Trees, birds and life are awakening from the winter hibernation, a winter that has been full of remarkable in depth exploration of how resistance can cause curiosity and appreciation. The amazing pussy willows (Salix caprea) truly signal that the spring season has arrived. It is time to wonder what the new season will initiate. The first tree that signals the arrival of the new season is the tree that we have been immensely grateful to throughout the entire winter.
Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), nun, abbess and medicinal plant expert, wrote about Willow: “The willow (wida) is cold, and it designates vices, since it seems to be beautiful. It is not useful for people, except in serving external uses, and is not good for medicine. Its fruit and juice is bitter, and not good for human use. If one wishes to eat it, it stirs up and augments melancholy in him, makes him bitter inside, and diminishes his health and happiness.”
The sheep at Østreng have had willows for their daily food the entire winter, and have certainly not been affected by the melancholy Hildegard describes. Nordic plant traditions seem to explain the willows in another direction, being more of a health provider and even pain reliever.
Right now, the willow is a clear favorite at Østreng and even brings hope and dreams for a new season!
