The name Heather is of Middle English origin...an evergreen flowering plant that thrives on peaty barren lands. Has an upper-class aura. A variety of small shrubs with pink or white flowers which commonly grow in rocky areas.
Have you ever really looked into the meaning of your name? I have really only read the quick description given in random baby name books, and that usually say "flowering herb." I know, be jealous. I never really thought much about it. I decided to breakdown some of the words in the description.
"Evergreen" - Having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year. Perenially fresh or interesting; enduring.
Not only remains green through different seasons, but actually "thrives on peaty barren lands"...
"Barren" - Incapable of producing, not producing, lacking
Doesn't that seem like a bit of an oxymoron? Thriving on barren lands? Sounds nice, but a bit ironic. Barren is incapable of producing, and yet the heather plant thrives in those exact conditions. It's the "peaty" part of the lands that make the thriving possible. As much as peat is good for growth, it's equally as dangerous.
And I'm sure it's more of a coincidence in timing, but I can't help but "feel" the similarities of the above description and my current state in life. Although, I'm not really feeling the whole "thriving" part as of late (as of late meaning the last 9 months) I definitely feel the peaty, barren lands. It's a fine balance of good and bad...life-giving and life-ending.
Maybe I'm in the wrong barren land...not enough "peat." I haven't really been having the "fresh green feeling" the last year...
BUT then again, maybe I'm just reading to much into it. You can also find Heather defined as "a shrub." Maybe I'll just go with that one.
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