Wednesday 5 December 2007

WEDNESDAY 5TH DECEMBER - tulips

For four consecutive birthdays I have been sent a wooden tulip from a very special friend in Finland. They sit on a small shelf with their cheery colour to brighten the grey days of winter.

I have just read a fantastic book by Swedish writer Bodil Malmsten and she told me about tulips so I thought I'd pass it on to you.
In history, the Dutch will be remembered for their passion for tulips. After 400-plus years, theirs is an enduring love affair. First introduced to Holland in 1593, the tulip has become a symbol for the country.
For the origins of the tulip, look to central Asia,the Tien-Shan and the Pamir Alai Mountain Ranges near modern day Islamabad, close to the border of Russia and China.
It feels a useful thing to know don't now when it will be needed, some quiz or game possibly.

5 comments:

Welshcakes Limoncello said...

Those would cheer me up if I received them, anyway! I agree- you never know when you'll need a piece of information for a quiz or something.

Chris Benjamin said...

and the Dutch influence has reached Ottawa. The annual tulip festival is still the biggest event in that town.

marymaryquitecontrary said...

They look like little flames. It is lovely to receive gifts that relate to the country where they are sent from.

Claire said...

welshcakes:I'll let you know when a quiz comes by and this is useful!
benjibopper: daffs are big in this part of the UK. We have thousands of fields of them in Cornwall.
marymary: I love wooden objects so I find these delightful.

Claire said...

marymary: welcome.