Happy New Year

The last of the decorations came down in our house on 12th Night, following the British tradition. Last to go was the garland on the door, to be replaced with the "Big Onion" - Scilla Maritima or Urginea Maritima is the scientific name for what most Greeks know as the squill bulb hung on to the front door on New Year’s Eve. The plant looking like a huge onion is what ancient Greeks used to worship the god Pan. Even uprooted this plant it will continue to grow layers and leaves, and this made people throughout the ages believe that it had some strong magical powers of regeneration. Traditionally the bulb is taken indoors for the rest of the year to ensure good health and good luck.
Susan