Winter Wonders "UU Hogwarts" Workshops   . . . What We Did on Jan. 12     10:30 AM, Church School Wing -   PreK - through Grade 6 -   Children begin in worship before leaving for Winter Wonders workshops

What We Did on Jan. 12

Herbology was a hit!

The aroma of crushed herbs in classroom carpets and scattered Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans were the remnants of last Sunday's "Winter Wonders" week 2 Herbology workshops. Hogwarts Academy students and H.S. Aide "professors" discovered many symbolic meanings of herbs that goes back centuries, even millenia. Tied to culture and religion, the language of herbs can be found in Biblical scripture, Ancient Greek & Roman history, and Shakespeare's literature. Choosing from a variety of samples, students assembled their own herbal sachets. A sensory examination of displayed items followed of how herbs are used our everyday lives in 3 major ways: medicinal, food, and as body products. We discussed our "muggle" role of being good stewards of this earth and the need for careful preservation and conservation of plant life - UU Principle #7 "We should respect and care for all parts of our planet." A contemporary connection was made to the Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme project with a Youtube video of Simon & Garfunkel's song "Scarborough Fair."

Recommended readings: The Great Kapok Tree, A River Ran Wild - both by Lynne Cheery, The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, and The Wump World by Bill Peet.

FYI - Aloe Vera, Stevia and Strawberries are all herbs! Parsley is a better source of vitamin C than orange juice. Make a cup of Chamomile tea for energy in adversity, patience, long life and wisdom. Enjoy it with chive biscuits or lavender cookies.