When I was growing up, it was commonplace for us to munch on fruited saffron buns and toasted saffron cake almost daily. Which, considering the price of saffron as a spice, makes me wonder how the bakeries ever made a profit. I guess they bought in bulk. Or they grew their own. After all, as I'm sure you know, saffron is all around us in late Winter and early Spring. It's the dried stamens of the crocus flower.
There is an origin myth from ancient Greece which says that a human youth called Crocus or Krokus had an affair with a nymph called Smilax. For whatever reason, he became unhappy with the relationship and the gods turned him into a plant. They also, for some reason, turned Smilax into a Yew tree.
Another version has Crocus killing himself when the gods refused permission for him to marry Smilax. But Flora, goddess of flowers, turned them into plants out of pity.
Crocuses have been associated with love ever since and the fact that they traditionally bloom near St Valentine’s Day probably helps. In Paganism the plant is associated with goddesses like Aphrodite and Venus, and witches also celebrate them at the spring festivals of Imbolc and Ostara.
The crocus traditionally means gladness and cheerfulness.
White crocuses represent truth, innocence and purity. Purple crocuses are associated with success, pride and dignity. The yellow type is all about joy.
So enjoy these lovely flowers while they're with us.
They always make me smile.
Just a quick word of warning though - this plant can be mistaken for Colchicum - so-called 'Autumn Crocus' - which is poisonous. Colchicum can also sometimes be mistaken for Wild Garlic but does grow at a different time of year (Wild Garlic starts to appear in Spring and flowers in April/May).
As always, if in doubt, don’t eat!
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