Mariton: Solomon’s Seal
by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager
Since today is Maureen’s and my 26th wedding anniversary, I’ll talk about another wildflower in bloom right now. Solomon Seal (Polygonatum biflora) is a pretty plant. The flowers are small and hidden under the arching stem and leaves. We didn’t have Solomon’s Seal flowers at our wedding, but I still associate the flower with our anniversary.
There are different explanations for the flower’s name and the relationship to King Solomon. It is a stretch, but I associate the flower with the great love poem found in Song of Solomon 8: 6 – 7. These verses were read at our wedding. While the verse isn’t about the wildflower, I always associate the poem, the flower and our wedding together. Since the flower blooms during our anniversary it is another link. I have quoted it before on the blog, but it is so lovely that I can’t resist. Solomon sure had a way with words.
Song of Solomon 8: 6 – 7
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is strong as death,
jealousy is cruel as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
a most vehement flame.
Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If a man offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
it would be utterly scourned.