June Lore - Odds and Ends

What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade."

- Gertrude Jekyll

June takes its name from the Roman goddess Juno, the goddess of the hearth and home, and patron wives. For this reason, June has always been looked upon as the best month in which to mary:

Married in the month of roses - June.

Life will be one long honeymoon.

In medieval times June was chosen for the month to marry because the annual baths of the populace took place in May. From May to the following May cleanliness was not a part of their daily ritual as it is today. It was an annual event. So, being that they were relatively clean in June made it a good time to have a special event such as a wedding.

Here is some weather-lore relating to the month of June:

• A calm June puts the farmer in tune.
• June damp and warm, does the farmer no harm.
• It is claimed that summer doesn't start until the elder is in flower.

Gemstone: Pearl, Moonstone, and Alexandrite
Flower: Rose and Honeysuckle
Meaning: Health and longevity