Every spring, they come into our yard. Popping up, here and there, all over our grassy areas. We did not plant them, or even invite them, for that matter. Some people hate them. Other people make wine from them. But us? We just let them grow, and die, and grow, and die. Those dandelions.
First, the word. I always think it comes from a “dandy lion.” You know, like the flower sort of resembles a golden lion’s mane. But in truth, the word originated from the French phrase, “dent de lion,” which means “lion’s tooth.” I’ve seen photos of lions’ teeth and they don’t look like dandelions. So, I’m guessing the French might have been on their third bottle of wine when they came up with this one.
Supposedly, every single part of the dandelion is useful in the way of food. You can eat, or drink, every part of the dandelion, including the flower, leaves, and root.
Lovers of dandelions call them plants. Not weeds. I’m not smart enough in the way of the plant kingdom to discern the difference. Trust me, as I have “weeded” our flower beds before. Unsuccessfully according to those who know. And certain trouble ensued.
Anyway.
In certain mythical circles, the dandelion represents the three celestial bodies. The puff of white seeds is the moon. When a gust of wind comes along and blows those seeds to the wind, that is said to be the stars. And of course, when they bloom in their bright yellow way, that is the sun.
Most people don’t look at their dandelions at night. But when it is sleepy time, the flower closes up. In the morning, it opens up again. Rise and shine.
But, when dandelions are in their puffy whiteness, those little seeds can travel up to five miles away, with a good gust of wind. They act like little parachutes. I’m not sure who was in charge of tracking these progressions, but I’m guessing it may have been Horton. Who, you say? Exactly.
People have been using dandelions all throughout history, dating as far back as the ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian times. Not only as a food source but in many other ways too, like medicine. In fact, Chinese traditional medicine uses dandelions in healing methods.
But enough about us humans. Birds and insects love them too. The seeds. The nectar. Like a little walk-up bar.
So here’s the thing about dandelions. You have to give them credit for being so incredibly resilient. First of all, they do not need to be pollinated in order to seed. They just grow, baby, grow. But once they are in our yard, and we mow them down? They just come right back up again, having grown shorter stalks.
If you look at them closely, they are beautiful beings.
There is no stopping them. They’ve survived for thousands of years.
Even though people keep trying to use pesticides on them. If everyone would let them grow, I bet our world would be a much more colorful place.
===========
“Beautiful as a dandelion-blossom golden in the green grass, this life can be.”
— Edna St. Vincent Millay
============
“The man who worries morning and night about the dandelions in the lawn will find great relief in loving the dandelions.”
— Liberty Hyde Bailey
============
“Plant your tiny seeds and keep watering them every day. Soon, they’ll grow.”
― Israelmore Ayivor
=============
