A fabulous story about a wild or cultivated plant for the lesson “The world around us. Stories and legends about gladioli
prepared by Ekaterina Ziborova
The botanical name of gladiolus is a skewer, its stem is really similar to a sword blade, and the scarlet inflorescences of some varieties are like drops of blood. The very name "gladiolus" is a Latin word (Gladius). An ancient Roman legend says: if the gladiolus bulbs are hung on the chest as an amulet, they will not only help to win a duel, but also protect from death.
Among the Romans, gladiolus was considered the flower of gladiators. According to legend, a cruel Roman commander captured Thracian soldiers and ordered to turn them into gladiators, and the most beautiful, brave, dexterous and true friends The commander ordered Sevt and Teresa to be the first to fight each other, promising that the winner would receive his daughter's hand and be released. Many curious townspeople gathered to watch this spectacle. However, they did not see what they wanted: when the trumpets sounded, calling the brave warriors to battle, Sevt and Teres stuck their swords into the ground and rushed to each other with open arms.
The crowd roared indignantly. The trumpets sounded again, demanding a duel, and when the soldiers again did not meet the expectations of the bloodthirsty Romans, they were put to death.
But as soon as the bodies of the defeated touched the ground, blooming gladioli grew from the hilts of their swords, which to this day are considered a symbol of friendship, loyalty, memory and nobility.
At the time of Theophrastus, the author of numerous works on plants, gladioli bulbs were baked in dough and eaten. Onions were added to the ground corms and cakes were baked. And Pliny the Elder reported that in his time the roots of gladioli were used in medicine.
In Europe, medieval landsknechts, as in Ancient Rome, wore gladioli corms on their chests as amulets, since it was believed that they had mysterious powers that made a person invincible and protected from injury. It was believed that the magical power of the corms lies in the mesh "armor" - the nerves of the dead cover leaves.
In the XVII - XVIII centuries. recognition of gladiolus as a miraculous talisman is replaced by recognition of its bearer healing properties... So, some types of gladiolus were used as a milk-producing agent for women, others - for toothache.
Many poetic legends and tales have been written about this beloved plant. "Prince Gladius", slender, in his ceremonial clothes, with an august bearing, has long captivated the flower growers of Russia.
Currently, gladiolus is one of the five most common cut flower crops in the world.
Almost every flower in our world has its own beautiful old legend that tells about how this flower came into being.
To learn about the origin of gladioli, we need to plunge into the times of Ancient Rome and the brutal battles of gladiators.
Gladiolus "Red Cascade" ("Red Cascade").
Gladiolus - flower of gladiators
In ancient rome gladiolus was considered the flower of gladiators. Translated from latin gladius means sword. Gladiolus leaves are shaped like swords raised up.
Legend has it that once a cruel Roman ruler captured Thracian warriors and decided to make gladiators out of them so that they would fight each other in the arena, entertaining noble Romans. Friends Sevt and Teres were to fight first. The ruler promised freedom to the one who wins the battle.
But the friends did not fight. They stuck their swords into the ground and hugged each other. For this, the Romans killed them. But when the bodies of their friends fell to the ground, their swords turned into beautiful flowers.
Since then, gladioli have been considered symbols of nobility, loyalty, friendship and mutual assistance.
The ancient Romans believed that gladioli have a special magic power... They protect warriors in battles and bring good luck in battles. Roman warriors used gladiolus bulbs as amulets. They hung them around their necks and believed that gladioli would bring them victory.
Here they are - what beautiful flowers of gladiators:
Photo: JoJan, Ks.mini, Hedwig Storch, Senet, Dezidor, Pharaoh Hound.
prepared by Ekaterina Ziborova
The botanical name of gladiolus is a skewer, its stem is really similar to a sword blade, and the scarlet inflorescences of some varieties are like drops of blood. The very name "gladiolus" is a Latin word (Gladius). An ancient Roman legend says: if the gladiolus bulbs are hung on the chest as an amulet, they will not only help to win a duel, but also protect from death.
Among the Romans, gladiolus was considered the flower of gladiators. According to legend, the cruel Roman commander captured the Thracian warriors and ordered to turn them into gladiators, and the most beautiful, brave, dexterous and loyal friends Sevtus and Teresa commanded the first to fight each other, promising that the winner will receive the hand of his daughter and will be released to freedom. Many curious townspeople gathered to watch this spectacle. However, they did not see what they wanted: when the trumpets sounded, calling the brave warriors to battle, Sevt and Teres stuck their swords into the ground and rushed to each other with open arms.
The crowd roared indignantly. The trumpets sounded again, demanding a duel, and when the soldiers again did not meet the expectations of the bloodthirsty Romans, they were put to death.
But as soon as the bodies of the defeated touched the ground, blooming gladioli grew from the hilts of their swords, which to this day are considered a symbol of friendship, loyalty, memory and nobility.
At the time of Theophrastus, the author of numerous works on plants, gladioli bulbs were baked in dough and eaten. Onions were added to the ground corms and cakes were baked. And Pliny the Elder reported that in his time the roots of gladioli were used in medicine.
In Europe, medieval landsknechts, as in Ancient Rome, wore gladioli corms on their chests as amulets, since it was believed that they had mysterious powers that made a person invincible and protected from injury. It was believed that the magic power of the corms lies in the mesh "armor" - the nerves of the dead cover leaves.
In the XVII - XVIII centuries. recognition of gladiolus as a miraculous talisman is replaced by recognition of its healing properties as a bearer. So, some types of gladiolus were used as a milk-producing agent for women, others - for toothache.
Many poetic legends and tales have been written about this beloved plant. "Prince Gladius", slender, in his ceremonial clothes, with an august bearing, has long captivated the flower growers of Russia.
Currently, gladiolus is one of the five most common cut flower crops in the world.
Weekly Free Digest of Gardenia.ru Site
Every week, for 10 years, for our 100,000 subscribers, an excellent selection relevant materials about flowers and a garden, as well as other useful information.
www.gardenia.ru
Anna Saxe. Gladiolus
(from the book "Fairy Tales of Flowers")
Among the captured Thracians, the Roman commander Barbagalo chose the strongest youths Teresa and Sevt for himself, ordering the rest to be killed. He took these two handsome men to Rome and sent them to the school of gladiators. Longing for the homeland, pain for the lost freedom, humiliation from the position of slaves tormented the young Thracians, and they asked their gods for only one thing - that death would come to them as soon as possible. But the gods were merciless to them. The days passed, and the young men woke up every morning safe and sound, took their swords and went to the teachings.
“Perhaps the gods have other intentions regarding us,” Teres once spoke quietly to Sevt. “Maybe they want us to learn how to use swords and avenge the dishonor of our people?
“If the gods failed to protect our people, what can we? - Sevt sighed bitterly.
“Let's ask the goddess of dreams, let her predict what awaits us in the future,” Teres suggested, and Sevt agreed with him.
When, waking up in the morning, Teres told his friend his dream, Sevt had nothing to add, because they both had the same dreams.
Teresa dreamed that he was entering the arena in a warrior's costume, and Sevt stood against him with a sword in his hand. They look at each other in confusion, and the crowd roars for the gladiators to start the battle. No one has the strength to raise a sword against a comrade in misfortune, and then a beautiful Roman woman hurries to Teresa and says: "Cut it so that you are the winner, then you will receive freedom and my love!" He swings his sword, but at that moment a voice is heard from under the ground: “Listen to what your heart is telling you!”.
- You had my dream! - Sevt exclaimed in surprise.
In the evening, when friends were returning from class, they met two girls. These were the daughters of Barbagalo, Octavia and Leocardia. When Octavia's gaze touched Teres's, he felt as if lightning had pierced him and pinned him to the ground. As petrified, he stood and looked at the beauty, not noticing that Sevt and Leocardia were looking at each other in the same way.
Love is not only blind, it is usually also wise and knows how to find ways so that lovers can meet even when there is such an abyss between them, as between a winner and a slave. Long time Barbagalo did not know that his daughters secretly meet with gladiators, until Octavia once confessed to him her reckless love for Teresa, and soon Leocardia came to Sevt with the same declaration of love.
Barbagalo, knowing the stubborn nature of his daughters, did not imprison them in a castle and did not forbid short dates with his beloved. He informed them that in the next gladiatorial battles Teres and Sevt will enter the arena against each other, and whoever becomes the winner will receive freedom. The sly man hoped that both strongmen would fight for life and death, so that not one would survive, and the spectacle would be unprecedented.
Soon Barbagalo's hopes began to come true. Octavia urged Teresa to get victory at any cost, because she would give him freedom, and Leocardia repeated the same to Sevta. The sisters hated each other, because each fought for her own happiness, but the happiness of one meant the unhappiness of the other. Yes, and the swords of friends now rang sharper and more mercilessly, as if they were already thirsting for warm blood.
The day of gladiatorial battles has come. There was no free seat in the amphitheater, and in the first row near the arena sat Barbagalo with both daughters - Octavia and Leocardia.
When Teres and Sevt entered the arena, dressed in the military suits of the Thracians, and flashing with raised swords, they exclaimed "Doomed to death greet you!" - the crowd roared with delight.
Octavia encouraged Teres with a look, while Leocardia nodded her head to Sevt and, pointing at Teres, turned her clenched palm down with her thumb.
The gladiators took up a fighting position and raised their swords. The audience froze, and the hearts of two girls - two sisters - stopped for a moment.
But at that moment, when Teres's raised hand was about to pierce Sevt's chest with a sword, he heard the voice of his heart, which said:
- Thracian Teres, what will you answer to your motherland-mother if you become the murderer of her son?
The heart of Sevt asked the same question, and they rushed to each other and hugged.
The crowd was outraged and shouted:
Octavia jumped to her feet and exclaimed, "Teres, fight for our happiness!"
With exactly the same words, Leocardia turned to Sevt.
Then Teres, swinging his sword, silenced the audience and, proudly raising his head, said:
- You turned out to be stronger than us and we became prisoners, but you will not be able to turn us into villains. You can kill us, but not defeat us!
Having said this, he thrust his sword into the ground, and Sevt did the same.
The relentless crowd of spectators felt cheated.
- Of death! Of death! We demand death! - everyone shouted.
Barbagalo gave his warriors a sign to kill the gladiators. When the bodies of Teres and Sevt were carried away from the arena, a miracle happened: the swords stuck in the ground suddenly turned green, buds appeared on them and flowers bloomed.
These flowers were called gladioli.
There are other legends and beliefs about gladioli.
Ancient roman legend she assured: if the roots of gladiolus are hung on the chest, like amulets, they will not only protect against death, but also help to win the fight.
In medieval Europe The landsknechts wore gladiolus corms as amulets, since they believed that they made them invincible and protected from injury. It was believed that the magical power of corms lies in the mesh "armor" - the rib of dead cover leaves. Based on this belief, the first German names for gladioli arose: Siegwurz- "king of victory" and Allermannsharnisch- "armor that protects men." In Europe, these names were used in relation to all wild species Gladiolus communis and Gladiolus palustris.
In the 17th and 18th centuries healers attributed to gladioli medicinal properties... Corms were advised to be added to milk for infants, they were used against toothache.
In the year of Halley's comet(1910) Halley appeared on the Dutch markets and was a huge success. Up to 4 thousand guilders were paid for a few corms of this variety.
About gladioli
Elena Ulimova
About gladioli
Gladiolus - small sword
Legends about gladiolus
“Oh, ancient Rome! Tell us the legend about Gladiolus, all Flower gladiators. «
Gladiolus - sword flower, he is the king of victory, a great duelist. The Romans considered it a flower gladiators... Name gladiolus comes from the Latin word gladius - "sword". Translated from Latin, gladiolus also means "small sword". V Ancient Greece gladiolus was called xiphion, which also meant "sword". This name is due to the fact that this plant has straight xiphoid leaves, reaching a length of 80 cm.
Traditionally gladiolus - male flower , reminiscent of chivalry, the real "King of Victory"; believe that this is how the first German name sounded gladiolus... These flowers are rarely given to women, especially young girls, and looks good in bouquets intended for business partners, winners and award winners. But still, many women adore these flowers and gladly accept them as a gift.
As the legend says, gladioli grew out of the swords of the Thracian warriors captured by the Romans. There was a war between the Romans and the Thracians and the victory went to the Romans. The cruel Roman commander captured the Thracian soldiers and ordered them to be turned into gladiators... Longing for the homeland, pain of lost freedom, humiliation from the position of slaves, bound the two young prisoners Sevt and Teresa with a strong friendship. Wanting to entertain the public, the cruel commander forced his faithful friends to fight against each other, promising the winner a reward - a return to his homeland. For the sake of freedom, they had to give their lives.
Many curious citizens converged on the military show. When the trumpets sounded, calling the brave to battle, then refusing to fight for the amusement of the Romans, Sevt and Teres stuck their swords into the ground and rushed to each other with open arms, ready to accept death. The crowd roared indignantly. The trumpets sounded again, demanding a duel, but the warriors did not satisfy the expectations of the bloodthirsty Romans. They were put to death. As soon as the bodies of the defeated touched the ground, their swords took root and blossomed into tall, beautiful flowers. In honor of the noble gladiators they were called gladioli... And until now, they are a symbol of friendship, loyalty, nobility and memory.
And in South Africa tell a different origin story gladioli... In the old days, wars were commonplace, and once enemies raided a small village, hoping to take their opponents by surprise. They captured many, but the elder managed to escape, having previously hidden the main values of the community from the invaders. The elder's beautiful daughter was tortured for a long time in order to find out from her where her father was hiding, but she did not say a word to her enemies. Then they decided to execute her in front of all her fellow countrymen, but the moment the sword was supposed to touch the girl's neck, the gods turned it into a beautiful flower with purple-red buds. Seeing this miracle, the invaders realized that the gods condemn them, and hastily left this village, saving the brave girl's life.
There is another beautiful legend about strong love a prince and a beautiful girl. Once upon a time there lived a prince and his name was Iolus. In his kingdom, the people lived in contentment and joy, because Iolus was a kind and just ruler. Only the young prince was often sad that he could not find his beloved in his kingdom, although he traveled from end to end. And then Iolus went to the Magician to find out where his love lives. He told him that a beautiful girl named Glad, which he is going to marry. And she would rather die than marry an old, evil wizard.
On the same day, Iolus went in search of his beloved. He came to the castle of the Evil Wizard with a request to teach him magic and was accepted. But for this, the prince had to serve the Evil Wizard and put things in order in his castle. Once, when the Evil Wizard was not in the castle, Iolus opened the door of the cherished room and saw in her a girl of unprecedented beauty. They looked at each other and immediately fell in love. Hand in hand, they ran away from the castle. Glad and Iolus were already far away when the Evil Wizard overtook them. And he turned them into a flower, which he placed in his garden. The long stem of the flower resembles a slender Iolus, and the beautiful delicate buds - Glad... Later, people called the flower " Gladiolus“, In honor of the strong love of two hearts who died, but did not want to part.
History gladiolus originates from ancient times, mentions of it are found in the works of ancient Roman thinkers. Shamans and medicine men prescribed this flower magical properties... An ancient Roman legend tells that if the roots gladiolus hang on the chest, as amulets, they will not only protect against death, but also help to win a duel. Landsknechts used to carry corms in medieval Europe gladioli as amulets, since they believed that they make them invincible and protect them from injury. It was believed that the magical power of corms lies in the mesh "armor" - the rib of dead cover leaves.
Before your cultivation gladiolus was not ornamental plant... During the time of Theophrastus, about 300 BC, it was considered a burdensome weed of grain crops, but from its crushed bulbs with the addition of flour, tortillas could be baked. In the 17th and 18th centuries, healers attributed gladioli medicinal properties... Corms were advised to be added to milk for infants, they were used against toothache. Currently in gladioli found a large amount of vitamin C. Petals black and red gladioli are part of some medicinal preparations that enhance human immunity.
First time popularity gladiolus acquired only in the 18th century, when South African species of these flowers, distinguished by their greater brightness and beauty, were brought to Europe. And when, in 1902, an English engineer brought home an elegant creamy yellow flower found near a waterfall near the Zambezi River - gladiolus in just a few years got the most wide use worldwide. The flowers were so spectacular that they immediately won the love of European flower growers. In 1837. the Belgian gardener G. Bedzinghaus brought out the so-called "Ghent gladiolus"(G. gapdavepssis, from which the history of modern gladioli... In the year of Halley's comet (1910) the Halley variety appeared on the Dutch markets and was a huge success. Up to 4 thousand guilders were paid for a few corms of this variety. Almost 70,000 varieties are known to date. gladiolus, and annually about a hundred new ones are registered in the international lists!
In the 50-60s of the last century gladiolus was on the crest of the wave of popularity in such a flower country as Holland. During this time, Dutch breeders developed many new varieties. Some of them, in terms of the sum of their characteristics, have proven themselves very well and are still popular. (for example, Oscar, Red Ginger and others)... Widespread gladioli in England and their popularity in this country is stable. In this country, the first society in history was created. gladiolus... Now gladiolus is one of the five most common cut crops in the world.
The mermaids came out to sing on the banks
About how terribly life joked with them.
And in the moonlight - on the leg! -
Quil Satyr, mischievous and badass,
AND gladioli trumpeting horns
Bloomed all night on the Satyr's head
Gladiolus hardworking and not ambitious. He does not strive for a leading position and is more successful under someone else's leadership. Even Gladiolus and he has to fulfill the first roles, he quickly realizes that he is better at obeying, not leading. It is difficult for him to determine the goal on his own, and high achievements are possible thanks to sensitive guidance.
And yet, periodically, Gladiolus it is difficult to come to terms with supporting roles, and he tries to rebel and break out into leaders. The craving for independence and freedom makes him challenge fate, and start all over again. Unfortunately, bad experiences are not good for him. Rebelling again and again Gladiolus makes the same mistakes.
In love Gladiolus is gentle and romantic... He likes to make beautiful gifts and take care of the object of his love. Gladiolus knows how to talk a lot and beautifully, and charm the other half. But, like at work, so in the family, Gladiolus is in a subordinate position.
Gladiolus corresponds to the first Decade Sagittarius:
The first decade of Sagittarius forms a strong, prudent, but harsh character, distinguished by good fighting qualities - the ability to resist in an open struggle and successfully cope with unforeseen circumstances, but at the same time, completely unprotected from slander and intrigue.
At heart, the player, the Sagittarius of the first decade, seeks to use chances everywhere, is not indifferent to sports, loves travel. People of this decade are courageous, independent, capable of science. (often have encyclopedic knowledge) and in jurisprudence, and also have an interest in hunting, can be excellent procurers and commission agents. Those born on November 23 - 30 have a strongly developed feeling dignity... Born November 30 - December 1 are distinguished by their beauty and sensuality. Sagittarius of the first decade do not recognize special subtleties in love, they act simply, but they are able to lose their heads under the influx of strong passion.
As a rule, these are hard workers, they earn money purposefully, but material progress is not easy for them. Over the years, a weakening of financial interests, the development of extravagance and a tendency to gossip about others is possible. They are good mentors and beneficial to the younger generation. In this decade, there is no unity of consciousness and subconsciousness, and this duality manifests itself in life and work, outlining clear periods of luck and failure. Until the age of 36 - 40, there is no stability in their fate.
Men of this decade need to restrain themselves in relation to sensual pleasures and alcoholic beverages, and it is useful for women to develop their imagination in order to avoid the routine of everyday life.
Photo from personal archive
The teacher's prayer. The teacher's prayer. My dear Angel, I pray, I do not sleep. My path is still unknown. My dear Angel I say to you -Tell me the faithful way!
prepared by Ekaterina Ziborova
The botanical name of gladiolus is a skewer, its stem is really similar to a sword blade, and the scarlet inflorescences of some varieties are like drops of blood. The very name "gladiolus" is a Latin word (Gladius). An ancient Roman legend says: if the gladiolus bulbs are hung on the chest as an amulet, they will not only help to win a duel, but also protect from death.
Among the Romans, gladiolus was considered the flower of gladiators. According to legend, the cruel Roman commander captured the Thracian warriors and ordered to turn them into gladiators, and the most beautiful, brave, dexterous and loyal friends Sevtus and Teresa commanded the first to fight each other, promising that the winner will receive the hand of his daughter and will be released to freedom. Many curious townspeople gathered to watch this spectacle. However, they did not see what they wanted: when the trumpets sounded, calling the brave warriors to battle, Sevt and Teres stuck their swords into the ground and rushed to each other with open arms.
The crowd roared indignantly. The trumpets sounded again, demanding a duel, and when the soldiers again did not meet the expectations of the bloodthirsty Romans, they were put to death.
But as soon as the bodies of the defeated touched the ground, blooming gladioli grew from the hilts of their swords, which to this day are considered a symbol of friendship, loyalty, memory and nobility.
At the time of Theophrastus, the author of numerous works on plants, gladioli bulbs were baked in dough and eaten. Onions were added to the ground corms and cakes were baked. And Pliny the Elder reported that in his time the roots of gladioli were used in medicine.
In Europe, medieval landsknechts, as in Ancient Rome, wore gladioli corms on their chests as amulets, since it was believed that they had mysterious powers that made a person invincible and protected from injury. It was believed that the magical power of the corms lies in the mesh "armor" - the nerves of the dead cover leaves.
In the XVII - XVIII centuries. recognition of gladiolus as a miraculous talisman is replaced by recognition of its healing properties as a bearer. So, some types of gladiolus were used as a milk-producing agent for women, others - for toothache.
Many poetic legends and tales have been written about this beloved plant. "Prince Gladius", slender, in his ceremonial clothes, with an august bearing, has long captivated the flower growers of Russia.
Currently, gladiolus is one of the five most common cut flower crops in the world.
All about gladiolus on the website
|
|
Weekly Free Site Digest Site
Every week, for 10 years, for our 100,000 subscribers, an excellent selection of relevant materials about flowers and garden, as well as other useful information.
Subscribe and receive!
Gladiolus - small sword
"Oh, ancient Rome! Tell us the legend of Gladiolus, all the flower Gladiators ..."
Gladiolus is a sword flower, he is the king of victory, a magnificent duelist. Among the Romans, it was considered the flower of gladiators. The name of gladiolus comes from the Latin word gladius - "sword". Translated from Latin, gladiolus also means "small sword". In ancient Greece, gladiolus was called xiphion, which also meant "sword". This name is due to the fact that this plant has straight xiphoid leaves, reaching a length of 80 cm ...
Tall slender plant with beautiful flowers, collected in two rows in a pointed straight ear. The leaves are long, narrow, sticking out like sharp swords. Therefore, the plant is often called a skewer. The scarlet inflorescences of some varieties are like droplets of frozen blood. Many legends and beliefs are associated with these beautiful flowers. They were credited with medicinal properties.
Traditionally, gladiolus is a male flower reminiscent of chivalry, a true "King of Victory"; believe that this is how the first German name for gladiolus sounded. These flowers are rarely given to women, especially young girls, and looks good in bouquets intended for business partners, winners and award winners. But still, many women adore these flowers and gladly accept them as a gift.
As the legend says, gladioli grew out of the swords of the Thracian warriors captured by the Romans ... There was a war between the Romans and the Thracians, and the Romans won the victory. The cruel Roman commander captured the Thracian soldiers and ordered them to be turned into gladiators. Longing for the homeland, pain of lost freedom, humiliation from the position of slaves, bound the two young prisoners Sevt and Teresa with a strong friendship. Wanting to entertain the public, the cruel commander forced his faithful friends to fight against each other, promising the winner a reward - a return to his homeland. For the sake of freedom, they had to give their lives.
Many curious citizens converged on the military show. When the trumpets sounded, calling the brave to battle, then refusing to fight for the amusement of the Romans, Sevt and Teres stuck their swords into the ground and rushed to each other with open arms, ready to accept death. The crowd roared indignantly. The trumpets sounded again, demanding a duel, but the warriors did not satisfy the expectations of the bloodthirsty Romans. They were put to death. As soon as the bodies of the defeated touched the ground, their swords took root and blossomed into tall, beautiful flowers. In honor of the noble gladiators, they were named gladioli. And until now, they are a symbol of friendship, loyalty, nobility and memory.
And in South Africa, they tell a different story about the origin of gladioli. In the old days, wars were commonplace, and once enemies raided a small village, hoping to take their opponents by surprise. They captured many, but the elder managed to escape, having previously hidden the main values of the community from the invaders. The elder's beautiful daughter was tortured for a long time in order to find out from her where her father was hiding, but she did not say a word to her enemies. Then they decided to execute her in front of all her fellow countrymen, but the moment the sword was supposed to touch the girl's neck, the gods turned it into a beautiful flower with purple-red buds. Seeing this miracle, the invaders realized that the gods condemn them, and hastily left this village, saving the brave girl's life.
There is another beautiful legend about the strong love of a prince and a beautiful girl. Once upon a time there lived a prince and his name was Iolus. In his kingdom, the people lived in contentment and joy, because Iolus was a kind and just ruler. Only the young prince was often sad that he could not find his beloved in his kingdom, although he traveled from end to end. And then Iolus went to the Magician to find out where his love lives, who told him that in a neighboring kingdom, in a dungeon, with an evil wizard, a beautiful girl named Glad was languishing, whom he was going to marry. And she would rather die than marry an old, evil wizard.
On the same day, Iolus went in search of his beloved. He came to the castle of the Evil Wizard with a request to teach him magic and was accepted. But for this, the prince had to serve the Evil Wizard and put things in order in his castle. Once, when the Evil Wizard was not in the castle, Iolus opened the door of the cherished room and saw in her a girl of unprecedented beauty. They looked at each other and immediately fell in love. Hand in hand, they ran away from the castle. Glad and Iolus were already far away when the Evil Wizard overtook them. And he turned them into a flower, which he placed in his garden. The long stem of the flower resembles a slender Iolus, and the beautiful delicate buds - Glad. Later, people named the flower "Gladiolus", in honor of the strong love of two hearts who died but did not want to part.
The history of gladiolus dates back to ancient times; references to it are found in the works of ancient Roman thinkers. Shamans and healers prescribed magical properties to this flower. An ancient Roman legend says that if gladiolus roots are hung on the chest like amulets, they will not only protect from death, but also help to win a duel. In medieval Europe, landsknechts wore gladioli corms as amulets, because they believed that they made them invincible and protected from injury. It was believed that the magical power of the corms lies in the mesh "armor" - the rib of the dead cover leaves.
Before its cultivation, gladiolus was not an ornamental plant. During the time of Theophrastus, about 300 BC, it was considered a burdensome weed of grain crops, but from its crushed bulbs with the addition of flour, tortillas could be baked. In the 17th and 18th centuries, healers attributed medicinal properties to gladioli. Corms were advised to be added to milk for infants, they were used against toothache. Currently, a large amount of vitamin C has been found in gladioli. Petals of black and red gladioli are part of some medicinal preparations that increase human immunity.
For the first time, gladiolus gained popularity only in the 18th century, when South African species of these flowers, which were distinguished by greater brightness and beauty, were brought to Europe. And when, in 1902, an English engineer brought home a graceful creamy-yellow flower found near a waterfall near the Zambezi River - gladiolus literally in a few years became the most widespread in the whole world. The flowers were so spectacular that they immediately won the love of European flower growers. In 1837. Belgian gardener G. Bedzinghaus bred the so-called "Ghent gladiolus" (G. gapdavepssis), from which the history of modern gladioli began. In the year of Halley's comet (1910), the Halley variety appeared on the Dutch markets, which was a huge success. Up to 4 thousand guilders were paid for a few corms of this variety. To date, almost 70,000 gladiolus varieties are known, and about a hundred new ones are registered in the international lists every year!
