Cowslip

𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠

Here we see the Cowslip, 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑎 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠, sadly not as common a sight as it once was. It is plant of old pastures and sunny forest margins. Its presence signals that the ground has lain undisturbed for decades or is returning to that state through deliberate intervention.

The French know it as Primevère officinale, hinting at its use in folk medicine, as a mild sedative and for coughs and colds, as well as coucou. The botanical name translates directly as ‘first of spring’ - think vernal equinox, just passed, coinciding with the arrival of that nest invader.

The Dutch call it gulden sleutelbloem, the golden key flower, and the English tradition carries the same idea, linking it to St Peter’s keys.

It is said that St Peter dropped his keys from heaven, and where they touched the earth, cowslips sprang up. From there comes the notion that the plant can “unlock the gates”, not literally, but as a symbol of passage and turning of season.

Is this an echo of Freya’s keys, the goddess associated with fertility and the return of life?