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Tidbits of Romantic Folklore

By Karen Pierce Gonzalez ‘Queen of Folklore,' publisher of Folk Heart Press and author of  ‘Family Folktales: Write Your Own Family Stories’

Romance makes the world go ‘round and ‘round. It’s what is at the heart - no pun intended - of countless movies, songs, and folktales. Two people meet, either fall in love right away or slowly come to find they are filled with passion for one another.

In some cases the romance evolves into ageless love and in others it is cut short by betrayal of one kind or other. Sometimes it remains unrequited.  Regardless of the outcome, courtship and marriage are based upon select beliefs about what is romantic.

Here are romantic tidbits of all shapes and sizes from various cultures about how to generate or express romance:

Jade of China

Long revered as the stone of peace, wisdom and true love. Each color has its own special vibration: Green is long life, true love, wisdom. Red is especially good for women’s health and physical stress. Lavender eases emotional strain. White relaxes nerves. Jade symbolizes overall renewal and is still considered a lucky stone worn as an amulet.

Claddah of Ireland

The history of this traditional Irish wedding ring begins with a group of rings called, "Fede rings", meaning, "faith rings". Dating back to Roman times, faith rings are distinguished by two hands representing trust and faith. The Claddagh ring is a unique version of this design in which the two hands are holding a heart topped by a crown. It is an intricately crafted tribute to friendship, loyalty and everlasting love.

English Lavender

Lore has it that lavender can attract men. It was said that young ladies would wear small lavender bags in their cleavage to lure suitors. However, it was also used for chastity.

On St Luke's day young maidens would sip on a lavender tea and say:

"St Luke, St Luke, be kind to me,

In my dreams, let me my true love see.”

Girls would tuck some lavender under their lover's pillow so their thoughts would turn to romance. Lavender placed under the marriage mattress would ensure marital passion.

Roman Lovebirds

Roman lore notes that doves select their life-long mates on February 14. The dove was chosen was sacred to the Roman Goddess Venus because it chose a lifelong mate. The cooing sounds these birds make has often been likened to the sweet baby-like ‘love sounds’ people make when in love.

Whether young or old, people all over the world have been involved in some aspect of the pursuit of true love, even if they don’t believe in romance. The search for the perfect partner is almost as popular as happiness and in some instances is considered to be the same thing: a universal desire for the bliss of a meaningful connection with others.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Karen Pierce Gonzalez talks about romantic folklore. To listen, please click here.

Karen Pierce Gonzalez ‘Queen of Folklore’ is publisher of Folk Heart Press. Karen is an award winning fiction and non fiction writer.  Author of the ‘Family Folktales: Write Your Own Family Stories’ workbook and ‘Family Folktales: What Are Yours?’, she has been interested in folktales and folklore for more than two decades. Learn more at:  www.FolkheartPress.com