Love Potions Over Time (with giveaway) By Donna Schlachter

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

 

With February being the Love Month, I thought I’d look at the history of love potions, which are simply aphrodisiacs by another name. Originally named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, there were attempts by ancient civilizations to control something they didn’t understand. In fact, even today, while scientists can explain what happens when two people are attracted in an amorous fashion, they still struggle to explain why.  

 

The first recorded potions were memorialized as far back in time as 4000 BC, when the witch doctor or shaman or other member of a tribe or clan prepared various concoctions to increase libido. This is understandable, since cultures depended on multiplying their numbers through their offspring. No sexual desire, no babies. That was a fact of life and survival.

Ancient Greeks, known for their refined and genteel ways, believed that ground up orchids that were then added to wine solved any sexual dysfunction in both men and women. This became so popular and widespread that for a time, the orchid plant became extinct. It didn’t help the availability of the plant when the ancient Romans also adopted the use of the orchid, this time brewing it into a delicately aromatic tea. Perhaps one solution to this scarcity was the introduction of insects, such as Spanish Fly or Blister Beetle, into love potions.

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Ancient Egyptians associated seafood with sexual potency, and so banned all seafood from consumption by their celibate priests. Imagine a life without lobster or flounder.

Natives of the Orient thought garlic contained special properties that encouraged romantic relationships and promoted its use widely throughout their part of the world.

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During the Middle Ages, the focus of those trying to increase amorous advances changed, often incorporating more personal and increasingly bizarre ingredients, such as human sweat, reproductive organs from male animals, and even by-products of the birthing process. Often, these ingredients were mixed with wine to make them more palatable. As if anything could.

Love potions can be found in literature from the Middle Ages and beyond. However, perhaps in keeping with the tragedy of the story and the facts that most didn’t work, these often-magical experiments rarely worked. The Celtic story Tristan and Isolde includes a successful ingestion of the potion, leading to the infatuation of the couple. Which might be thought as a success, except she was already engaged to another.

Midsummer Night’s Dream includes the tale of Titania, who unknowingly consumes a potion in her sleep. Her estranged husband perpetrated this evil deed, hoping she’d fall back in love with him. Unfortunately, he wasn’t there when she opened her eyes, and instead she falls for another.

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In the 1600s, magical poems became popular—perhaps because nobody wanted to drink the potions. An instruction book was released entitled The Book of Secrets of Albertus Magnus, which told the reader to crush earthworms with periwinkle and feed it to the afflicted spouse. Other recipes included the fat of a snake, the head of a sparrow, the blood of a bat, or the heart of a pigeon.

The need—or shall I say desire—for such potions spread to the New World and the Old. In Mexico, the story went that if a wife sprinkled crushed basil on her chest, her husband wouldn’t cheat on her. American Indians used hallucinogens such as peyote and psilocybin, derived from cactus and mushrooms respectively, to heighten romantic pleasure. And in India, wives intent on prolonging intimacy powdered their bodies with crushed henna leaves.

While certain foods such as oysters, onions, and honey are legendary in the aphrodisiac category, perhaps the genuine excitement came from the fact these foods were scarce and expensive. This meant if your date fed you with these, they must really think you’re special. Which ultimately could arouse amorous feelings for them. If you’re impressed by that sort of thing.

Plants, herbs, and flowers have been used over the years because they are easy to collect in native habitats. Apart from the once-near-extinct orchid, no other reports of over-harvesting were noted in researching this article.

Photo by Markus Spiske from Pexels

In reality, any amorous feelings generated by these potions were likely circumstantial. In a culture limited by tribal or social norms, romance in general may have been just as awkward then as it can be now. Let’s face it—expressing your feelings to the object of your desire is like stepping out onto a diving board without knowing if the pool is full. You could be getting in over your head, or preparing to take a fall.

But with an entire month dedicated to love, surely there is hope for all to achieve their happily-ever-after.



Leave a comment, and I will draw randomly for a print copy (US only) or ebook – winner’s choice – of The Mystery of Christmas Inn, Colorado. Please remember to include your email address, disguising it like: donna AT livebytheword DOT com



About The Mystery of Christmas Inn, Colorado

Matthew returns to Christmas Inn to celebrate his anniversary, intending to join his beloved Sarah, who passed on to glory the previous January. He learns that the old inn will close its doors soon. Can he save the hotel—and his memories?

Edith Cochrane, a widow, comes to Christmas Inn to escape her greedy family. Ever since her husband’s passing, she’s found herself at loose ends. A body in a wall and a kidnap attempt rejuvenate her. But will it be enough?



Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Mystery-Christmas-Inn-Colorado-ebook/dp/B0779HTH9C



About Donna:

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 50 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both.



 

 

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Resources:

https://www.historyextra.com/period/ancient-history/love-potions-aphrodisiacs-facts-spanish-fly/

https://www.elitedaily.com/p/are-love-potions-real-heres-what-history-science-have-to-say-19298441



https://www.elitedaily.com/p/are-love-potions-real-heres-what-history-science-have-to-say-19298441

BOOK GIVEAWAY AND WASPs – WORLD WAR II LADY TEST PILOTS

ANNE GREENE here. Today I’m giving an autographed copy of my WWII Women Test Pilots book, ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS, to one person who answers a question at the bottom of this blog. So please leave a comment and your email for a chance to win.

Women played an important role in many jobs during World War II. One way women helped win that war to end all war was test piloting repaired combat planes. This was an especially dangerous job and thirty-eight WASPs died in the line of duty.

 

In 1942, the United States faced a severe pilot shortage. President Roosevelt made a life-altering decision that affected all women. He decided to train women to fly military aircraft so male pilots could be released for combat overseas. Congress named the females the Women Airforce Service Pilots – WASPs. The ladies surprised the Army Air Force Commander General Hap Arnold who wasn’t sure a ‘slip of a girl could fight the controls of a B-17 in heavy weather. Neither were many officers and enlisted men in the Air Force. The ladies had to prove themselves. And prove themselves they did. With flying colors.

More than 1,100 lady civilian volunteers flew every type of military aircraft, including the B-26 and B-29 bombers, as part of the WASP program. They tested overhauled, crippled fighter planes, they towed targets to give inexperienced ground and air gunners training to shoot with live ammunition, and they ferried untested planes from factories to military bases across the country. The WASPs expected to become a branch of the military. Congress never passed that bill.

And along the way, they fell in love.

WASPs weren’t granted military status until the 1970s. Now 65 years after their service, President Obama signed a bill awarding the WASPs the Congressional Gold Medal.

The women who flew had moxie and an adventurous gene. In that 1940-1944 timeframe, most people had never travelled aboard a plane, much less flown one. Short, tall, slim, wide, women joined the WASP program knowing how to fly. Since flying lessons were expensive, most women came from wealthy families. The military trained male pilots from scratch, but not the female civilian volunteers.

Jacqueline Cochran, the driving force and head of the WASP program, was a pioneering aviator. But disbelieving men threatened the WASP program from the start. WASPs had to fight to remain in service. Men found the program unacceptable and hard to swallow, not believing that women could release men for combat and place themselves in danger. And these male voices were loud.

Yet, along the way, women fell in love.

 

After proving themselves above and beyond the call of duty, Commander Arnold said, “Let the record stand. Women can fly as well as men, and in many cases, better.”

Still, as war drew to a close in the summer of 1944, women’s flight training programs closed. Flight instructors didn’t want to lose their jobs to women, so they lobbied Washington for the WASPs’ jobs saying, “It’s unacceptable for women to replace men.” Men said they were heads of families and sole providers and as such needed the jobs more than women.

And yet, along the way, women fell in love.

In my book, ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS, about WASPs, you’ll discover a tumultuous romance, live through many of the adventures real American women experienced, and discover the answer to what happened to the WASPs. I hold WASPs in extremely high regard! Only a few of them remain alive today.

This month I’m giving an autographed copy of my historical romance, ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS, to one person who leaves a comment. I pick the name from a hat. So please answer the question: In my next book of the Women of Courage series, would you rather read about a lady spy, a lady nurse, a WAC, a WAVE, a donut dolly, a victory garden grower, or a Rosie the riveter?

ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS is a World War II romance where Steel Magnolias meet Band of Brothers. While test flying planes as a Woman Air Service Pilot, WASP, Mandy McCabe escapes her dead-end life in Hangman’s Hollow, Tennessee. Major Harvey Applegate lost his wife to the WASP program, and he’s convinced Yankee Doodle Gals have no place flying in the war effort. He determines to protect the WASPs by sending them packing back to the home front. Will their new love survive the test? One love. Two goals. Someone has to give.

ANNE GREENE delights in writing about alpha heroes who aren’t afraid to fall on their knees in prayer, and about gutsy heroines. Enjoy her Women of Courage series spotlighting heroic women of World War II, first book Angel With Steel Wings. Read her Holly Garden Private Investigating series, first book Red Is For Rookie. Look for Anne’s newest novella, The Marriage Broker and The Mortician in the anthology The California Gold Rush Romance Collection. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the reader to an awesome new world and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus. Buy Anne’s books on http://www.Amazon.com. Visit Anne at AnneGreeneAuthor.com. and http://www.facebook.com/AnneWGreeneAuthor.

SONGS THAT HELPED WIN WWII

ANNE GREENE here: 

During WWII we Americans kept our hopes and spirits high with the new songs that blossomed during those dark years when we were losing the battle to Germany’s Hitler and Japan’s Hirohito. 

World War II was the first conflict to take place in the age when almost ninety percent of American households had radio. Never before had songs been so widely available. Never before had the number of listeners been so high. 

Overseas, American troops had access to radio in all but the most difficult combat situations. Between bouts of combat our troops listened to popular music on Armed Forces Radio. 

The song, They’re Either Too Young or Too Old took a light-hearted look at the men left for the women on the home front while our troops were away fighting the war.

Popular songs like Sentimental Journey, I’ll Be Seeing You, Moonlight Serenade, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, spoke of women’s longings for loved ones overseas and the troops yearning to be home. Those songs gave society’s blessing that it was okay to miss your man because he fought for the good of all Americans. The many patriotic songs brought smiles to faces and pride to the hearts of Americans on the home front and abroad. 

Some of the more popular was songs were: 

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by the Andrew Sisters – 1941 

Kiss The Boys Goodbye by Frank Loesser 1941 

There’ll Be Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of Dover by Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra. 1942 

Be Careful It’s My Heart by Irving Berlin. 1942 

Comin’ In On A Wing and A Prayer by The Song Spinners 

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra 

Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree With Anyone Else But Me by Stept, Brown, and Tobias – 1942 

GI Jive by Johnny Mercer 

I Don’t Want To Walk Without You by Harry James & His Orchestra 1942  

I’ll Be Seeing You by Bind Crosby 

It’s Been A Long Long Time by Harry James 

I’ll Get By As Long As I Have You by Harry James & His Orchestra 

Praise The Lord and Pass The Ammunition by Frank Loesser 1942

Every Time We Say Goodbye by Cole Porter - 1944

Americans held the same desires as their leaders, and the government counted on popular music to reflect the same war aims that Franklin Delano Roosevelt wanted. Everyone hoped for a quick victory over the Axis, and the songs about a world after the war with the boys coming home met those wishes. 

This unity gave the USA enormous energy that allowed the nation to accomplish far more, at less human cost, than the other major powers in the war. So, during the dark years of the war where almost every citizen lost a loved one, music kept spirits high. 

Have you heard any of these WWII favorites? If so, which is your favorite? 

Leave a comment and one lucky winner will win my WWII book, Angel With Steel Wings. Buy any one or all seven of Anne’s book on http://www.Amazon.com. 

Ace Collins, bestselling author of numerous books, including the WW II series, In the President’s Service, says of ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS: 

A story of a woman in a man’s domain set against the dynamics of World War II is a can’t-miss scenario. Angel With Steel Wings paints a vivid picture of courageous pilots facing death in the air while struggling with love on the ground, and wraps it up in a unique twist that will challenge all you knew about the “Greatest Generation.” Steeped in history and framed by faith, this is a tale that takes readers into a world now all but forgotten, and lands in a place that touches the heart in a special way. To know how far we have come, we must understand where we started, and Angels With Steel Wings takes us back on a thrilling trip in time that informs as it entertains. I think this is one flight you won’t want to miss. 

ANNE GREENE delights in writing about alpha heroes who aren’t afraid to fall on their knees in prayer, and about gutsy heroines. Her novellas, A CHRISTMAS BELLE, and A GROOM FOR CHRISTMAS are now available. Her Women of Courage Series spotlights heroic women of World War II, with the first book ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS available. Enjoy her private investigating series, Handcuffed In Texas by reading the first book, Holly Garden, PI, RED IS FOR ROOKIE. Try her award-winning Scottish historical romances, MASQUERADE MARRIAGE and MARRIAE BY ARRANGEMENT. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the reader to an awesome new world and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus. Buy Anne’s books on http://www.Amazon.com. Type in Anne Greene. Visit Anne at AnneGreeneAuthor.com. and at @TheAnneGreene.  

 

The Language of Flowers ala 2015

by Nancy Moser

My husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary in August.  We went on a trip to Alaska to celebrate, but otherwise said we didn't want any gifts from each other.

Of course that never works.  I made him a photo book with pictures from the time we dated (only 9 months), our wedding, our first apartment, etc.  And he gave me flowers.  Not just a normal vase of flowers but three--yes three!--arrangements.  One big whampum vase full of flowers (nearly 3' high!) for the main room of our house, and two matching smaller arrangements for my office and the room where I usually watch TV.  How thoughtful was that?

The point--beyond my husband being a really amazing man--is that he knew I didn't like roses because they don't last very long, so he asked the florist to make the arrangements with one of my favorite flowers:  hydrangeas.

After writing many historical novels, I remembered the "Language of Flowers", the premise that every bouquet given and received had a hidden meaning.  So what did the flowers in my husband's arrangement mean?

I consulted a great reference book called The Illuminated Language of Flowers by Kate Greenaway (with text by Jean Marsh).  It offers a listing of flowers and a cross-listing of emotions so you can choose just the right flowers to express yourself. Kate first published it in 1884, and it is beautifully illustrated by the author. Jean Marsh adds interest with her narrative.

According to Kate here is the meaning of my husband's anniversary flower arrangement:

Hydrangeas: A boaster, Heartlessness. Sure, I'll boast about 40 years.  But heartless? No way. 

Next . . .

White Lilies: Purity, Sweetness, Modesty.  Surely you jest about the first two.  Modest?  That one's true. At age 60 it's best to hide more and show less.

Daisies:  Innocence. We got married when we were twenty and still had two years of college left. Neither of us had ever lived on our own; we each came into marriage directly from our parents' homes. We were both innocent to the real world of rent, utilities, bills, laundry, cooking, and simply getting along with another person all day, every day.

Asters:  Variety. Afterthought. Yes, my husband gave me a variety of flowers, but they were not an afterthought.  Unlike many other presents through the years, this time he thought ahead, planned, and ordered them with care.  Good job!

Bellflowers: Constancy. Bingo! This flower speaks my language.  For what is more constant than our love over forty years?

White chrysanthemums:  Truth.  The truth is we could only have stayed married if truth was a big part of that marriage. The passing of decades forces couples to toss the baloney out with the trash.

Stock:  Lasting beauty.  Yes, it's true.  Our marriage continues as a thing of lasting beauty! I'm beautiful to him, and he is beautiful to me.  Ahh. Maybe we should add some sap-dragons.  Oops.  Snap-dragons.








The trouble with flower translations is that there are over 150 dictionaries of flower languages--and they seldom agree.

Speaking of another Kate, Kate Middleton used the language of flowers to choose the flowers for their wedding.

If it's good enough for the Duchess of Cambridge . . .

Have fun with the language of flowers. But may I suggest no one gives watermelon (it implies "bulkiness"), Guelder Rose which implies "age", Fuller's Teasel:  "misanthropy", or Vine:  "intoxication."  Other than these few iffy-messages, go for it.  Speak the language.

NANCY MOSER is the best-selling author of 25 novels, including Love of the Summerfields, Christy Award winner, Time Lottery; Washington’s Lady, Mozart’s Sister, The Journey of Josephine Cain, and Masquerade. Nancy has been married for forty years—to the same man. They have three grown children and five grandchildren, and live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theatres and choirs. She knits voraciously, kills all her houseplants, and can wire an electrical fixture without getting shocked. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Author Website, Footnotes from History Blog, Author Blog/Inspirational humor, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Good Reads  

Read my latest book Love of the Summerfields: 1880 England. The lives and loves of manor and village intertwine. Earl and shopkeeper, countess and clerk—all will be stunned and transformed by a secret that begs to be revealed. When the Weston family returns to Summerfield Manor at the close of the London social season, both village and manor relax into their normal existence. But for four women, turmoil awaits. Each must battle the restrictions of her position as her faith and character are tested. Each will have a choice to make between her own happiness and a truth that will turn their carefully-ordered world upside down.