Concept in Definition ABC

The adjective perennial indicates that something endures over time. If we refer to the snow that is stable on the top of a Mountain, we will talk about perennial snows. It could also be used to mention a friendship or a love unbreakable and very durable. In any case, this adjective expresses that a reality does not deteriorate or wither with the passage of time.

Etymology and the relationship of the term with Roman mythology and Celtic culture

It comes from the Latin perennis and is formed with the prefix per and the root annus, which means year. Therefore, considering its origin, the perennial is that which lasts over time.

Among the Romans of the ancient world, a divinity known as Anna Perenna was worshiped. This deity was honored during the Ides of March, which corresponded to the first fifteen days of March of the Roman calendar. During this period, festivals and sacrifices were held in her honor in order to make the year satisfactory and prosperous.

In Celtic culture, a knot-shaped ornament was made that symbolized the idea of ​​eternal love and the impossibility of breaking the union between lovers. This ornament was known as the perennial knot.

In the field of botany

Although this adjective can be used as a synonym of eternal, enduring or imperishable, it is a cultism that is not part of the language daily. However, it is very common in the world of botany. In this sense, the leaves of the trees can be evergreen or deciduous.

Evergreen trees - or evergreens - retain their leaves throughout the year, regardless of weather changes

In this way, at no time does the tree remain bare of leaves, because while some fall, others grow. With respect to classification Of these trees, they can be broad-leaved or scale-shaped. Among the best known examples we could highlight the lemon tree, the pine, the holm oak, the strawberry tree, the bitter orange tree, the red eucalyptus or the green-leaved acacia.

Trees that do not keep their leaves throughout the year are deciduous or deciduous. These trees have several phases: in spring they begin to bloom and their leaves grow, in summer are full of leaves, in fall the leaves are falling and in winter they are definitely left without them. Some deciduous trees are the poplar, almond, weeping willow, cherry or chestnut.

The distinction between one and the other trees depends on their adaptation to the natural environment and climatic conditions.

Photos: Fotolia - Kara-Kotsya / majivecka