A bit of history: Violets have been grown in Toulouse since the 19th century and, before the widespread use of greenhouses for other flowers, they were the predominant winter flower, blooming from October to April. In the early 1900s, Toulouse exported violets throughout Europe. It was the favorite flower/scent of Napoleon Bonaparte's wife, Josephine.
The Festival was comprised of violet vendors selling, not only the flower itself, but a myriad of violet products. If something can be made out of violets, it has been done!
crystallized violet candies
chocolate-covered violets, violet macaroons
violet bread, violet cake
violet lotion, violet soap
violet perfume, incense
syrup de la violette
liquor de la violette
And when the hundred uses of the flower have been used up, they take the pretty purple color and apply it to porcelain dolls, aprons, and table cloths. A very pretty festival and very reminiscent of springtime. It was a sunny 55 degrees today, so maybe it's not too far off!
That sounds like fun! Did you try any of the candies? Were the prices ridiculous?
ReplyDeletei tried the candy and the cake/bread-- it was tasty. The candies looked like purple nerds! Didn't buy anything, though. Those things are always pricey, esp. for a ex-college student like me. :)
ReplyDeleteDo you see them growing outdoors October through
ReplyDeleteApril? I didn't realize they were so hardy.
Remember our cat named Violet? Never mind. I think she was before your time.
Bonjour! It sounds like the climate must be mild to have Violets growing in the winter.
ReplyDeleteWow for the background pictures! If I were there I would probably just wander around taking pictures, with tripod and no flash in the museums. I have always loved new scenery versus new people though there are many things to learn from the architecture and gardens of a culture. What wonderful stimulas. They always says strangers appreciate the beauty the natives take for granted.
You are educating us as you find new knowledge for yourself, thank you.
Love, D
Now that I think about it, I've never seen violets growing here, so maybe it's a thing gone by and now all we see are the products. It regularly freezes/frosts so it's not that mild.
ReplyDeleteAnd I do just walk around taking pictures when I have nothing else to do. I also prefer scenery to people.. even though one of my other blogs might've made it seem otherwise.