THE FOLKLORE OF PLANTS: Honesty

Lisa Karen Miller

“If you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens you can never regain their respect and esteem.”

Abraham Lincoln

          Politicians sometimes forget this dictum from one of our most unforgettable presidents.  Lincoln was a strong believer in the virtue of dealing honestly with the people.

          Born in Hodgenville, Kentucky, Lincoln was known as Honest Abe. He valued this nickname, and strove to live up to it – not always an easy task when practicing law.  He wrote, “…resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your own judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.” 

          Lincoln would have admired the plant named for this virtue.

          Lunaria takes its name from luna, Latin for moon.  It is variously known as honesty, silver dollar bush, money plant, moonwort, and even moonshine bush. Its round silver seed pods resemble both the moon and a shiny silver dollar.

          It has been popular in North America since the Puritans brought it over.

          In astrology, it is associated with the zodiac sign Cancer, a moon sign. To attract money, put a seed pod in the bottom of a candlestick, insert a green candle, and burn it down completely.  Alternatively, put the seed pod in your shoe. It is also known as horseshoe vetch because it was believed to have the power to unshoe horses. Another attributed power is the ability to pick locks.

          In the language of flowers, it says honesty, protection, abundance, and “You fascinate me.” Honesty reseeds readily in the garden, and its seed pods are often used in dried flower arrangements.

          Lincoln’s little son Tad almost always accompanied his father, no matter how busy he may have been. Tad had joined him on a trip along with some gentlemen with whom Lincoln needed to discuss the affairs of the nation, but soon became bored and troublesome.

“Tad, if you will be a good boy, and not disturb me any more until we get to Fortress Monroe, I will give you a dollar.” This quietened the child for a while, but he soon became as noisy as ever. Upon reaching their destination, however, he said, very promptly, “Father, I want my dollar.”

Mr. Lincoln looked at him half-reproachfully for an instant, and then, taking from his pocketbook a dollar note, he said, “Well, my son, at any rate, I will keep my part of the bargain.”

          It’s sometimes difficult for us to honor Lincoln’s memory by embracing his defining virtue.

          Some honesty in the garden might help us to remember.

© Copyright 2023 Lisa Karen Miller