Red clover. Vologda region

The composition of the Vologda region at the RUSSIA EXPO uses meadow clover, decorative flax, junipers and other plants. Their color palette coincides with the main colors of the region: red and white. These are symbols of fire, the sun, as well as a symbol of revival, a symbol of earthly life, fertility, love, continuation and protection of the family, warrior and manhood, amulet.

Red (meadow) clover belongs to the legume family. Its international botanical name is Trifolium pratense.  Translated into Russian, it means "three leafed". This name was given to the plants because of the characteristic structure of the leaves: in all species of clover they are trifoliate. It is very rare to find a four-leafed one among the triple leaves. According to folk legend, such a find should bring good luck.

 Clover has long been known in folk medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent and analgesic properties.

In addition to its medicinal properties, red clover is known as an excellent mellifer. However, only certain species of bees with long trunks can extract honey from it. Such honey is characterized by its special healing properties, it does not get sugary for a long time and does not lose its properties.

But most importantly, clover is an excellent forage crop. It is widely used in field grass sowing, in the creation of cultural hayfields and pastures, it also plays an important role in improving soil fertility and its protection. The plant enriches the soil with nitrogen - it is one of the best predecessors in crop rotation. It is used in the production of green fodder, hay, grass meal, haylage and silage. Clover surpasses corn and oat grain in the content of essential amino acids, and it also contains a large amount of carotene, vitamins and trace elements.

"Clover is a plant that peasants used to imagine under the name of macushka, woodpecker, kashka, trefoil, it is found in wild form, and there are many different forms" - this is what is said about clover in the book "How to Start Field Herbs in Peasant Farming", published in 1905.

Naturally, such a widespread plant was represented in the northern folklore. For example, among peasants there was such a proverb: "Flax and clover, clover and flax. He who sows them is smart". Or another proverb: "Hold on to the spindle whorl like your mother - it will come out like a macushka", which means "it will be as elegant and beautiful as a macushka, i.e. clover".

Folk beliefs of Nikolsky district say that on the night of Ivan's Day all miraculous and healing herbs blossom. In this regard, knowledgeable and experienced people, especially village healers and witch doctors, did not miss the opportunity to collect healing roots and herbs for the whole year. Clover was also collected on the same night. It was used to make a decoction for colds, fevers and coughs.

The famous Vologda oil is so fragrant and aromatic thanks to meadow clover. This discovery was made by Nikolai Vasilyevich Vereshchagin - brother of the famous battle painter Vasily Vereshchagin, who created such canvases as: "Apotheosis of War", "Timur's (Tamerlane's) Gate", "Execution of Conspirators in Russia", "Defeated (Memorial Service)".

Unlike his brother, Nikolai Vereshchagin did not connect his life with art, but became the founder of the branch of the Russian national economy "butter and cheese-making".

He said that "the state, which has such flood meadows, does not need gold mines". It is thanks to the many grasses in animal fodder that the amazing flavor of Vologda butter appeared. The soils of the Vologda region have a special mineralogical composition, which is transferred to the grasses in the flood meadows, and then to cow's milk, from which Vologda butter with that famous "nutty" flavor is obtained.