Iconic Arable Weeds: The Significance of Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), and Field Larkspur (Delphinium consolida) in Hungarian Ethnobotanical and Cultural Heritage

Abstract

There are an increasing number of initiatives that recognize arable weed species as an important component of agricultural biodiversity. Such initiatives often focus on declining species that were once abundant and are still well known, but the ethnographic relevance of such species receives little recognition. We carried out an extensive literature review on the medicinal, ornamental, and cultural applications of three selected species, Papaver rhoeas, Centaurea cyanus, and Delphinium consolida, in the relevant Hungarian literature published between 1578 and 2021. We found a great diversity of medicinal usages. While P. rhoeas stands out with its sedative influence, D. consolida was mainly employed to stop bleeding, and C. cyanus was most frequently used to cure eye inflammation. The buds of P. rhoeas were sporadically eaten and its petals were used as a food dye. All species fulfilled ornamental purposes, either as garden plants or gathered in the wild for bouquets. They were essential elements of harvest festivals and religious festivities, particularly in Corpus Christi processions. P. rhoeas was also a part of several children’s games. These wildflowers were regularly depicted in traditional Hungarian folk art. In poetry, P. rhoeas was used as a symbol of burning love or impermanence; C. cyanus was frequently associated with tenderness and faithfulness; while D. consolida regularly emerged as a nostalgic remembrance of the disappearing rural lifestyle. These plants were also used as patriotic symbols in illustrations for faithfulness, loyalty, or homesickness. Our results highlight the deep and prevalent embeddedness of the three iconic weed species studied in the folk culture of the Carpathian Basin. The ethnobotanical and cultural embeddedness of arable weed species should also be considered when efforts and instruments for the conservation of arable weed communities are designed.

Botanical Analysis of the Baroque Art on the Eastern Adriatic Coast, South Croatia

“…Of all the islands, the longest list of medicinal plants used was recorded on the neighbouring island of Korčula, and most of these plants already appear in ancient and mediaeval herbal books [55]. For example, P. rhoeas is characterised by its sedative effect, and C. cyanus was mainly used to cure eye inflammations [56]. On the other hand, the presence of these two species could indicate more intensive agriculture in that period on the Pelješac peninsula.…”

“…Nowadays, C. cyanus, which is a weed of cereal fields and olive groves, does not occur in this area, probably due to environmental changes, i.e., habitat loss or possible impact of management practices in olive groves (for a literature review, see Flora Croatica Database [1]). Finally, Pinke et al [56] pointed out the deep cultural embeddedness of these charismatic arable weeds and their symbolic connotations related to human characters and feelings (patriotism, historical remembrance, virginity, loyalty, etc. ).…”

Long-Term Monitoring of the Traditional Knowledge of Plant Species Used for Culinary Purposes in the Valencia Region, South-Eastern Spain

“…Spanish and Valencian vernacular names. Gastronomic uses: raw (including salads) (1), cooked (2), fried (3), dried (4), liquors and beverages (5), dessert and sweets (6), seasoning (7), pickles (8), and curdle milk (9). Plant part used: leaves (L), flowers (F), seeds (S), fruits (Fr), branches (B), stems (st), and roots (R).…”

“…In addition, ethnobotanical knowledge includes plants used for treating human and animal diseases and for nutrition, making objects, wood, utensils, construction, hunting, fishing, dyeing, and flavoring plants [ 5 ]. Some have symbolic purposes or are used in children’s games [ 6 ]. There are toxic plants and species used for smoking, spirits, hedges, and as rootstocks [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Historical Ethnobotany: Interpreting the Old Records

“…The authors emphasize that during the reconstruction of former farm gardens in open-air museums, the culturally important species of the past should also be highlighted. Pinke et al [4] examined the time period from the late Middle Ages (1578) to the present day. They reviewed the folk uses and cultural significance of three field weeds in Hungary-Papaver rhoeas, Centaurea cyanus, and Delphinium consolida.…”