THE FOLKLORE OF PLANTS: Sweet William

Lisa Karen Miller

“Oh mother, oh mother, go dig my grave,

Go dig it long and narrow.

Sweet William died for me today,

I’ll die for him tomorrow.”

“Barbara Allen,” Traditional Ballad

          This bright flower that has adorned cottage gardens for centuries is dedicated to Saint William, whose day is June 25^th. The word sweet sometimes stands in for saint. There is some confusion over exactly which Saint William, however – Rochester, York, or Aquitaine. Scholars seem to favor the last – half monk, half soldier, his fame was spread widely throughout the south of Europe.

          Dianthus barbatus (bearded) is in the same family as pinks and carnations.  As Sweet William was originally red, it was known as a red pink.  It now comes in a variety of colors.

          What is a cottage garden?  Rich people – the lords of the manor, in feudal days – had large houses and professionally landscaped gardens.  They were pruned, plucked, and primped precisely. The plants were bought by experts, planted according to a precise plan, and included some that were expensive and high maintenance. These gardens were designed to impress upon others just how important the owner was, perhaps even more so than the house. Only a privileged few would be allowed to enter the manor, but many could see the garden.

           People who worked on the manor lived in cottages and had small gardens, mostly given over to food. If another cottager was dividing plants and gave you some, you just stuck in it anywhere it would fit. These were usually low-maintenance native perennials. 

          The peasants had more to do than faff about in the garden all day.

          So cottage gardens today mean crowded, carefree, colorful, and charming. They usually include lots of friendship plants – those that have been shared by a friend.

          The ballad “Barbara Allen” relates the tale of Sweet William, who is loved by Barbara.  He shares his affections rather too freely with other ladies, however.  Dying, he calls for Barbara to come to his deathbed, and tells her that only her love can restore him to life.  Still stung by his callous behavior, she turns away, refusing him this final comfort.  He dies, and she follows shortly after. 

          They are buried not far apart in the churchyard.  From his grave grows a red rose (symbol of love), from hers a briar (“I am wounded”).  They grow toward each other and intertwine.

The flower has petals with the softness and color of a rose, but they are fringed (barbed) like a briar, so it embodies the qualities of both ill-fated lovers.

© Copyright 2023 Lisa Karen Miller