An intriguing note, ‘Puzzles in Plant Names’,  in the Gardeners’ Chronicle of 14 April 1923 stated that:  ‘Last year I had some correspondence regarding the identity of  a flower worn round the necks of girls on the occasion of special merry makings in one if not more Border towns. It was called Rararae  from a doggerel rhyme that the wearers sang ”Rararae, the nicht afore the fair, ” etc.  The plant was identified as Aegopodium podagraria [ground elder], and it was ultimately explained that the flowers were tied on strings and so worn.  This is an example of quite a local name, the origin of which will no doubt be forgotten ere long.’

Does anyone know more about these ‘special merry makings’ and where they were held?  Please send any comments to roy@plant-lore.com

Image:  St Albans, Hertfordshire, June 2022.