Raspberry Folklore


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When first thinking of ‘folklore’ I often remember old stories told by my Grandpa Fritz. Many of which, changed by the minute to keep me on the edge of my seat anxiously awaiting what would happen next. Now knowing these stories are a ‘variation’ of folklore I was curious to learn more about these ancient ways of learning. After reading more about the different types of folklore, I wanted to dive deeper into the unique methods and materials specific to different cultures exclusive to the red raspberry.

According to an article written in 2008 by The Practical Herbalist, a nursemaid to Zeus was picking white raspberries and pricked her finger on the thorny cane stalk. The blood from the prick then fell onto the white raspberries causing them to turn a deep red hue. This ancient story tells of how the red raspberry achieved its vibrant color that we all enjoy today.

The Latin name Rubus idaeus means “bramble bush of Ida.” Ida was the name of Zeus’ nursemaid and was also the name of a mountain. When Olympian Gods were searching for food on Mount Ida, they came across these delicious berries and incorporated them into their diet, later terming the name Raspberry to the delicious, little morsel.

The most prominent ancient folklore attached to the red raspberry is its amazing healing properties associated with fertility. Young children and fertility brings many labor pains, contractions and nausea to a woman. Nation tribes of the America’s thought the berries helped to ease and sooth these much dreaded pains. In Christian artwork, the juice of the raspberry was thought to invoke energy in blood, running from the heart to the limbs of the body carrying love, nutrition and kindness. These key factor’s are why these favored raspberry’s are considered a ‘women’s tonic.’

The raspberry cane in its first year of growth establishes a root system and works to produce strength and energy without producing any berries. When the second year comes around, the plant is then ready to produce a fruit. This is considered the ‘magic’ of the raspberry. Showing the maturity of the plant and proper conditioning needed to produce something wonderful. The thorny stalk is used as a reminder to be protective of the fruits of our labors.

Ancient gods and early earth dweller’s believed many different ideas about the red raspberry. Using all parts of the raspberry plant to depict ancient stories and customs to their culture bring both enjoyable and interesting information for us living in today’s world. The enjoyable folklore stories keep life interesting and on our toes as we endeavor into the meanings behind what may or may not be.  



 Hunter, Candace, "Raspberry History, Folklore, Myth, and Magic." 17 Oct. 2008, https://www.thepracticalherbalist.com/holistic-medicine-library/raspberry-myth-and-magic/

 Kinkead, Joyce, et al. Farm: A Multimodal Reader. 2nd ed., Fountainhead Press, 2016. 

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