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Periwinkle/Vinca (Czech — brčál or barvínek)

Inspired by @chailatkes I gathered some of the periwinkle that is a ground cover on a significant part of my mom’s front yard. I did a little research on its use in Czech and broader Slavic and/or European magic and folklore and decided it would be a perfect apotropaic plant to add to the ragwort I placed on the altar yesterday (with a few river birch catkins).

Its evergreen nature, even under snow, made periwinkle a potent botanical guardian against negative energies and a symbol of enduring romantic bonds.

Periwinkle was commonly used to ward off evil spirits, harmful magic, and the "evil eye".

It was often placed in windows or hung above doors to protect the home and its occupants from negativity.

Due to its protective properties, it was sometimes referred to as "sorcerer's violet" or "witch's violet".

In Slavic traditions, periwinkle is a classic wedding herb, symbolizing eternal love, faith, and friendship. It was often woven into bridal wreaths and garlands, symbolizing the longing for an enduring marriage.

On certain nights, such as St. Matthias (Feb 24), girls would use periwinkle in rituals to determine if they would get married.

Because it remains green and resilient, it is seen as a symbol of the soul’s immortality and it is frequently planted on graves (referred to as hrobový myrt or grave myrtle in some contexts) to honor the dead, representing new life and continuous connection with ancestors.

I found dandelion quite prolific in mom’s back and side yard and gathered some greens to use in sandwiches and tacos in the motel room.

I did a little research on the small jug that I snagged at the house while we were moving out. It appears to be Czech lusterware, produced primarily during the First Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1938), is highly valued for its striking iridescent glazes. This era represents a peak in creative production before being interrupted by WWII and subsequent political shifts.

Pieces often feature a shimmering, pearl-like or metallic finish—known as "smokeluster"—created through a difficult third firing process using silver or copper oxides. I haven’t quite captured it in the photos, but when the light hits it a certain way, there is a definite mother of pearl shine.

Many Art Deco designs utilize high-contrast black matte handles or rims to accent the shimmering body—my little pitcher falls into this description.

Look for the mark "Made in Czechoslovakia" or "Czecho-Slovakia".