Sunday 7 February 2010

Pussy willows to usher in the new year

This is a plant imported from China usually for the Chinese New Year season. It is usually sold as cut flowers and bought for the house to usher in the new year or spring. After the celebrations, they are usually thrown away. These are called pussy willows. You can read more about it here. Photos show the male catkins (male flowers) and new shoots. I bought the potted version. I hope they will continue to grow.

4 comments:

  1. My daughter and I adore pussy willows, as they remind us of our beloved 'Gram'. I am not even sure why we associate these plants with my grandmother, but we always have!

    I didn't know they were used to celebrate the New Year. That makes me love them even more!
    Fox : )

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  2. Hi Fox,

    Does it have anything to do with cultural traditions listed here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pussy_Willow

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  3. My pussy willows are opening in my garden, a sign of spring to come. Love the idea of it being a New year tradition for you.

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  4. Hi!
    Thanks for that info. Very interesting, but as I am not a Christian, those references are not applicable! But it was interesting non the less.
    Fox : )

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