Sambucus nigra in cultural landscapes: symbolism, healing properties, and aesthetic valences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59463/j9jrbg98Keywords:
intangible heritage, therapeutic uses, ornamental qualitiesAbstract
Sambucus nigra, commonly known as the black elderberry or common elderberry, has its natural distribution in Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, S. nigra has held deep symbolic significance throughout Europe, often being associated with various ceremonial practices. Since ancient times, it has been valued for its curative properties, particularly its antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. In Romania, it is a native species that occurs across a range of ecosystems, including seminatural, rural, and urban environments. As an ornamental shrub, it is cultivated within different types of green infrastructure and landscape compositions, being appreciated for its lush foliage and fragrant blossoms. In this study, we present significant aspects of the symbolism, therapeutic properties, and aesthetic values of S. nigra within different cultural landscapes.
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