About how important it is to be yourself.
One sunny summer day, an elderly fairy came to her magical garden and began to walk along the plants. She stopped beside each of them and studied them intently. The woman loved her garden very much and wanted all the plants to be in good condition, but then she noticed that the trees and flowers in the garden somehow wilted and some of them began to wither. In horror, she asked the oak tree what had happened and why it was shedding its leaves.
“You see,” said the oak tree. - I suffer from the fact that I cannot be as tall as the sequoia growing nearby. I want to be closer to the sun, like her, but I can't catch up with her!
And you, - asked the fairy, turning to the sequoia, which seemed to be leaning under its own weight. - What happened to you? I cannot bear fruit like an apple tree ... - said the tree. - And that's why I suffer. The apple tree also died of frustration: after all, it could not bloom all year round, like a rose. And the rose bush dropped its beautiful petals and closed its blossoming buds, because it could not become as strong and mighty as an oak. She was upset at not being able to withstand the wind and angry at her sharp thorns. The fairy in despair began to look for at least one plant that would be happy. And so, in the very corner of the garden, she saw a blossoming peony, which was beautiful and fragrant as never before. The astonished sorceress turned to the magnificent flower. Tell me, my dear peony, how do you manage to stay so fresh and beautiful when all the plants around are sad and wither? I don’t know, ”the peony replied. “But I think the point is that I always thought that you planted me precisely so that I was a peony. Not an oak tree, not a sequoia or a rose - you could easily plant them, right? It was when I realized this that I thought that since you wanted a peony, I will try to be as good a peony as possible. It is not so important who to be: a cleaner or a president. In order to find inner harmony, you need to be able to do your job well, not to envy others and remember that in every position there are disadvantages.
The history of the evading peony
Peonies were legendary not only in China, but also in Europe. True, they were associated not so much with the decorative as with the medicinal properties of the plant.
Goddess Flora, going on a trip, decided to choose a deputy during her absence. To do this, I gathered a council, inviting representatives of all colors. Flowers arrived on time, only the rose was late. But when she appeared, those present were amazed at her magnificence and began to persuade her to remain Flora's deputy.
Only one peony objected, since he believed that he was superior to the rose in all qualities. The peony puffed up, pouted in order to surpass the rose, if not in beauty and smell, then at least in size. Everyone was struck by his unspeakable impudence, and the flowers chose the rose as Flora's deputy. Then the peony got loud
protest and made so much noise that Flora could not resist:
- Proud, stupid flower! - she said. - Remain for complacency and emptiness always as fat and puffy as today. And let no butterfly touch you with a kiss, no bee will take honey from your corolla, no girl will pin you to her chest!
The tale assured that Flora's curse was fulfilled: the peony remained fat and awkward, as if personifying emptiness and swagger, and not a single bee takes a bribe from him.
According to historical sources, the peony got its name in honor of Paeonia - the area from which one of its species originated. However, there are other versions as well. According to one of them, the name of this plant is associated with the name of a character in ancient Greek mythology - Peony, who was a talented student of the doctor Aesculapius.
Once Peony cured the ruler of the underworld, Pluto, wounded by Hercules. The miraculous healing of the lord of the underworld aroused envy in Aesculapius, and he decided to kill his student. However, Pluto, having learned about the evil intentions of Aesculapius, in gratitude for the help provided to him, did not let Peony die. He transformed a skilled physician into a beautiful medicinal flower named after him a peony. In ancient Greece, this flower was considered a symbol of longevity and healing. Gifted Greek doctors were called "pionies", and medicinal plants were called "pionium herbs".
Another ancient legend tells how one day the goddess Flora was going on a trip to Saturn. During her long absence, she decided to find an assistant. The goddess announced her intention to the plants. A few days later, Flora's subjects gathered at the forest edge to choose their temporary patron.
All trees, shrubs, grasses and mosses cast their votes in favor of the charming rose. Only one peony shouted that he was the best. Then Flora approached the daring and stupid flower and said: "As a punishment for your pride, not a single bee will sit on your flower, not a single girl will pin it on her chest." Therefore, among the ancient Romans, the peony personified pomp and arrogance.
A beautiful flower - a peony, which today is one of the brightest decorations in our gardens, has been loved by people since ancient times. There are many myths and legends about him. He was depicted on silk fabrics and the most exquisite dishes.
The evading peony (Maryin root) also has its own history of origin, it is found in myths and legends different countries. He is known not only as a flower in a flower bed, a medicinal plant, often the Peony was endowed with mystical properties, there are fairy tales and stories about him, we will tell about some of the references below.
In eastern countries, especially China, Peony is the most popular and respected plant. It is widely cultivated and bred, many varieties of this plant have been bred, the number is estimated in thousands of varieties. The evading peony has a pleasant scent. Peony essential oil is prepared from the roots of Peony. The peony is so respected that in Chinese fairy tales, if a hero reaches the pinnacle of wealth and power, he will certainly plant peonies in his gardens, "which change color four times a day."
Itself the name Peony (Mary's root) comes from Greek myth, in which we are talking about Peony - a student of the wonderful healer Asclepius. With the help of a certain plant, he produced amazing healings and healed even the god of the underworld, Hades, from the wounds inflicted on him by Hercules. According to legend, this plant was received from the hands of Apollo's mother, the goddess of darkness Leto. The miraculous healing caused such envy in Asclepius that he ordered the secret death of Peon. Hades, in gratitude for the help provided, did not let him die, turning him into a beautiful flower, which since then bears his name and has not only beauty, but also many healing medicinal properties.
V history medicinal plant Peony (Maryin root)- was famous for its magical properties and was considered one of the wonders of creation. "They said that evil spirits disappear from the places where the peony grows, and that even small pieces of it, put on a thread tied around the neck, are enough to protect themselves from all kinds of devilish obsessions."
Next the legend of Peony (Mary's root) tells about the goddess Flora, who, getting ready to travel, decided to choose a deputy during her absence. To do this, I gathered a council, inviting representatives of all colors. Flowers arrived on time, only the rose was late. But when she appeared, those present were amazed at her magnificence and began to persuade her to remain Flora's deputy. Only one peony objected, since he believed that he was superior to the rose in all qualities. The peony puffed up, pouted in order to surpass the rose, if not in beauty and smell, then at least in size. Everyone was struck by his unspeakable impudence, and the flowers chose the rose as Flora's deputy. Then the peony began to protest loudly and made such a noise that Flora could not stand it and left for her self-righteousness and emptiness forever so fat and puffy as today. And not a single butterfly touches him with a kiss, not a single bee takes honey from his corolla, not a single girl pin it to her chest.
The tale says that Flora's curse came true, Peony blushed with shame, remained fat and awkward, personifying emptiness and swagger, now not a single bee takes honey from him.
Due to its beauty, pleasant smell, despite the seeming awkwardness, this plant has conquered a large number of amateur gardeners and has a large army of admirers.
Peonies were legendary not only in China, but also in Europe. True, they were associated not so much with the decorative as with the medicinal properties of the plant.
In ancient Greece, the peony was considered a symbol of longevity. The generic name of the flower is derived from the Greek word "paionios" - healing, healing. In ancient times, the root of the plant was considered miraculous, capable of expelling evil spirits, obsessions, and soothing convulsions. For this, pieces of its roots were strung like beads and worn around the neck.
An ancient Greek legend connects this flower with the name of the doctor Peon, who healed the god of the underworld Pluto from the wounds inflicted on him by Hercules. Peon's ability to heal people from diseases surpassed the gift of his teacher - the god of healing Aesculapius, because of which he began to envy the student so cruelly that he decided to poison him. Trying to evade the revenge of the teacher, Peon called for the help of the gods and the gods, taking pity on the poor man, turned him into a flower. So Peon evaded Aesculapius' revenge, perhaps that is why botanists, not without intent, called the flower "evading peony." According to another legend, the plant got its name from the Thracian area of Paeonia, where it grew in large numbers.
And the Chinese have many beautiful fairy tales and legends about the peony. Here is one tale about a gardener devoted to peonies who has developed an absolutely incredible variety. Naturally, there was also a man who wanted to ruin it all, and what is especially unfortunate - he turned out to be a prince. So the gardener with tears watched as the vile scoundrel tramples and breaks the flowers, but then he could not resist and beat the prince with a stick. Then, by the way, a peony fairy turned up, who with magic restored everything that was broken and added a lot more that was not there. Naturally, the prince ordered the execution of the gardener and the destruction of the garden, but then all the peonies turned into girls, waved their sleeves - there were so many of them that the unbalanced pion-hater was blown away, from which he crashed to death. The delighted audience freed the gardener, and he lived for a long time and continued his peony business.
In China, the peony symbolizes wealth, nobility, prosperity and is presented to friends as a sign of good wishes. In Chinese fairy tales, if the hero reaches the pinnacle of wealth and power, he will certainly plant peonies in his gardens, "which change color four times a day." As an ornamental plant, this flower has been cultivated in China for 1500 years and is the same beloved national plant as the chrysanthemum among the Japanese and the rose among the Europeans.
Among the ancient Romans, the peony represented pomp and complacency. And in India and Pakistan, he is considered a symbol of clumsiness and stupid pride. In the Middle Ages in Europe, the peony was considered a rival of the rose in terms of the splendor and beauty of the flower. Allegedly, he once tried to surpass the beautiful rose, if not in color and aroma, then at least in size: he puffed up, puffed up, and remained so. On this occasion, a legend is told.
Goddess Flora, going on a trip, decided to choose an assistant during her absence. To do this, she gathered a council, inviting representatives of all colors. Flowers arrived on time, only the rose was late. But when she appeared, those present were amazed at her magnificence and began to persuade her to remain Flora's assistant. Only one peony objected, since he believed that he was superior to the rose in all qualities. He puffed up, pouted in order to surpass the rose, if not in beauty and smell, then at least in size. Everyone was struck by his unspeakable impudence, and the flowers chose the rose as Flora's assistant. Then the peony began to protest loudly and made so much noise that Flora could not resist: - Proud, stupid flower! - she said. - Remain for your complacency always as fat and puffy as you are now. And let no butterfly touch you with a kiss, no bee will take honey from your corolla, no girl will pin you to her chest! They say that only then did the peony turn red with shame, hence the saying: "Blushed like a peony."
But Flora still did not succeed - peonies bloom, bees eagerly sit on them, people love to plant these flowers and make bouquets of them. Pliny the Elder even argued that the peony is carefully guarded by the variegated woodpecker, which is ready to peck out the eyes of anyone who tries to pluck the plant.
The myth remains a myth, but in terms of the beauty of the forms and color of flowers, aroma and elegant greenery, peonies rightfully belong to one of the first places among the best garden perennials.
Additional Information
Common peony (medicinal)
This lovely flower is old-timer in garden plots. In Russia, it is bred as an ornamental plant by dividing old tubers. For medicinal purposes, only a peony with purple flowers is suitable. Flowers and roots are used for medicinal purposes.
Peonies were legendary not only in China, but also in Europe. True, they were associated not so much with the decorative as with the medicinal properties of the plant.
In ancient Greece peony was considered a symbol of longevity. The generic name of the flower is derived from the Greek word "paionios" - healing, healing. In ancient times, the root of the plant was considered miraculous, capable of expelling evil spirits, obsessions, and soothing convulsions. For this, pieces of its roots were strung like beads and worn around the neck.
An ancient Greek legend connects this flower with the name of the doctor Peon, who healed the god of the underworld Pluto from the wounds inflicted on him by Hercules. Peon's ability to heal people from diseases surpassed the gift of his teacher - the god of healing Aesculapius, because of which he began to envy the student so cruelly that he decided to poison him. Trying to evade the revenge of the teacher, Peon called for the help of the gods and the gods, taking pity on the poor fellow, turned him into a flower. So Peon evaded Aesculapius' revenge, perhaps that is why botanists, not without intent, called the flower "evading peony." According to another legend, the plant got its name from the Thracian area of Paeonia, where it grew in large numbers.
And the Chinese have many beautiful fairy tales and legends about the peony. Here is one tale about a gardener devoted to peonies who has developed an absolutely incredible variety. Naturally, there was also a man who wanted to ruin it all, and what is especially unfortunate - he turned out to be a prince. So the gardener with tears watched as the vile scoundrel tramples and breaks the flowers, but then he could not resist and beat the prince with a stick. Then, by the way, a peony fairy turned up, who with magic restored everything that was broken and added a lot more that was not there. Naturally, the prince ordered the execution of the gardener and the destruction of the garden, but then all the peonies turned into girls, waved their sleeves - there were so many of them that the unbalanced pion-hater was blown away, from which he crashed to death. The delighted audience freed the gardener, and he lived for a long time and continued his peony business.
In China, the peony symbolizes wealth, nobility, prosperity and is presented to friends as a sign of good wishes. In Chinese fairy tales, if the hero reaches the pinnacle of wealth and power, he will certainly plant peonies in his gardens, "which change color four times a day." As an ornamental plant, this flower has been cultivated in China for 1500 years and is the same beloved national plant as the chrysanthemum among the Japanese and the rose among the Europeans.
Among the ancient Romans, the peony represented pomp and complacency. And in India and Pakistan, he is considered a symbol of clumsiness and stupid pride. In the Middle Ages in Europe, the peony was considered a rival of the rose in terms of the splendor and beauty of the flower. Allegedly, he once tried to surpass the beautiful rose, if not in color and aroma, then at least in size: he puffed up, puffed up, and remained so. On this occasion, a legend is told.
Goddess Flora, going on a trip, decided to choose an assistant during her absence. To do this, she gathered a council, inviting representatives of all colors. Flowers arrived on time, only the rose was late. But when she appeared, those present were amazed at her magnificence and began to persuade her to remain Flora's assistant. Only one peony objected, since he believed that he was superior to the rose in all qualities. He puffed up, pouted in order to surpass the rose, if not in beauty and smell, then at least in size. Everyone was struck by his unspeakable impudence, and the flowers chose the rose as Flora's assistant. Then the peony began to protest loudly and made so much noise that Flora could not resist: - Proud, stupid flower! - she said. - Remain for your complacency always as fat and puffy as you are now. And let no butterfly touch you with a kiss, no bee will take honey from your corolla, no girl will pin you to her chest! They say that only then did the peony turn red with shame, hence the saying: "Blushed like a peony."
But Flora did not succeed - peonies bloom, bees eagerly sit on them, people love to plant these flowers and make bouquets of them. Pliny the Elder even argued that the peony is carefully guarded by the variegated woodpecker, which is ready to peck out the eyes of anyone who tries to pluck the plant.
The myth remains a myth, but in terms of the beauty of the forms and color of flowers, aroma and elegant greenery, peonies rightfully belong to one of the first places among the best garden perennials.