A few weeks ago I posted a photo of clover on my Facebook page. It was a popular picture, bringing lots of comments about playing in clover patches and making clover bracelets and necklaces. But I was surprised to learn there were people who had never heard of this childhood ritual.
Last week at the Hemingway-Pfeiffer writer retreat, our conversation turned to the importance of telling our stories. Stories that will soon be lost if left untold. Things that today’s kids may not know.
Like making homemade ice cream. Pouring ice and salt around the canister. Turning the crank until it wouldn’t churn. Covering the freezer with a thick towel. Waiting and waiting for fresh peach ice cream. The process was one of the best parts of summer.
And making clover necklaces and bracelets? I decided I’d better write about it. It’s worth remembering.
Step One. On a sunny spring day, gather clover.
Step Two. Press a small slit in the stem of the first clover about an inch from the flower. The stems are tender, so this can easily be done with your fingernail. Ideally, clover necklaces are made on the school playground surrounded by best friends, laughter and daydreams. No utensils required…
Step Three. Thread the stem of a second clover through the slit of the first stem. Repeat this process, making your next slit on the second clover. Weave the third clover through the slit on the second clover. Don’t overthink. Remember, this is a fun, easy, imperfect activity.
Step Four. Continue until your clover rope has reached the size you want for a bracelet, necklace or crown. Yes, clover crowns were all the rage on the Keiser Elementary School fourth grade playground…
Step Five. Connect the last clover to the first stem the same way, with a small slit. Now your clover ring is connected. Snip the long pieces of stem if you prefer.
I doubled my clover chain bracelet and proudly wore it to lunch.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee,
One clover, and a bee,
And revery.
The revery alone will do,
If bees are few.
(Emily Dickinson)
Barbara Tate says
June 17, 2014 at 7:35 amLoved this. I started to school in Keiser in the 4th grade. This blog really brings back a lot of good memories. I meet my good, forever friend, Lou Shoemaker Perry, that year. Years later, she was your librarian in high school. Love small towns.
Colene says
June 17, 2014 at 9:19 amKeep those wonderful memories and traditions coming! You do it so well!
mark price says
June 17, 2014 at 10:00 amI remember girls on the playground making this clover jewelry. This led me to the memory of girls sitting face to face on the ground and doing some clapping ritual while reciting a limerick of sorts??? Do you know to what I am referring?
Talya Tate Boerner says
June 18, 2014 at 8:08 amYes Mark. Of course I do:))
Dot says
June 17, 2014 at 6:27 pmYou could do the clapping to most any rhyme. “Pease Porridge Hot” comes to mind.
Thanks for this good memory, Talya.
Talya Tate Boerner says
June 18, 2014 at 8:08 amThanks Dot!
Linda Gardner says
June 17, 2014 at 10:49 pmOh my goodness Talya,,, you bring back so many memories …
Talya Tate Boerner says
June 18, 2014 at 8:08 amThanks for reading Linda.
Linda@There and Back Again says
June 18, 2014 at 7:46 amI remember making these necklaces, but we would tie one clover stem with the stem of the next one. Thanks for the memories.
Talya Tate Boerner says
June 18, 2014 at 8:09 amI bet there are lots of different ways!
Dorothy Johnson says
June 18, 2014 at 11:07 amWe tied ours, but your way is prettier. Made many a necklace and crown! And looked for those four-leaf clovers.
Debbie says
June 20, 2014 at 8:54 amI so loved doing this as a child. Actually, I rather like doing it as an adult. My7 yr old granddaughter is already an ace at necklaces and bracelets. Such sweet memories.