A stamp issued by Turkey in 1985
Narcissus tazetta, Μανουσάκι, Rose of Sharon
These flowers are currently being sold in the market at 1 E a bunch.
There must be swathes of them growing in the wild somewhere in Greece but I have never seen them.
A friend brought me some a week or so ago, hence the photos.
Then we went to a New Year’s do in January where there was Greek dancing.
I was thrilled to hear this song again which reminded me of the Manousakia.
A part of the lyrics for those who read Greek
“Εμένα η μάνα μ' μ' έστειλε να μασώ μανουσάκια
Μανουσάκια, μανουσάκια, μόσχος και γαριφαλάκια
Σαν πήγα και τα μάζεψα και τα 'κανα ματσάκια
Μανουσάκια στο ποτήρι, να σε φίληγα στα χείλη
Στην αγορά τα πούλησα και πήρα παραδάκια
Μανουσάκια, μανουσάκια, μόσχος και γαριφαλάκια
Μωρή, τι τον έχεις τον παπά που κάθεσαι κοντά του;
Μανουσάκια στο ποτήρι, να σε φίληγα στα χείλη
Τον έχει η μάνα μ ' αδερφό κι εγώ τον έχω μπάρμπα
Μανουσάκια, μανουσάκια, μόσχος και γαριφαλάκια”
You can hear a rendition of the song here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weThW-PWoJIRead about this flower, in Greek, and see photos of it growing in the wild here
http://www.greekflora.gr/el/flowers/0370/Narcissus-tazettaLast but not least, where you can read about Narcissus tazetta in
THE MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN. The journal of the MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN SOCIETY. There are many references to this plant, I have chosen
SPRINGTIME IN WINTER AT THE UC BOTANICAL GARDEN
By Bridget Lamp
A rather long post today, I hope you enjoy it.