Gift Bag - Herb Violets

As with so many flowers, trees and plants, there are a number of stories that pertain to the "history" of herb violets. The violet originated from the tears of Io, according to Greek legend. Io was a beautiful nymph, dearly loved by Zeus. To hide his beloved from his jealous wife, Hera, Zeus turned Io into a white cow. Finding the pasture grasses coarse and bitter, Io cried and Zeus turned her tears into violets which were more tender and much sweeter. Napoleon Bonaparte was also quite fond of violets; so much so that some referred to him as Corporal Violets. While he was in Exile in Elba, the violet became the symbol for his sometimes secretive supporters. One of the reasons, however, these are referred to as "herb" violets is that the, historically, were used in home remedies for everything from headaches to skin cancer. On this lovely, gift bag, they are an excellent choice for Mother's Day, birthdays, weddings and anniversaries.