RUE
Rue, the national flower of Lithuania, is the most beloved and respected of all flowers in Lithuania. It is grown in every nursery and usually planted in the most glorious place, the central flower bed. Back in the day, rue was used in various ceremonies, including baptisms, First Communions, and weddings as well as funerals of unmarried young people. Grandparents used rue to treat various ailments such as gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiac diseases. Today, we might find the flavor of rue a little unusual, but historically, rue was also beloved for its taste. Lithuanians used to garnish freshly baked bread with butter and rue.
PEONY
The most commonly cultivated peonies in Lithuania are the great peony, the medicinal peony, the bush peony, the European peony and their varieties. Peony is also known as “pinavija” in Lithuania. Back in the day, peonies were loved and respected for their fragrant early blossoms, which were also used for medicinal purposes. Peonies were one of the main remedies for “fright” in adults and children, especially when they were frightened of something and then cried at night, jumping out of bed.
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