgrød. One of the favourite tongue twisters given to learners of Danish, is “rødgrød med fløde på” -- being summer pudding with liquid cream floating on top, just as it should.
The recipes available on the internet in English, are mostly written by expatriates, often of the second or third generation, or indeed their friends. The one which follows below is pretty genuine.
Isabelle Prondzynski
Germany
In German, the red and black currants are called "Johannisbeeren" (St. John's berries), because they usually ripen round about St John's Day (Johannistag -- 24 June). This major festival, celebrating the birth of St. John the Baptist, is an integral part of the mid-summer celebrations in many European countries, often with bonfires and dances.
Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rodgrod med Flode (Norwegian Fruit Jelly with Cream)
Amount ..... Ingredient --
1 pt Red currants
1 pt Raspberries
2 c Water
1/2 c Sugar
1 tb Cornstarch
2 tb Water
1 t Vanilla extract
In a large saucepan, rinse fruit. Combine fruit and water; simmer over medium heat about 10 minutes. Drain; stir in sugar. Blend cornstarch and cold water into a smooth paste. Add cornstarch to fruit, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil; cook 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Sieve mixture, if desired. Chill. Serve with cream and decorate with blanched almonds, if desired.
4 servings
© www.recipesource.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Japan
akasuguri アカスグリ
In Japan, redcurrants can grow, but do not ripen when grown outside -- there is just too much rain usually at the time they should be turning red and filling out.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kenya
In Kenya, redcurrants do not grow, as they need the seasonal contrasts between cold and warm -- even at the higher altitudes, these contrasts are not sufficiently marked.
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
redcurrants --
each with its own drop
of rain
four snails
in the redcurrant bush --
summer rain
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
a bowl full
of fresh redcurrants --
and two green leaves
redcurrants --
the best hide in the thick
of the bush
~ Haiku and Photo : Isabelle Prondzynski
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
summer treat --
redcurrant jam
on toast
© ~ laryalee
.. .. .. .. ..
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
*****************************
Related words
***** Blackcurrants
***** Raspberries
***** Strawberries
***** Gooseberries
***** Rumtopf
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redcurrant
***** Location: Ireland, Europe
***** Season: Mid-Summer
***** Category: Plant
*****************************
Explanation
The redcurrant is a beautiful looking berry, the lushest red imaginable when fully ripe. It is much loved by blackbirds and other birds -- in our Irish garden, we drape the bushes with netting, so as to keep some of the berries for ourselves. It is picked from about the end of June to the second half of July, when the fruit fruit are a delicious kigo.
The berries are both sweet and sour, too sour for some to enjoy raw, but delicious when properly ripened, and often eaten with sugar and cream -- if not straight off the bush!
They make a delicious juice, a perfect jelly, and a wonderful jam (if one does not mind the little pips) -- as well as being the most essential ingredient in “rote Grütze”, a Northern German / Danish summer pudding stewed from red fruit. They are also a key component of “Rumtopf” (see below) -- itself a kigo for winter.
Redcurrants freshly picked from a net-covered bush
Text and photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Redcurrant (Ribes rubrum) is a member of the genus Ribes in the gooseberry family Grossulariaceae, native to parts of western Europe (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and northern Italy). It is a deciduous shrub normally growing to 1-1.5 m tall, occasionally 2 m, with five-lobed leaves arranged spirally on the stems. The flowers are inconspicuous yellow-green, in pendulous 4-8 cm racemes, maturing into bright red translucent edible berries about 8-12 mm diameter, with 3-10 berries on each raceme.
Although blackcurrant is more traditionally associated with medicinal uses, English and German language herbalist sources consider redcurrant berries to have fever-reducing, sweat-inducing, menstrual-flow inducing, mildly laxative, astringent, appetite increasing, blood cleansing, diuretic and digestive properties. Some of these proposed effects are probable, due to the verified high levels of vitamin C, fruit acids, and fiber the berries contain. Tea made from dried redcurrant leaves is said to ease the symptoms of gout and rheumatism, be useful in compresses for poorly healing wounds, and as a gargling solution for mouth infections.
© WIKIPEDIA
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
*****************************
Worldwide use
Rote Grütze
This is a Northern German and Scandinavian speciality, a delicious summer pudding made of red fruit, which must contain a good helping of red currants to give it that pleasantly sweet and tart flavour. In Danish, it is called Rødgrød. One of the favourite tongue twisters given to learners of Danish, is “rødgrød med fløde på” -- being summer pudding with liquid cream floating on top, just as it should.
The recipes available on the internet in English, are mostly written by expatriates, often of the second or third generation, or indeed their friends. The one which follows below is pretty genuine.
Isabelle Prondzynski
Germany
In German, the red and black currants are called "Johannisbeeren" (St. John's berries), because they usually ripen round about St John's Day (Johannistag -- 24 June). This major festival, celebrating the birth of St. John the Baptist, is an integral part of the mid-summer celebrations in many European countries, often with bonfires and dances.
Isabelle Prondzynski
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rodgrod med Flode (Norwegian Fruit Jelly with Cream)
Amount ..... Ingredient --
1 pt Red currants
1 pt Raspberries
2 c Water
1/2 c Sugar
1 tb Cornstarch
2 tb Water
1 t Vanilla extract
In a large saucepan, rinse fruit. Combine fruit and water; simmer over medium heat about 10 minutes. Drain; stir in sugar. Blend cornstarch and cold water into a smooth paste. Add cornstarch to fruit, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil; cook 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Sieve mixture, if desired. Chill. Serve with cream and decorate with blanched almonds, if desired.
4 servings
© www.recipesource.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Japan
akasuguri アカスグリ
In Japan, redcurrants can grow, but do not ripen when grown outside -- there is just too much rain usually at the time they should be turning red and filling out.
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Kenya
In Kenya, redcurrants do not grow, as they need the seasonal contrasts between cold and warm -- even at the higher altitudes, these contrasts are not sufficiently marked.
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Things found on the way
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HAIKU
redcurrants --
each with its own drop
of rain
four snails
in the redcurrant bush --
summer rain
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
a bowl full
of fresh redcurrants --
and two green leaves
redcurrants --
the best hide in the thick
of the bush
~ Haiku and Photo : Isabelle Prondzynski
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summer treat --
redcurrant jam
on toast
© ~ laryalee
.. .. .. .. ..
Photo © Isabelle Prondzynski
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Related words
***** Blackcurrants
***** Raspberries
***** Strawberries
***** Gooseberries
***** Rumtopf
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Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
7/12/2007
River Mist
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River Mist
***** Location: ireland
***** Season: All Autumn
***** Category: Heaven
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Explanation
Early in the morning a mist rises from an Irish river and obscures the banks in a haze of fog before the sunrise burns it all away. The fog rises suddenly and burns off just as fast - the whole process takes about 20 minutes.
(As described by the eyewitness)
"This morning as I sat staring out at the slowly lightening sky I saw the finger of mist making its way upriver. The Shannon dawn mist is quite startling, actually. Moving swiftly upriver, a mist rises from the water as if the whole river were about to boil. It moves like a white cloud northward into the town from the Shannon callows and is so heavy it quickly obscures the opposite bank. Then, the sun appears and the whole thing evaporates into thin air in the space of ten minutes or so."
by Sean Lightholder
(http://www.irelandlogue.com/places-to-go/magical-shannon-mist.html)
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Worldwide use
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Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
river mist
barges transport coal
in both directions
Anatoly Kudryavitsky
(from 'Morning at Mount Ring', DOGHOUSE Books, 2007)
*****************************
Related words
***** .. Fog, Mist, Haze and more
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
River Mist
***** Location: ireland
***** Season: All Autumn
***** Category: Heaven
*****************************
Explanation
Early in the morning a mist rises from an Irish river and obscures the banks in a haze of fog before the sunrise burns it all away. The fog rises suddenly and burns off just as fast - the whole process takes about 20 minutes.
(As described by the eyewitness)
"This morning as I sat staring out at the slowly lightening sky I saw the finger of mist making its way upriver. The Shannon dawn mist is quite startling, actually. Moving swiftly upriver, a mist rises from the water as if the whole river were about to boil. It moves like a white cloud northward into the town from the Shannon callows and is so heavy it quickly obscures the opposite bank. Then, the sun appears and the whole thing evaporates into thin air in the space of ten minutes or so."
by Sean Lightholder
(http://www.irelandlogue.com/places-to-go/magical-shannon-mist.html)
*****************************
Worldwide use
*****************************
Things found on the way
*****************************
HAIKU
river mist
barges transport coal
in both directions
Anatoly Kudryavitsky
(from 'Morning at Mount Ring', DOGHOUSE Books, 2007)
*****************************
Related words
***** .. Fog, Mist, Haze and more
*****************************
Back to the Worldkigo Index
http://worldkigodatabase.blogspot.com/
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