Who among us has not heard the legend about how, on the night of Ivan Kupala, the evil spirits go wild, crawling out in droves to protect the precious flower. How daredevils go into the forest to find a flower that will show the way to countless treasures. And what to hide, many of us also went looking for a fern flower - some as a joke, some out of curiosity, and some just as a bet. Has anyone actually seen him? We'll find out very soon.
Question of questions - do ferns bloom?
To find out whether it can or not, you must first figure out what kind of plant it is. So, fern belongs to the category of very rare species that simply do not have seeds. Fern reproduction occurs with the help of spores - sori located in the lower part of the plant.
The fern usually grows no more than a meter in height, but can be very small - up to 30 centimeters. From the top of the rhizome emerge large scaly leaves of a pinnately complex type. They usually bend towards the ground, curling up in a snail-like manner. On the lowest leaves, spores mature, which then, at the slightest touch (or wind), spill out onto the ground, thereby giving life to new shoots of the fern.
What types of ferns are there?
To find out how a fern blooms, you need to get acquainted with its species. The plant can be indoors - interesting carved leaves By decorative beauty have no analogues among domestic plants. It can spread its leaves 70 centimeters from the trunk.
This species does not tolerate sunlight and likes its leaves to be frequently sprayed with plain water. Next view- Thai fern. This is great aquarium plant with bright green leaves complex shape. As a rule, this species does not grow more than 30 centimeters and is quite capricious - in addition to clean water, it requires heating in winter and cooling in summer. The fern is red, named after the color of its leaves. Known Indian and tropical species, tree-like, water and forest. It’s the latter that all sorts of legends are associated with.
forest fern
TO forest species Ferns include the following: leafy and bracken, multirow and shield, kochedednik and Forest varieties are distinguished by beautiful funnel-shaped rosettes of leaves. At the height of summer, the forest fern opens its leaves, becoming like green fountains. Do ferns bloom in the forest and why do people believe this? The fact is that the maturation of spores is somewhat similar to the flowering of a fern.
A frequent occurrence is when a plant throws out thin leaves that look like small inflorescences - these are what are mistaken for small flowers. And in general, a plant that reproduces by spores cannot bloom - this is against all the rules of botany. Therefore, it is actually not possible to know when a fern blooms.
What does the legend say?
However, it is worth returning to our ancestors. It’s not for nothing that there are so many legends surrounding the color of fern. It was not for nothing that in Rus' boys and girls went into the dark and scary forest to find untold riches. They left and disappeared, because, according to legend, at this time (the night of Ivan Kupala) all the evil spirits woke up and were released into the wild, who tried with all their might to protect the fern flower. And just one glance back was enough to disappear forever, without reaching the cherished goal. Our ancestors knew when the fern blooms - one night a year, from July 6 to 7. There is also an opinion that not everyone opens a flower - he chooses only a select few.
Dozens of people can pass by him, and only one, even if he was not looking for him, will accidentally stumble upon his happiness. Although the color of the fern did not lead to happiness: again, returning to the legends, those who still managed to find a flowering branch, who managed to find out whether the ferns were blooming, sold their souls to the devil and eventually disappeared.
What do scientists say?
Probably, as long as people live, the debate about this mysterious plant will continue. In the same way, stories about missing people will be passed down from generation to generation in villages, and there will also be brave souls who, on the cherished night, will go into the fern thickets for a magic flower. So how do you know if ferns are blooming? You can go to the forest yourself - according to legend, the fern blooms a few minutes before midnight, and at midnight its color, having gained full strength, disappears, as if plucked by an invisible hand. Or trust science. Are ferns blooming? The scientific answer is no. However, it is worth remembering that there are exceptions to everything. The ancestors believed that the fern opens a fiery red bud for loving hearts or for those ruled by the thirst for omnipotence. And it seems that scientists say out loud that spore plant cannot bloom. However, historians have now proven the existence of Baba Yaga. So maybe the next step would be introducing the fern flower to the world? Who knows...
If we remember the holiday of Ivan Kupala, then of course we immediately remember the legend about the fern that should bloom the night before this holiday. The myths associated with this flower gave many people hope to find it and become happy. But everything in life is not as simple as in the legend.
Flower of happiness
The fern flower blooms only in folk tales, but in reality you will not find flowering bush fern. Their reproduction takes place by spores, and not by seeds, which are formed after flowering. The disputes are located on back side leaf. The fern can also be propagated by dividing the root into parts. Fern spores appear and mature when other flowers bloom.
Young people often thought about whether a fern blooms when they were looking for its flower. He gave them hope for happiness. Many folk songs are written about ferns. People call it “fire-color” because in the legends about its flower they say that it is red in color. But if you look at it in more detail, then ancient legend there is a reason. Fern fern and rose fern are two rare species of ferns that exist in nature. They have raceme-like flowers. But these are not flowers at all, but sporangia in which spores are stored, and in dry weather they open.
Everyone who lives or often visits the forest has often noticed it beautiful leaves. There are more than eleven thousand species of ferns and they are distributed throughout the Earth. Once upon a time these were giant plants, but these species have not survived to this day. Now the decorative fern has settled in our homes and feels great here.
Is the fern blooming? Be that as it may, we believe in legends, we believe in all good things and we know that sooner or later our wishes will come true. So, let's believe in this wonderful fern flower, which brings happiness to someone, good luck to someone, and happy love for someone for life.
The fern has always been considered mysterious and mysterious plant. They looked for it and feared it, considered it a cursed flower that fulfills wishes... Perhaps such an ambiguous attitude is due to its appearance: either branches or leaves are arranged in a rosette around the central part - either the stem or the root... The places where ferns grow are damp, semi-dark, in the thicket of wild forests. It also adds a lot of mystery. In a word - a very strange plant!
Superstitions and legends
In Slavic legends and beliefs, the shortest night of the year, Ivan Kupala, is the time when ferns bloom. At midnight it blooms for a few moments into a magical fiery red flower. It was believed that whoever finds a flower at this time will be able to find a treasure and become rich... However, the flower itself is so bright that it is impossible to look at it. In addition, a person almost never manages to rip it off due to the abundance of evil spirits circling around and interfering in every possible way. Having picked a flower, you need to run as fast as you can from the forest, without looking back, otherwise the evil spirits will destroy you.
N. Gogol’s story “The Night on the Eve of Ivan Kupala” describes not only the time when the fern blooms, but also its flower, which in a matter of minutes grows from a small bud and burns with a bright light. The hero of the story, using special spells, picks a flower, and it, flying through the air, indicates the location of the fabulous treasure.
Fern in Rus' was called gap-grass. According to legends, this plant could open any doors, unlock any chests and break all locks, even metal ones.
Scientific explanation
Of course, whether to believe the legends or not is everyone’s business. Traditions are studied by many scientists who see in them an attempt by man to understand nature, and the remnants of pagan rituals, and simply mystical stories which people liked to tell each other at night.
Scientists believe that " fiery color"ferns are nothing more than forest fireflies sitting in the thickets on summer nights. And the summer solstice (the night of June 23-24) was the ancient Slavic holiday of Kupala, when young people walked through the forest, jumped over bonfires, and girls wove wreaths, making wishes for their betrothed. With the spread of Christianity day summer solstice became the day of St. John (Ivan).
When does the fern bloom?
But why has no one seen the fern bloom? The fact is that fern is very ancient plant. Some types of ferns are the same age as dinosaurs, they are 400 million years old! What we usually think of as branches and leaves are not actually leaves or stems. Their correct name is fronds. Vaia means “palm branch” in Greek. Indeed, the thin feathery fronds are very similar to the small leaves of palm trees. Young fronds are curled like snails, but with age they straighten out.
And ferns reproduce not by flowers, but by spores. On the underside of each frond there are special storage areas for spores. Small plates first appear from the spores. Botanists call them “thrilths,” and new ferns grow from the throutlets. You can read more about the propagation of ferns
Therefore, it is impossible to answer the question of when fern blooms. Ferns do not and cannot have flowers. But the legend about him remains beautiful and mysterious.
The night from July 6 to 7 is popularly called Bathing Night. It is on this night, according to an old Russian legend, that the fern blooms. Anyone who can find and pick this flower gains happiness and wealth. Does the fern actually bloom, and where to look for it? Or is the story of the fern just a myth?
When does the fern bloom?
According to legend, the fern begins to bloom a few minutes before midnight. In ancient legends it was described something like this: at first only one kidney is visible. It gets bigger and bigger, and at exactly 12 o'clock it cracks and a large fiery red flower appears.
There are also completely different beliefs about what a person who finds this flower will gain. In some legends, a fern flower helps to find treasure and open any lock; in other beliefs, this magic flower bestowed happiness and good luck in everything. There is another version: the one who picks a flower on the night of Ivan Kupala will be able to gain power over all natural elements and people.
But picking a fern, as legends say, is not so easy. As soon as the flower blooms, it is plucked by an invisible hand. Even if someone managed to find this wonderful flower in the old days, no one dared to pick it.
How to find a blooming fern on Ivan Kupala
If you believe in ancient beliefs and signs and want to see a blooming fern, then we dare to disappoint you: according to scientific data, this plant cannot bloom.
But is it really important to trust science? After all, all rules have their exceptions! Don't write off miracles and inexplicable things. Of course, stories about a blooming fern today are perceived by many as the same fairy tales about the Serpent Gorynych and Baba Yaga. By the way, historians and folklorists have proven the existence of these creatures.
How to find a blooming fern? Go into the forest closer to midnight, find a clearing of ferns and wait for a miracle. Maybe you'll get lucky! We wish you good luck and don't forget to press the buttons and
03.07.2014 09:19
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The fern flower is considered mythical, since the plant is not capable of blooming. Fern belongs to fern-like plants that reproduce by means of spores. However, the ancient Slavic belief is widespread, due to which some people do not doubt whether the fern actually blooms. Many people are interested in what a fern looks like and how to find a fern flower.
Description of the plant
Fern is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Osmundaceae family, genus Fernaceae. The homeland of the plant is Northern China, Korea, and the Far Eastern Russian region. Distributed in Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Central Asia. It is a green stem with numerous feathery dissected leaves. The fern reproduces only through spores and does not bloom.
Interesting. Ferns are considered one of the most ancient plants on the planet, which appeared in the Devonian period of the Paleozoic era. The wood of the plant later became a source of coal.
It is believed that this plant is a descendant of the first plants on the planet - rhinophytes. Their branches gradually turned into leaves, and the spores moved from the end of the branches to the underside of the leaf. The process of spore emergence and maturation is very similar to the growth of flowers. The plant is collected all summer.
Today there are thousands of species of ferns.
Fern structure, flowering
The fern trunk is smooth and has no scales. Root system powerful. The root is a creeping root; buds are formed on it, from which young shoots are formed. Stepchildren appear from the ground at a distance of 10 to 20 cm. Initially, they have a snail-like head, which gradually turns into leaves.
Fern blossom
Sporulation is the main method of fern propagation. The spores grow on the back of the leaf. As the spore capsule matures, it cracks and the spores scatter in the wind. As soon as they fall on favorable fertile soil, they begin to grow.
During the growth of the spore, a prothallus is formed in the form of a small green cup. Sperm and eggs appear on the reverse side of the growth. After fertilization of the egg, germination of the seed begins, and the stepson begins to take root. The fern forms a bush over several years. Fern blossoms are impossible.
Maybe vegetative propagation fern. At the same time, long arrows are formed on the bush. They bend down to the kidney and are pressed down by the stone. Such reproduction is also carried out by humans in the garden or summer cottage. The arrow takes root in the ground. For replanting, a fragment of earth is dug up along with the root system.
Transfer
Ferns also reproduce by division. Early spring it must be removed from the ground. Dense roots are washed from the ground with water, divided into shoots, which are then transplanted to another area.
What is called leaves in everyday use is called fronds in science. They are able to grow in length for a long time. Fronds take an active part in photosynthesis and plant reproduction.
The bark of the stems acts as a support. Ferns do not have a cambium, so they are fragile. Compared to angiosperms, they have much weaker conducting tissues.
The structure of the fern is very different, depending on the species. There are short ones herbaceous plants, there are also large ferns that resemble trees. Some ferns reach a height of 20 m. Moreover, the tree trunk forms branched and fairly strong adventitious roots.
Large ferns that resemble trees.
Legends about the blooming fern
The most common legend says that on the night of Ivan Kupala (July 6-7), ferns bloom in the dense forest. A blooming fern appears at the stroke of midnight as a blooming ember. Moreover, at this time it opens with a bang, illuminates the clearing with a wonderful color and makes an unusual sound.
A person who has managed to master such a flower becomes subject to all secret knowledge. He can have access to all the secret treasures located in the ground. But not everyone can get such a flower. It is located in the deepest part of the forest. To get to it, you need to overcome the fear of the evil spirits that gather in the clearing. If a person gets scared or, even worse, looks back at the faces of the demons, then he will not see any flower.
This beautiful legend has some basis. There are very rare species ferns that shoot out stems that look like bright flowers. But these are not flowers, but elongated and modified leaves with buds, which are called “sporangia”.
Sporangia
Another belief says that at midnight a bud appears from a fern bush. She moves like a living bird. The movements come from the fact that evil spirits trying to hide the flower from human eyes. He grows like a hot coal.
The Carpathian version of the legend has a similar narrative. In this region there is a legend about a red flower - rue. Ruta has yellow flowers, but on the night of Ivan Kupala they suddenly change their color to red. This happens at night and the red color doesn't last very long. If a girl was able, despite her fear of evil spirits, to look and pick such a flower, then she will be able to bewitch anyone with her charms. young man. This same flower will be a real proof of love and will look beautiful.
There are interesting recommendations How to pick the color of a fern. To do this, you need to go into the forest on the evening before the holiday of Ivan Kupala, find a fern and spread a sacred tablecloth around it. This is the name of the tablecloth that was used during the period Holy Week, before Easter. You need to draw a circle around yourself using a knife, also consecrated during Holy Week. Next, you need to read the plot and wait until midnight.
fern flower
You need to concentrate while waiting for fern flowers and not be distracted by extraneous sounds, because evil spirits begin to yell, scream and whistle. Otherwise, the fern may not bloom. It is forbidden to be online. There is a belief that if you respond to the sounds of evil spirits when the plant begins to bloom, you can die, because evil spirits they rip off the head and send the soul straight to hell. Walking near a fern flowering site should be very careful.
Interesting. Having picked a fern flower, you need to hide it in your bosom and quickly run home without looking back. The meaning of this belief is interesting: if you perform actions as needed, evil spirits will not “stick” to a person.
Interesting properties of fern
IN folk beliefs this plant has magical properties. Since time immemorial, it has been used not only for magical rituals, but also for the treatment of many diseases:
- With the help of a flower obtained at midnight before Ivan Kupala, you can find treasures.
- To attract the groom, the girl weaves a branch of fern into her braids and wears him like that.
- To get rid of pain during radiculitis, you need to fill the mattress with leaves and branches of fern. The healing book claims that pain and inflammation will quickly go away.
- The root of this plant is used in magic against the evil eye. To do this, the crushed part of the root is added to various potions. Anyone who drinks this decoction will get rid of diseases caused by the “evil eye.” It can protect against diseases. The root helps with love spells and lapels, and removes the effect of any ritual that the person did not agree to perform.
- If you place a whole fern root over your home, it will protect the inhabitants of the house from negative energy. A sorcerer and any person with evil intentions cannot enter such a dwelling.
- To use fern as a reliable remedy for the evil eye, you should wear it as close to your body as possible. To do this, the fern is dug up at dawn, washed, and placed in the sun to dry. It should be applied the next day.
- The root is used against gypsies. The plant helps maintain clarity of thought and will not allow a person to deceive himself when communicating with her.
Some peoples use fern for pickling. Prepared products with fern added to the brine have very interesting taste qualities.
A fern is a plant that never blooms due to the peculiarities of its structure. Of course, there are people who still believe that at midnight before the holiday in a dark and dense forest you can meet magic flower, and that the plant can bloom. There are many secrets and beliefs associated with the plant, each of which is beautiful and unique in its own way.
