It is the festive season, what to wear? Amongst all the little black dresses and the flamboyant colours? A heavy silk, shimmering with a subtle sense of its quality, and with an understated slub. And what better to stand out in a sea of little blacks – than a few distinguished white polka dots. Think of Cecil Beaton’s costumes for Ascot in My Fair Lady!
The white-spotted fruit chafer Mausoleopsis amabilis is related to the scarab (ancient Egyptian symbol) and dung beetle (tidying up after the wild animals). Chafer meaning JAWS! They eat flowers and sap – ours seem to enjoy the stamens of the roses (you must admit, they look luscious and juicy, like a melon?), kindly leaving me the petals. The next flush of buds is opening, so there are enough flowers – to pick for my neighbour, friends to tea, my mother and sisters, each room in the house, and there are still flowers to be seen in the garden.
These beetles must have come in with the horse manure we spread around the garden. In this season of Goodwill to all life, they are chomping on our Peace rose. Piet Perd lives across the road. On Saturday, a lucky bride will have wonderful pictures to remember her special day.
Today, the 16th of December, is a fraught and difficult chapter in our history - The Battle of Blood river. A devout, Calvinist people - the Day of the Vow, and the Voortrekker Monument (from Wikipedia - Through an opening in this dome a ray of sunlight shines at twelve o'clock on 16 December annually, falling onto the centre of the Cenotaph, striking the words 'Ons vir Jou, Suid-Afrika' (Afrikaans for 'We for Thee, South Africa'). The ray of light is said to symbolise God's blessing. Its interior maintained visible links with the sun civilization of ancient Africa in Egypt. The most famous African icon of high civilization known in Moerdijk's time was Nefertiti. Moerdijk said the chevron pattern on the floor depicts water, as does the double chevron hieroglyph from the civilization of old Egypt. The opening in the water-floor can be identified with the watery abyss, as in the creation theology of ancient African civilization.) Becoming, in the new South Africa - the Day of Reconciliation. May all our children sleep in peace.
Wonderful post Diana! I love the comparison between your spotted chafer and the little black dress. Certainly the contrast in your rose makes for a great photograph. Yes! May all children sleep in peace. History paints a sad portrait of human endeavors that a rose of peace would wilt to know. Still it is good to dream and cultivate good will and peace towards all humankind. Carol
ReplyDeleteWow, Diana! Thanks so much for sharing the history of the 'Peace' rose and telling us about the Cenotaph. I certainly agree about the lucky bride (and groom)---what a beautiful pair! And how could anyone resist that gorgeous chafer in her chic Chanel suit?
ReplyDeleteLovvely beatle. I am sure I read somewhere that in the past women used to wear live beetles on their clothes as jewellery
ReplyDeletePatient Gardener - I garden for wildlife, but I absolutely draw the line at wearing a live beetle. Can you hear me shrieking!!! Over THERE, is fine thank you.
ReplyDeleteHello Diana,
ReplyDeleteYou certainly surprised me with the beetle photo after reading your introduction. It is fascinating how roses have their place in history isn't it?
Uh, that bug looks menacing with a capital M. I suppose its beautiful in its own way but....from a distance. :)
ReplyDeleteAZ plant lady - The Peace rose has the most interesting history. Worthy of a whole book, all to itself!
ReplyDeleteGrace - I love to look at bugs, but PLEASE don't walk on me.
Diana, The beetle photos are fantastic~~I am now singing songs from My Fair Lady. gail
ReplyDeleteGail - sing along with me!
ReplyDelete