Nature is full of wonderful shapes, like the spiral of this curled-up fern—at this stage it is know as a fiddlehead—that I spotted on Monday while exploring in Prince William County. A few days afterwards, Gary Bolstad published a photo of a fiddlehead in New Zealand in his blog krikitarts.wordpress.com. Gary is an amazing photographer and you should really check out his wonderful blog.
In replying to a comment I made about his posting, Gary explained that “The Māori name for a fiddlehead is Koru, and the spiral shape is an essential part of their culture and probably the most common shape used in the design of their carved greenstone (jade) jewelry. It can represent creation, perpetual movement, return to a point of origin, equilibrium/harmony in life, and new life.”
I think we could all use more equilibrium and harmony in our lives during these unsettling times.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
That’s so cool. Great photo/info, Mike
Great shot.
Very Nice Mike! Great image!
I really appreciate the compliment, the recommendation, and the link, Mike. In fact, I’ve been planning to post another fiddlehead soon, and I’ve just decided to move it up to today. They certainly are fascinating and inspiring natural structures, and I’m always drawn to them when I’m out in the field.
I love fiddleheads. And everything they symbolize.
Perfection! Interesting to learn about their ancient symbolism.
Glad you did not pick and fry it as some have done in years past!
Fascinating shot and information!
Thanks, Laura. As you can probably tell, I really enjoy sharing cool stuff, whether it be phots that I have taken or info that I have uncovered.
Always enjoy both your images and words! I’m catching up now; life got busy there for a while. I’m teaching virtually now. I miss my students, and they’re seniors, so it looks like we won’t see each other again. ☹️
What a beautiful photograph and the muted background gives the Fiddlehead the place of prominence it deserves. When it is enlarged the details are amazing. There is so much beauty to be found in nature and yet it is so easily missed by many…but not by you! The information that you included is so interesting that I had to go and visit Gary’s blog. Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
Tightly coiled, furry and ready to rock. I love it.
Thanks. “Ready to rock”–I love it. Rock on. 🙂
Nice photo Mike! I’ll follow Gary’s blog for a bit. Cheers 🙂