Elf Heaven
View allAll Photos Tagged fertility
I love these beautiful pelicans! I was at a local lake and they were everywhere in the water. When the sun came out from behind the clouds, they started flying. What a beautiful sight.
American Pelicans of both sexes develop a bump in breeding season, and it's not on their bellies. The lump forms on top of the bird's beak, and falls off after the birds have mated and laid eggs. Its function is not entirely known, but is thought to be a display of fertility.
With love and blessings to all at Yule.
Since early Neolithic times, the female reindeer has been worshipped in the North. Unique to other deer species in that female Reindeer grow antlers, they were considered to be the “Life-Giving Mother” the leader of the herds, depended on for survival, milk, food, clothing & shelter.
Across the North, these attributes are part of the mythology and spirituality of the shamanistic peoples who tell a story of how at the winter solstice the Deer Mother Goddess flew through the sky in order to help the dying midwinter sun find its way back and begin the process of the returning light.
All throughout Europe, she was revered as the spiritual figure of Winter Solstice & Yuletide. The symbol of fertility, motherhood, regeneration & rebirth of the Sun, her antlers depicted as the tree of life carrying birds, the Sun, Moon & stars.
If you'd like to know more about the Northern European shamanic Winter Solstice traditions surrounding the Deer Mother and her flying Reindeer (hmmm...sound familiar?) this article is a good introduction: jocelynmercado.com/blog/deer-mother-winter-solstice
Up on Derwent Edge in the Peak District, the weathered stones take on some strange shapes. This one is popularly known as the Cakes of Bread - it's one of 3 or 4 similar ones standing in a row but at annoying spaces that didn't look great in a collective shot. Definitely a she I think. And struck me as being a rather comical, and now petrified, invading giant.
Reproductive apparatus of the prolific hibiscus — untidy and spectacular growing to five metres in my Gold Coast hinterland garden. On a misty morning.
CHASSE AUX ŒUFS, CLOCHES DE ROME : D’OÙ VIENNENT LES TRADITIONS AUTOUR DE PÂQUES ?
Dès l’Antiquité, les œufs frais ou peints et décorés, symboles d’une vie à venir, étaient offerts pour exprimer le renouveau printanier.
Une tradition adoptée par les chrétiens pour symboliser la résurrection du Christ : la consommation des œufs, tout comme celle des laitages et de la viande, avait été interdite par l’Eglise pendant les 40 jours de jeûne.
Et puisque les poules continuaient bien de pondre pendant le Carême, leurs œufs étaient conservés pour finir en abondance sur les tables du dimanche de Pâques et dans les recettes de cuisine pascales.
Et au fil du temps, cette tradition s’est déclinée : la Renaissance a penché plutôt pour des œufs décorés, puis sont apparus les tout premiers œufs en chocolat au 18e siècle.
Dans les pays nordiques, germaniques et anglophones, c’est un Easter Bunny blanc ou bleu (qui tire son nom du côté où le soleil se lève, l’est, évocateur là encore de renouveau) qui cache les œufs.
Symbole d’amour, de fertilité et de vie, le lapin est décidément un animal dont la réputation n’est plus à refaire…
Excellent dimanche les artiste 😉
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EGG HUNTS, BELLS OF ROME: WHERE DO EASTER TRADITIONS COME FROM ?
From Antiquity, fresh or painted and decorated eggs, symbols of a life to come, were offered to express spring renewal.
A tradition adopted by Christians to symbolize the resurrection of Christ: the consumption of eggs, like that of dairy products and meat, had been prohibited by the Church during the 40 days of fasting.
And since the hens continued to lay well during Lent, their eggs were eventually preserved in abundance on Easter Sunday tables and in Easter cooking recipes.
And over time, this tradition declined: the Renaissance leaned more towards decorated eggs, then appeared the very first chocolate eggs in the 18th century.
In the Nordic, Germanic and English-speaking countries, it is a white or blue Easter Bunny (which takes its name from the side where the sun rises, the east, again evocative of renewal) which hides the eggs.
Symbol of love, fertility and life, the rabbit is definitely an animal whose reputation is second to none...
Excellent Sunday artists 😉
Baobab tree mythology centers on its distinctive inverted appearance, with legends explaining it grew from a divine planting that was uprooted and re-planted upside down by gods or spirits due to its pride, greed, or an inability to be still. The tree also symbolizes life, fertility, and spiritual guidance, with many cultures believing it provides nourishment, protection, and is a venue for community meetings.
"A picture is worth a thousand words."
Nothing symbolizes this saying more than that of the rose.
Above all, it stands for love and affection but also for passion, desire and seduction.
The golden rose symbolizes perfection and, as the Pope's rose, his blessing. The red rose is the archetype for joy of life, creativity and fertility. Whereas the white rose is a symbol of the light of virginity, spiritual fulfillment, innocence and voluntary poverty. A broader spectrum can hardly be achieved.
In Greek religion it is dedicated to the mother goddess and queen of heaven Isis and in Christianity it indicates the wounds and martyrdom of Chistus before and during his crucifixion.
The picture is complemented by water, the essence and source of all life on earth.
This Monday floral greeting really has it all. And I wish you that this strength will carry you and accompany you in the coming week (and beyond, of course).
"Ein Bild sagt mehr als tausend Worte."
Nichts symbolisiert dieses Sprichwort mehr als das der Rose.
Sie steht vor allem für Liebe und Zuneigung jedoch auch für Leidenschaft, Begierde und Verführung.
Die goldene Rose symbolisiert Vollkommenheit und als Rose des Papstes dessen Segen. Die rote Rose ist das Urbild für Lebensfreude, Schöpfungskraft und Fruchtbarkeit. Wo hingegen die weiße Rose ein Symbol des Lichtes der Jungfräulichkeit, geistiger Erfüllung, Unschuld und freiwilliger Armut ist. Ein breiteres Spektrum ist wohl kaum noch zu erreichen.
In der griechischen Religion ist sie der Muttergöttin und Himmelskönigin Isis geweiht und im Chistentum deutet sie auf die Wunden und das Martyrium von Chistus vor und während seiner Kreuzigung hin.
Ergänzt, wird das Bild noch durch das Wasser, dem Innbegriff und die Quelle allen Lebens auf der Erde.
Dieser montägliche Blumengruß hat es also wahrlich in sich. Und ich wünsche Euch, dass Euch diese Kraft in der kommenden Woche tragen und begleiten wird (natürlich auch darüber hinaus).
more of this on my website at: www.shoot-to-catch.de.
Detail from-
Volkmar Haase-'Skulptur Fruchtbarkeitsschrein' (steel, 1968)
Berlin-Zehlendorf
Rolleicord Va
Fomapan 200
Adox Rodinal 1+50
Narcissus is a legendarily handsome young man in Greek mythology and the basis of a fertility myth. He experiences a particularly extreme form of self-love which leads to his death and transformation into a narcissus flower, fit to attract the goddess Persephone on her way to Hades.
Full frame. No crop. No post processing.
youtu.be/jdYBQO0KMpU?si=-1mzG9heIdNjxAz5
Cornflower: symbol of hope. Representing positive HOPE for the future, the Cornflower is a humble reminder of nature's simple beauty and the fullness of life's cycle.
The cornflower also came to symbolize love, fertility, anticipation, patience, elegance, delicacy, refinement and single blessedness.
While these figures seem to be of about the same age, I have no idea whether they belong together. Legend Rock State Petroglyph Site, Wyoming.
Only through extreme (some would say over the top) processing could I bring out the sunrays in the sky, which to me was necessary to create the fairy tale like atmosphere of the place and the moment. The field is sloping slightly up to the right which may deceive you into thinking that the horizon is not straight.
-- Only my contacts can see 'large' --
Dear Diary,
do you really think I'm safe?
When all your world trembles, and an appealing series of cracks appears upon the surrounding walls of reality, and a strange dense matter starts screaming, trying to use those thin doors to flow out, all perspectives change, like in an Escher drawing. Often one climbs a mountain hopefully looking for its peak, just to realize it's unreachable, constantly obscured by sulphurous clouds.
Have you ever walked on the steep sandy slopes of an active volcano? One step ahead, two steps back, hardly fighting to conquer a reign of ominous powerfullness.
Stromboli. A living cone of black lavic materials. At first you proceed through thick stubborn bushes, then they all of a sudden surrender, leaving all the space to an awe-filled sense of respect for something you can feel, and hear. When the voice of the creature hits the ears for the first time, you stop, stirred, eyelids paralized, heart tumbling. It's the primal fear, impending, a devil's eyes you stare at in a mental temporary darkness.
Step after step its subterranean voice gets louder, and the slow ascent modifies your point of view. What just one hour before was frightening is now something charming just like a distant lover's call, whispering you an incandescent lullaby.
Gentle puffs of smoke comes out of somewhere nowhere from any place on the ground, while approaching the main craters. I smiled of the danger making holes with my naked fingers on the warm sandy path, letting the smoke blow more freely in that late september cold still air.
We chose the most promising crater, determined to spend the whole afternoon there, where the Earth was just begun. Hypnotized, both silent, the camera on the steady tripod, lulled by the miracle of Life, waiting for the next explosion - and the following noise of many falling drops of lava - like two children in awe for the most miraculous firework show ever, two kids in their raw first stage of love...
Do you really think I'm safe?
The course of life is nothing but an unstable cone, where every single day blows noisy columns of smoke outside of the years' cracks named emotions. The nice part of the story is the notable fertility of lava fields, where cellular forms are avoided for a certain amount of time, then suddenly appear like joyful tears unnoticed.
And its peak is there, for those who try. Unreachably reachable.
Bread,
you rise
from flour,
water
and fire.
Dense or light,
flattened or round,
you duplicate
the mother's
rounded womb,
and earth's
twice-yearly
swelling.
How simple
you are, bread,
and how profound!
You line up
on the baker's
powdered trays
like silverware or plates
or pieces of paper
and suddenly
life washes
over you,
there's the joining of seed
and fire,
and you're growing, growing
all at once
like
hips, mouths, breasts,
mounds of earth,
or people's lives.
The temperature rises, you're overwhelmed
by fullness, the roar
of fertility,
and suddenly
your golden color is fixed.
by Pablo Neruda
Sainte Rose sur Mer & BarDeco, Sereno Bay (237, 17, 27) - Moderado
The symbol of a wolf tattoo on a woman represents the physical, emotional and spiritual embodiment of being at one with herself and all life, as she owns herself.
The symbol has also been associated with fertility dating back to ancient matriarchal societies, reflecting the maternal aspect of the female psyche in its many forms.
Cliff Howlett has recreated this embodiment masterfully with his latest release of the [HDesign] Wolf V (Back Tattoo).
This new [HDesign] Wolf V (Back Tattoo) comes available in 60%, 70%, 80%, and 90% variant graduations.
HDesigns Mainstore:
Snake's Head Fritillary | Fritillaria meleagris | Liliaceae
Explored on 11th June 2017 #06
Samsung NX1 & Kiron 105mm f/2.8 Macro
Wide Open | Manual Focus | Available Light | Handheld
All Rights Reserved. © Nick Cowling 2017.
Hanazono Shrine (Hanazono-jinja) is a Shinto Shrine located close to the entertainment district Kabukicho in Shinjuku. The word hanazono stands for flower garden. The shrine has a long history and is dedicated to Inari, a god (kami) of fertility and business success. The Hanazono Shrine grounds include several sub-shrines like the Itoku Inari Shrine. You have to pass through some smaller torii gates before reaching the sub-shrine. The architecture style of the main building (haiden) is called dozo-zukuri. The whole area is surrounded by huge modern buildings.
Kitsune (fox) guardians are the traditional companions of Inari and can be found around the shrine, mainly clustered around a small auxiliary shrine situated at the end of a tunnel of torii.
The exact date of the construction of Hanazono Shrine is unknown, but the shrine was already mentioned in 1590 during the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568 - 1600). It was the time before shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa (1543 - 1616) overtook the power in the castle town Edo, which is known now as Tokyo. Between 1624 till 1644 (Kan'ei era) the location of the shrine was 250 meters south of the current spot. Hanazono was heavily damaged in its history due to fires for example in 1780 and 1811. The shrine you see today is a concrete replica from 1965 after it was completely destroyed during World War 2.
photo rights reserved by B℮n
The Sanctuary of Truth is a magnificent temple in Pattaya, Thailand, that stands as a tribute to traditional Thai architecture and craftsmanship. The temple is entirely made of wood, with intricate carvings depicting various Hindu and Buddhist deities, as well as ancient Thai mythological figures. The construction of the Sanctuary of Truth began in 1981 and is still ongoing. The temple covers an area of over two hectares and is over 100 meters tall. It was designed by a local businessman named Lek Viriyaphant. The Sanctuary of Truth is not affiliated with any specific religion, but rather serves as a symbol of the unity of all religions and beliefs. It is a peaceful and tranquil place where visitors can reflect and appreciate the beauty of Thai culture and tradition. The Sanctuary of Truth also serves as a cultural and educational center. It hosts various workshops and events throughout the year, aimed at promoting traditional Thai arts and crafts. In Thai culture, goddesses are often depicted with bare breasts as a symbol of fertility, abundance and caring. This is a common motif in many Asian cultures and also appears in Indian and Balinese art, for example.
The left hall in the Sanctuary of Truth is an impressive wooden structure that resembles a cathedral. The hall has an imposing height of about 30 meters and is decorated with numerous statues and sculptures depicting Thai mythology and history. With high arches, vaults and elaborate carvings, it is reminiscent of Gothic architecture. Built using traditional woodworking techniques, the hall has over 100 beautiful carvings and sculptures depicting various aspects of Buddhism, Hindu mythology, and Thai culture. It represents the birth of life and humanity. It contains statues and sculptures depicting the creation of humanity, the earth and the cosmos. It is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in Thai culture and history, and who appreciate the beauty of traditional woodworking and architecture. There are images of gods and goddesses, Buddhist teachings and symbols of life and nature. Another interesting feature of the interior of the left hall is the large central atrium, which is lit by a skylight. This atrium serves as a kind of sanctuary, where visitors can meditate. In general, the inside of the left hall is a wonderful example of the rich Thai culture and history, and the wood carving techniques used to create it are very impressive.
The Sanctuary of Truth is een prachtige tempel in Pattaya, Thailand, die een eerbetoon is aan de traditionele Thaise architectuur en vakmanschap. De tempel is volledig gemaakt van hout, met ingewikkeld houtsnijwerk dat verschillende hindoeïstische en boeddhistische godheden uitbeeldt, evenals oude Thaise mythologische figuren. In de Thaise cultuur worden godinnen vaak afgebeeld met blote borsten als symbool van vruchtbaarheid, overvloed en zorgzaamheid. De bouw van het Sanctuary of Truth begon in 1981 en is nog steeds aan de gang. De tempel heeft een oppervlakte van ruim twee hectare en is meer dan 100 meter hoog. Het is ontworpen door een lokale zakenman genaamd Lek Viriyaphant. The Sanctuary of Truth is niet gelieerd aan een specifieke religie, maar dient eerder als een symbool van de eenheid van alle religies en overtuigingen. Het is een vredige en rustige plek waar bezoekers de schoonheid van de Thaise cultuur en traditie kunnen overdenken en waarderen. De linker hal in de Sanctuary of Truth is een indrukwekkende houten structuur die lijkt op een kathedraal. Met hoge bogen, gewelven en uitgebreide houtsnijwerk versieringen doet dit denken aan gotische architectuur. Het vertegenwoordigt de geboorte van het leven en de mensheid. Het bevat beelden en sculpturen die de schepping van de mensheid, de aarde en de kosmos weergeven. Het is een fascinerende plek om te bezoeken voor iedereen die geïnteresseerd is in de Thaise cultuur en geschiedenis, en die de schoonheid van traditionele houtbewerking en architectuur waarderen. Er zijn afbeeldingen van goden en godinnen, boeddhistische leerstellingen en symbolen van het leven en de natuur. Een ander interessant kenmerk van de binnenkant van de linker hal is het grote centrale atrium, dat wordt verlicht door een dakraam. Dit atrium dient als een soort van heiligdom, waar bezoekers kunnen mediteren en ontspannen
Bled, Slovenia
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EXPLORE Worthy, Challenge #33 - FANTASY
after: Jeannette Woitzik
Textures Only ~ Competition #156
Source image with thanks to ~Brenda-Starr~
texture by SkeletalMess
texture by Pareeerica
model is the Marcus Ranum
mjranum-stock.deviantart.com/art/Goddess-5-104902330
background by Moonchilde-Stock
"One is constantly reminded of the infinite lavishness and fertility of Nature—inexhaustible abundance amid what seems enormous waste. And yet when we look into any of her operations that lie within reach of our minds, we learn that no particle of her material is wasted or worn out. It is eternally flowing from use to use, beauty to yet higher beauty; and we soon cease to lament waste and death, and rather rejoice and exult in the imperishable, unspendable wealth of the universe."
— John Muir
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Thanks a lot for visits and comments, everyone... Have a nice week...!
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Bolivia, Andes, Tupiza, Cholitas
The cholitas are Bolivian women wearing long braids and a bowler hat balanced on his head. They are all dressed like this.
In 1849, upon request of the British army, the Bowler brothers invented a small round felt hat. The aim was to protect the head of gamekeepers from lower branches when they were in the forests of the kingdom. The hat was found in the luggage of British engineers when they went to build the railroad in Bolivia. Legend says that a trader selling at lost to the Bolivian men, proposed those hats to Bolivians women, assuring them that the bowler hat would bring them great fertility. This is how the "Bombín", colonial accessory, has become integrated in the culture of the country.
The Winged Lion is the symbol of old Babylon, and represents Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, love and war. Meant not only to symbolize Babylon, but also to instill fear in enemies, these creatures were often set at the entrance to palaces and homes to ward off danger and evil spirits.
► Avatar: Jomo Female Lion D (Bento) (No Mods)
► Clothing: Jomo Avatar Female Casual Clothes
► Wings: [M.O.R.] Avia: Wings Light v1.17
► Horns: [Eternus] Oblivion Horns
► Hair: Magika - Lilith
► Toy: + Magical Orb Censer (supernova) + {egosumaii}
► Location: Backdrop Central Public Photo Sim
► Pose: .E l e i. - Mia (Bento Pose)
Crooked River Canyon,
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
One of the "7 Wonders of Oregon"
Can't say it any better than this writer, well said:
"..... a gorgeous cathedral of rock in the high desert of eastern Oregon. ...... hiking up Misery Ridge to Monkey Face Rock and along Crooked River. Rock climbers dotted the cliff faces and fellow hikers filled the dusty trails. The hike was steep and the day was hot, but the sheer beauty of Smith Rock erased every trace of discomfort, leaving me awestruck of this sacred place."
--- Jamie Hale, The Oregonian/Oregonian Live, 12/30/2018
DSC04510