Sweet Violet of Love

Beloved Sweet Violets

'Violet' originates from the Latin word 'Viola', which translates to thoughts filled with love. Violets typically feature heart-shaped leaves and asymmetrical flowers. The petal shape distinguishes various species, which have been utilized for herbal remedies, wine, sweetening food, and celebrations. They serve as an ideal present for anniversary occasions.

Violets symbolize "Modesty" and "Humility", often representing innocence and faith. Bunches of violets were traditionally gifted to newlyweds. Violets are emblematic of faith, mystical awareness, inspiration, spiritual passion, abundance, and royalty. In ancient Roman culture, violets were linked to somber interpretations due to their deep color resembling spilt blood, yet their calming fragrance infused a tranquil ambiance.

The flower hues within the genus span from various shades of blue, white, yellow, and cream to bi-coloured variations.

Violet folklore

In Somerset, it is believed that bringing violets or snowdrops inside the house will bring bad luck to the farmwife's hens and make them unable to lay eggs. However, dreaming of violets is considered lucky, and wearing them pinned to your clothes is also believed to bring good luck, but only if you wear them outdoors. Once you return home, it's best to remove them and leave them outside with a bowl of fresh milk as an offering to the fairies, who will take this as a sign that they are appreciated in your garden.

Violets are associated with the Faery Queen Oonagh/ UNA, the Faery Queen of Western. Ireland and sometimes a wife of Finvara. Her character is depicted as a faithful wife and powerful queen wielding deep magick over love, life, silver and the morning dew.

Violets have historical connections to grief, mourning, death, and darkness, prevalent in the folklore of diverse societies. In ancient Rome, violets symbolised grief and innocence, often adorning children's and infants' graves. Lithuanian culture associates violets with the god Poklius, and Prussian culture associates violets with the god Patulas, both underworld deities. Greek goddess Persephone favoured violets, the flower she was gathering when abducted by Hades and missed during her time in the Underworld.

English folklore recounts the tale of King Frost, ruling the lower realm, whose demeanour softened upon marrying the young Violet, resulting in six milder months of the year. Violet, yearning to visit her family, could do so once a year in the form of a flower, as per King Frost's decree. This annual appearance corresponds to spring, when violets bloom at wild places.

In another greek mythos Jupiter created violets from the tears of Io, a nymph he loved whom had turned into a white cow to hide from his wife Hera. Io grieved the life she had lost – and, apparently, the thought of eating grass for the rest of her life – so Zeus turned her tears to violets to comfort her, and give her something sweet to eat.

For this reason, the violet is sometimes known as Jupiterbloem or ‘Jupiter’s flower’ in Flemish.

Despite their serene appearance, violets also connect to themes of grief, mourning, and darkness in folklore. The tales of ancient cultures, where violets were linked to the underworld and deities associated with death, add complexity to the flower's symbolism. From Roman traditions of adorning graves to Greek myths of Persephone's connection to violets, the flower's significance transcends mere beauty.

In English folklore, the story of King Frost and Violet portrays a touching narrative of love and longing, with Violet's annual visit as a flower marking the arrival of spring. This tale symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, where even in the depths of darkness, there is always a promise of renewal and reunion. Violets truly embody a profound blend of beauty, symbolism, and storytelling that resonates through time and cultures.

Uses of Sweet Violet

Violet flowers have the versatility to be crystallized and utilized as edible embellishments. Additionally, they serve as an attractive garnish when sprinkled over salads, omelettes, cakes, and desserts.

Preparing violet tea is a simple process that involves pouring hot water over the petals or flower heads.

Chopped leaves can enhance the flavor of salads and soups, be dipped in batter, and fried as a tasty appetizer.

Furthermore, the leaves can create a delicious sandwich when paired with bread and butter.

Edible Flower

Often overlooked in traditional diets, Violet leaves are a hidden gem regarding nutritional value. Not only are they packed with vitamin C, essential for a healthy immune system and glowing skin, but they also boast a good dose of vitamin A and a range of important minerals. Additionally, saponins in violet leaves offers various health benefits, including potential anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have even shown that this humble plant exhibits notable antioxidant activity, making it a worthy addition to your diet for overall well-being. So next time you spot some violet leaves, consider incorporating them into your meals for a nutritious boost!

Herbal Medicine Uses of Sweet Violet

Because of their expectorant and stimulating effects, Violet root is used in remedies for coughs, colds, bronchitis and sore throats.

The root is also used to make eyewashes and mouthwashes and to treat thrush.

Violet leaf tea can also be drunk for coughs and has a detoxifying effect on the liver.

The leaves are considered to be antiseptic and can be taken internally as tea or externally as a compress.

The scent

Geoffrey Grigson renowned naturalist suggests that its scent pulled the violet out of obscurity. He writes:

“Scent suggested sex, so the violet was a flower of Aphrodite and also of her son Priapus, the deity of gardens and generation…A flower so deeply and finely scented must also have its virtues in physic.”

V. odorata is one of the most economically important species of violet. It is grown commercially in southern France to produce essential oils to manufacture perfume, flavouring and cosmetics.

Around 100 g of flowers are used to produce 31 g of essential oil of violet by macerating the petals in hot fat.

About 1000 g of violet leaves produce 400 g of violet absolute. The esential oil and cosmetic industry therefore gruesomely overuse this flower with little to no consideration of its spirit or environmental impact.

Safety Note

Several sources suggest that the overuse of violet can be harmful; thus, it is a herb to use in moderation. Side effects may include vomiting. In addition, it’s thought best to avoid using violet during pregnancy and when breastfeeding.

Try a simple Violet leaf and clever detox tonic or try our Violet leaf Cough Syrup Recipe.