Ranunculus acris

11 comments

Also known as: Meadow buttercup; Double buttercup

Plant folklore: Said to give a brighter yellow colour to butter.
On May Day, the Irish used to rub buttercups onto cows udders, a tradition to supposedly encourage milk production. In some places this tradition continues.
If a buttercup held beneath your chin casts a reflection against the flesh, you are fond of buutter. Victorians believed it stood for ingratitude and childishness. Some folklore believes yellow to be an evil colour and hence, gives the plant an evil side.

Factual info: Poisonous, hence cattle tend not to eat it.

Image taken by Grammazoo

22 Nov, 2009
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Comments

Tulsalady26

I can still remember holding a buttercup under my daughters chin when she was younger.

22 Nov, 2009

Amblealice

We did this as children....many years ago....lol

22 Nov, 2009

Tulsalady26

Too many to remember like me eh Lol.

22 Nov, 2009

Morgana

I too can remember doing it and still do with my grand children. I can quite believe it to be evil as in my book it states the meaning of a yellow rose is insincerity to wards a person.

22 Nov, 2009