If you want to see a true aster in the United States, you must travel to the alpine meadows in the northwestern Rockies. This is where the true Alpine aster lives. All of the other beautiful blankets of “asters” that adorn the eastern coast of the United States have been reclassified to another flower thanks to the ability to truly breakdown the genetic code within the flowers’ DNA.
Since all of our Mother’s Day bouquet flowers have some sort of Grecian story attached, it is no wonder that the Aster also has a tale or two to tell.
The tears of the Greek goddess, Asterea are said to have given birth to the beautiful aster. Asterea was gazing upon the heavens one dark and lovely night, and she said, “HEY! There are just not enough stars up there!”
Like a love-struck teen, she flung herself to the ground and cried, and cried and cried. She was so depressed, that she went Goth and painted her fingernails black. And cried some more.
All of those tears became the little star flowers that we know of as the aster to this day.
There are other legends around the aster that include Virgo dusting the Earth with stardust thus creating the aster. It is also the flower of Venus, love’s goddess, and it is believed to be a sacred flower of all the gods to the point that they used the aster in their ceremonial wreaths.
There are 180 species of aster that all live in Eurasia with the exception of the Alpine aster.
The aster was used in Victorian culture as a symbol of patience, charm and daintiness.
The aster comes in a host of colors that include:
- Pink – Sensitivity and love
- White – Purity and innocence
- Purple – Wisdom and royalty
- Red – Undying devotion
The Chinese use the aster in tea that is said to aid digestion as well as stave off epilepsy and cure a hangover. It is used holistically for coughs, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Last, but not least, if you burn asters, you can ward off serpents! Snake be gone!
Millions of stars can be found in the aster’s petals, and every one of our handmade artists are stars in their own rights.
Here are some of their stellar creations that shine as brightly as any star.
Hanging Snowflake Kitchen Towel With Hand Knit Topper and Ties
Baby Blue Heart with 3D Blue Roses
Natural Howlite Sodalite Nugget Southwest Beaded Bracelet 7.5" to 8"
Blue Lampwork Glass Women's Earrings
Heart Earrings Clear Swarovski Crystals Hoop Earrings
St. Francis of Assisi Chaplet Bracelet
Bell Christmas Tree Ornament with Snowflakes Handcrafted from Birch Wood
Fireworks and Stars Patriotic Dog Bandana
Purple Flower Boho Dangle Earrings with Jasper Gemstones and Glass Beads 3-inches Long
Moon Charm Bracelet
Unusual Orange Vined Business Card Holder with Glass Cabochon and Glue Cip Textured Glass
Heart Bead Lampwork Coral Orange Glass Ivory Band Silver Focal 20mm Lg
Rose Quartz Charm Bracelet Gemstone Bracelet
Silver Earrings
Red Poppy Jasper Necklace with Faceted Teardrop Gemstone OOAK Necklace
Cross Earrings, Red Creek Jasper Southwest Gemstone Christian Jewelry
Hope that you enjoyed these gorgeous creations. If you do not see what you are looking for, contact any of the above friendly and creative artists, and I am sure that they will be more than happy to make something just for your “mom”.
If you want to see more of their outstanding works, then here are some more links from which to shop:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
And even more!
Tulips
What’s in a Name?
The Flowers of the Gods
Kiss the Sun
Consider the Lilies
Keeping Regular Hours
Beautimous Borderlands Botanicals
They Call Him Flipper
Enjoy, and share this blog post and all of these handmade items with your friends and family! We handmade artists always appreciate a good share.
Julie
Another fascinating share of flower info. Have always enjoyed the beauty of asters - also easy to grow in the garden! Interesting that most asters have been reclassified. Many thanks, Julie, for hosting the Countdown again. Am sure it brought in sales - think it did for me (: Thanks for including my cross earrings in this last post. Have shared the blog far and wide, as well as the individual items. Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie! The Mother's Day Countdown went so fast for me this year. Your dedication to this promotion is very much appreciated. Always an interesting and charming write-up each week to enjoy reading. Thank you for showing my moon-star charm bracelet along with all these other stellar creations. Pinning each to Pinterest and sharing your blog.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mothers Day to all. Sad to see it go by so quickly but gearing up for the Christmas countdown. Julie, you are just an awesome woman! Creative, talented and sweet. Thank you so much for all you do for us!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this interesting post and for sharing such lovely handmade goodies. Thanks for including my St. Francis of Assisi chaplet bracelet too! :) Will be sharing the post at all the usual places. Also, pinning all the items and tweeting selections.
ReplyDeleteI will miss the Countdown! :) Very much appreciate all you do to help us all get more sales. Happy Mother's Day! xoxo from me and Le Gonze.
Thank you Julie for another Blog of lovely Mother's Day Gifts. With Mother's Day this weekend, I am going to miss you beautiful, informative Blogs each week of various flowers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for including my Crystal Earrings, as well as all the time you have given to doing these Blogs each week!
We never seem to run out of gorgeous pieces to show off and share! Thank you so much Julie! These are some amazing finds! Your blog and countdown has been so much fun. I hope you also enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteWow Julie another Mother's Day countdown coming to an end. I want to say how amazing you are. Thank you for sharing my bracelet.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day!!
Beautifu creations to behold! Thanks for including my lampwork heart bead.
ReplyDeleteI am so disappointed that this is the last Mother's Day mid week post! I have loved reading and learning about our flowers. Thank you so much Julie for all of your hard work (while working!) to help promote us all. Sharing.
ReplyDelete