Anyone remember the Holland Tulip Bubble? You may have been very young then – it occurred in February of 1637. It was a cold, dreary day, as I recall. Sadly…. The original Semper Augustus tulip bulb is extinct and cannot be purchased. Famous as the most expensive tulip in history, its signature red-and-white flame pattern […]
Category: Netherlands
Our Lady of Leiden — The Herring Sentinel Let us introduce you to Our Lady of Leiden – the mythological icon heroine who represents the bravery and fortitude of the people of Leiden when besieged by the Spanish in 1574. This story was featured in yesterday’s blott. Domains: Appearance & Iconography [ed. note: Our Lady […]
A herring and a round loaf of bread walk into a bar in Leiden.The bartender says, ‘Sorry, we can’t serve you.’The herrings reply, ‘That’s okay — we’ll serve you’ll serve you – every October 3rd!’- This knee-slapper was brought to you by Elder G. There’s a dark history behind the festival, because the Spanish were […]
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Anne’s Tree
There was a tree, a horse chestnut tree, that grew outside of the Secret Annex in Amsterdam, where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis. Anne described the tree in three different entries in her diary. For Anne, the tree symbolized continuity, seasons, and hope amidst confinement—an image that dovetails with Laudato Si’’s […]