In the Company of Trees by Andrea Sarubbi Fereshteh

Author:Andrea Sarubbi Fereshteh
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Adams Media

The Midsummer’s Celebration of the Linden Tree

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Its sweet-smelling pale yellow blossoms burst forth in bunches like happy fireworks exploding from among heart-shaped green leaves. Known as the bee tree, the linden attracts hundreds of bees with its intoxicating summer scent. Blooming around the summer solstice, the linden has played a starring role in midsummer celebrations, heralding the celebratory atmosphere of the longest day of the year. Its notable scent has made linden flowers an ideal ingredient in perfumes, soaps, and lotions, as well as in edible delicacies like honey, teas, and syrups. The floral elixir can also induce relaxation and have a calming effect, as well as serve as a cold and flu remedy. The leaves can be combined in salads and also dried and ground into a type of flour. They are also known for having anti-inflammatory properties. The national tree of several Slavic countries, the linden has been featured in folklore across traditional European cultures for centuries. Associated with the beauty and grace of nature, as well as Freya and Frigga, the Norse goddesses associated with love and partnerships, linden has often been woven into garlands that adorn people, homes, and animals, warding off bad luck and welcoming blessings during the longest day of the year. Women in old Europe would often honor the tree with offerings of food or dancing praise, seeking blessings of fertility and good fortune.

“Her hair was long, her limbs were white,

And fair she was and free;

And in the wind she went as light

As leaf of linden-tree.”

—J.R.R. Tolkien, English writer

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