Myths, Folklore & Symbolism: Celandine

Celandine"A variety of poppy with a yellowish, milky sap, it was used as a versatile healing plant. The alchemists attempted to make gold from the golden-yellow sap. The name of the plant is derived from the Greek word for swallow, kelidon, since according to ancient and medieval folk belief, sparrows used the sap of the plant to impart sight to their young. Celandine thus has the symbolic significance of 'imparting sight', 'healing one from the spirit of blindness', and 'light-bringer'; in medieval art it often points to Christ. In folk belief, the plant, which supposedly imparted to its bearer the power of settling conflicts, represents contentment." (Herder)