Why are Dandelions blown?

Dandelions are assumed to be a flower but, they are a perennial herb. It is the oldest herb that is used in cooking and for healing since before Roman times. All the parts of the dandelion are edible.

It is very common for people to pick up dandelions and blow them. There are many reasons for this. A lot of people blow the seeds away by making a wish (usually done by kids). It is also believed that blowing the dandelion seeds will carry your thoughts and dreams to loved ones.

Some folklore superstitions suggest that blowing dandelions will show the love one has for the another. If the seeds are blown away completely in one breath, the relationship will be strong.

Another reason for blowing dandelions was to tell the time and weather. The time was calculated by the number of breaths it took to blow all the seeds away. For example, if it takes two blows for all the seeds to fly away, then it was 2 o 'clock. Rain was predicted by the appearance of the dandelions. If it looked puffy and seeds are flying away due to wind means, it was a sunny day and if it closed itself, looking like an umbrella, it was going to rain.

The only scientifically proven reason is, blowing will help to disperse the seeds over long distances.

Credits: Harini

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