Purple Asters

Just an ordinary day, with not much occurring apart from the usual grocery shopping. With nothing else of note to blip, I’ve picked today’s favourite from the flowers on display in Sainsbury’s. As well as the ever-popular roses, chrysanthemums and lilies, this bouquet contained some seasonal jewel-coloured purple asters which contrasted beautifully with the white of all the other flowers.

The aster was often known as ‘the herb of Venus’ because it was used in preparing love potions. It was once used as a medicinal herb for treating headaches, colds, hangovers and epilepsy, as well as a decongestant for the lungs. In history, the Hungarian revolution of 31st October 1918 became known as the ‘Aster Revolution’ due to protesters in Budapest wearing the flower. Virgil wrote that asters were made into wreaths and used to adorn the altars of the gods. The name is derived from the Latin word ‘astrum’ meaning star, reflecting the shape of the petals. In the language of flowers the aster is a symbol of love and daintiness. Purple asters are also more specifically a symbol of royalty and wisdom.

According to Greek mythology, Zeus sent the goddess Astraea into the heavens to become the starry constellation Virgo. When he saw all the corruption on Earth, he decided to cleanse it by a flood. This destruction left only two survivors, who were stranded on Mount Parnassus. On seeing this, Astraea scattered starlight all over the Earth to guide the two survivors. She wept with sadness, her tears became stardust, and aster flowers bloomed wherever they fell.