Lore and Legend

Myths, legends, fact and lore. From the time we could communicate through words, we have created stories to explain our existence, our beliefs, our heartbreak and joy. We are bound together worldwide through our storytelling. It isn't as important that the story be factual, rather, that it has substance, that it teaches us something, or that it inspires us.

We know very little about the early days of vanilla. No one has found anything recorded about vanilla on the stone tablets (known as codices) that survived the Conquest. The first written documentation about vanilla came from Bernal Diaz -- Cortes' assistant -- and Bernadino de Sahagun, a priest who came to New Spain (now Mexico) in 1529.

The Legend of Vanilla, on the other hand, is a story that the people of Totonacapan tell with great pride. Is it true? I don't know. Does it matter? Not at all, because it gives us a glimpse into an ancient culture and the value of stories passed through generations.

You will find more than lore in this section. I have included articles on vanilla's use in folk medicine and aromatherapy, in romance and love. There will be poetry, art, stories of people from vanilla growing regions worldwide, and much more. What is here now is just the beginning, so be sure to come back for more.

In the Lore and Legend section – 

• The Legend of Vanilla
• Sex, love, and the Vanilla Bean
• Calm Down, Feel Good, Lose Weight Vanilla and Aromatherapy
  

Art by Teodoro Cano