In my country, (South Africa) we have a little wild flower that blooms every autumn. Not all over the country, but in what used to be the Transvaal - now known as Gauteng. This flower blooms in white; cerece and all the hues in between. There is a legend attatched to this flower, but it seems that few people have heard it - even those of my country. In my words, I will tell you this legend
Once upon a time, many, many years ago, before our National Highways were built. The roads were dusty, long and winding.
It so happened that there was a childless couple living in the heart of the Transvaal. They had been together for almost all their lives, and were devoted to each other. Only one thing marred their happiness – the wife was barren. The husband would dearly have loved to have a son and heir.
It came about, that the wife sickened and died. Her husband was almost inconsolable. Eventually, he took to himself a new wife in the hopes of stilling his pain. This new wife was young and beautiful; bringing a spring to his step, and a stride to his walk.
The old man and his young wife were good to each other, and a few years passed happily. But, to the old man’s chagrin, the young wife did not fall pregnant.
One night, in a fit of despair, the old man fell to his knees in prayer. He begged the Lord to grant him just one son; in return, he would do something that would bring joy to many people. He knew not what, at this stage....
In time, the old man’s wish was granted. A healthy son was born to the couple. The old man’s joy was boundless; the wife was happy in the knowledge that she had produced the fulfilment to her husband’s dearest wish.
It was time for the old man to honour his part of the bargain with God. He spent many sleepless nights in deep contemplation.
One morning, the man arose from his bed, feeling refreshed and confident of an idea which had appeared to him in a dream. He had the answer; he knew how to bring joy to many others!
Kissing his wife and baby son in parting, he climbed on his horse, clutching a large bag of seed. The old man travelled all the highways and byways of the Transvaal, tossing the seed at the sides of the road.
Every year, when winter approaches, you will find the lovely flowers on the sides of Transvaal roads. The evidence of the man’s joy, and proof that he paid his debt to God, is there for all to see.
I will see if I can post a pic of our Cosmos. I love it so much, I always wished I could have some in my wedding bouquet. Unfortunately, once cut, it wilts within a very short time.
