Ioana BĂDOCAN
Cluj-Napoca
The Nettle (Urtica dioica) – also known as Large Nettle and Live Nettle, is a plant known from ancient times to have healing properties. It is widely spread all over the world. The use of the nettle in food or as a medicinal plant began from time immemorial, judging by its popularity in folk culture, both regarding its uses as well as its presence in beliefs and rituals linked to its harvest and processing. The Nettle is also named Marţ’s weed, as it is compared to the god Mars (who is fast and strong), and it begins its vegetative cycle in March. The nettle is used to make sour soups and simple foods, or in combination with other vegetables, as well as in various magic rituals of rejuvenation.
Key words: ethnoarcheology, nettle, medicinal properties, rituals, customs