Colourful Unspoken Legends

Although native to South America, Jacaranda trees can be found all over the country but more so in Pretoria which is popularly known as Jacaranda City due to the large number of Jacaranda trees on the streets, parks and gardens. In flowering time (October - November) the city appears blue/purple in colour when seen from a nearby hill. Other cities however, also have Jacaranda trees, but not as many as Pretoria.

Some Jacaranda trees in Pietermaritzburg CBD.

The trees have a superstition attached to them. It is said that if a Jacaranda bloom falls on your head, it's considered good luck and you are likely to pass your exams (it's also possible to be stung by bees lol). However, if you have not started studying by the time the Jacaranda blooms, it is considered bad luck and you are unlikely to do well. So the blooming of the tree becomes an unspoken time marker for when you should start studying. These superstitions exist not only in South Africa but also Australia and America. 

The blooming is a festive time as it welcomes spring. Reminds me of the cherry blossoms in Korea and Japan. Unfortunately South Africa has passed new laws regarding the planting of these invader trees in order to protect indigenous species. They don't have to be removed however, new trees are prohibited from being planted. 

Jacaranda blooms against the blue sky. 

It's a special time for matrics in South Africa, who started their final exams yesterday. It's obviously too late to start studying now but let's hope a few Jacaranda blooms fell on their heads for that extra kick of good luck.