"Visions for those too tired to sleep, these seeds cast a film over eyes which weep." Amy Lowell
"Bring poppies for a weary mind that saddens in a senseless din." William Winter
Behold the extremly rare Himalayan Blue Poppy. See a fable, a myth, a dream. On display for a very short while in Pennsylvania. This is what I saw in the paper today, and I had to snap it to show you. It is the national flower of Bhutan, and considered magical, perhaps the rarest flower in the world. In 1922, an expedition discovered it while trying to reach the top of Mt. Everest. They are so hard to grow and so few exist that they have become fabled. Poppies have long been a symbol of sleep and death, partly because of the opium extracted from them. The poppy is one of the most important medicinal flowers, because Morphine and Codeine are made from it. Poppies have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back 3,000 years. There was even a prescription given to children for poppies to stop them from crying. Remember the magical poppy field in The Wizard Of Oz that almost succeded in diverting Dorothy and her friends from their goal? Sleep can be good or bad. In that case, it was bad. It seems that most people have some kind of sleep problems, doesn't it? Not enough, apnea, nightmares, night terrors, etc. When King David slept well, it wasn't from poppies.
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Oh Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8
10 comments:
The poppies are lovely. I'm thankful for good nights of sleep lately.
Yes, the museum is named for John and Mable Ringling of the circus fame. They wintered in Sarasota. The circus had its winter home there.
John Ringling collected works of art. I'm not sure exactly when the museum was built. It's been there as long as I can remmeber. I'll have to do a post on it.
How neat, Ginny... I have never seen nor heard of blue poppies. When I was growing up, the local Lions Club would sell red poppies once a year and the money would go to help veterans in the hospital. Not sure they still do that---but it was a big deal years ago.
Hugs,
Betsy
this is great, Ginny. unheard of before your post. red i know about, blue is beautiful. great post, thanks for telling us. I have learned so much from reading blogs, keep on bloggin friend.
Ginny, there are some gardeners around Vancouver growing the blue poppy but it is not all that common.
The largest massing of them is in a garden in Quebec - not too, too far away from you. Maybe a little vacation in June and you could see them for real. here's the link:
http://www.refordgardens.com/english/
I've seen red poppies, and know about their use as drug etc, but never even heard of blue ones.
I'm also one of those who didn't know blue poppies existed. Thanks for bringing these to our attention. I'm afraid Philadelphia is a little too far for us to see them in person.
Beautiful poppies!!
I have seen several colors of poppies but never the blue ones. It is a very beautiful flower. Thanks for sharing the history and information on this rare bloom.
Ginny, you always have interesting information in your posts, and I learn something new! I, too, have never seen a blue poppy, but they look beautiful.
The Scripture you posted is a favorite of mine.
Pretty blue poppies and nifty information ... thanks for the bit of enlightenment ;-)
Hugs and blessings,
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