Calendula: Joy
Calendula flowers have been prized throughout the ages for it’s extensive medicinal uses, for it’s power as a type or seasoning, and just as a beautiful flower. Early Christians called it “Mary’s Gold,” and adorned statues of Mary with it.
The Greek mythological story of King Midas is connnected to the calendula. He was so greedy for more and more gold that he prayed that everything he touched would be turned into gold. His wish was granted, and eventually he found that it brought more heartache than anything. His power for turning things into gold was reversed, with the exception of one small flower whose petals remained gold to serve as a reminder.
In the middle ages it was thought that drinking a strong concoction of calendula enabled a person to see faeries. Also, if a young woman rubbed a mixture of calendula and various other herbs on her body, she would have dreams that would help her choose the right man to marry.
