Catkins being such a great word I looked up the etymology. Apparently the origin is late sixteenth century from the Dutch 'katteken' (kitten) because of the fronds' resemblance to kitten's tails.
The use of the word in books in English peaked around 1800 and again around 1900. Since then it has been in steady decline - usage in 2000 was at the lowest level since 1796. It's a shame. I'm going to try and sneak it in to at least three conversations over the next few weeks and hope it flies...
In warm weather both leaves and catkins exhale a delicious aromatic perfume
Leopold Hartley Grindon, (1859) The Manchester Flora: A Companion to Walks and Wild Flowers, London: William White.
We actually call them "kittens" now :)
ReplyDeleteThis card reminds me to pick up my sketchbook one day soon to find out if I can still draw.
I was hoping for your input!... the web site said katteken obsolete but not what had replaced it...
DeleteSketch and share the results? Seeing the paintings you posted last year was a real treat :)
Maybe, I am a bit anxious what effect the increased nerve damage in my hand will have on my drawing skills. Writing in longhand has become more difficult too
DeleteSorry I am bossy when I see talent... take care
DeleteFirst the dictionary went extinct, then language.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a fair job of revivifying it... I am hopeful :)
DeleteOh, thanks for the background on the origin of 'catkins.' I love that kind of information. :) We have them on a lot of trees here, including river birch, pecan, black willow, hickory and several oaks.
ReplyDeleteI know so little about the trees round here and there are loads of them! Must get out more this Spring! Lucky you having pecans close by....
DeleteThe folklore here says that when the pecan trees have flowered, spring has officially arrived and annuals can be planted. :)
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