The word "rakita" is known to many from the school bench, from the lessons on Russian literature. We often meet it in the works of the classics of past centuries, but we don’t think about what it means.
Actually, rakita is a willow, and not a certain kind of it, but a common popular name for willow trees. Where did this affectionate word come from, where rakits grow, how a person uses them in the household and what folk beliefs are associated with this plant - our article will tell about this.
Origin of the word
The etymology of the word is closely connected with the Old Slavic language. In many languages of the peoples of Eastern Europe there are similar and consonant names, and they mean the same thing. Rakita is a willow tree, and that is what many Slavic peoples call it. Bulgarian, Polish, Ukrainian, Polabian, Serbian and many other languages have a similar word. Linguistic scholars believe that the form and meaning of the word "rakita" has connections even with the languages of other peoples who lived quite far from Russia.
Description of the plant
Most often rakita isa tree with one or more thin trunks and hanging branches. Some species are shrubs rather than trees.
The foliage of the tree is dense, often curly, it is painted in a rich grassy green color. The bark of the branches is smooth and shiny.
Those who set out to find out what rakita is may be surprised to find that even willow, the closest relative of willow, falls under this definition.
Distribution
Archaeological finds indicate that rakita is an ancient plant. It existed millions of years ago. Willow and leaf imprints are found almost everywhere in the chalk.
This plant loves moisture, so we often see shores of lakes and rivers overgrown with willows. Their beautiful flexible branches fall right down to the water.
Rakita is a plant that has a fairly wide range. Willow trees grow on all continents except Antarctica. However, there are some species of this plant that grow even beyond the Arctic Circle. Rakita can be found in almost every corner of the Earth, including the hot tropics. This tree prefers continental and subtropical climates.
The willow bush grows quite quickly, sprouting from the roots. Some species of this plant are able to reproduce and seeds. Seed germination is weak, lost after a few days. But most of the trees and bushes of rakita are suitable for propagation using cuttings. Most often, it is in this way that biologists breed willow seedlings,which are subsequently transplanted into city squares.
Application
Willow wood is soft, easy to process, and the wood pattern is very beautiful. Rakita is a tree that is widely used in the national economy. Not only handicrafts are made from it - in regions poor in wood, rakita even serves as a building material.
Dense willow branches do a great job of protecting the wind. Often, willows are planted in protective plantings near fields that prevent soil weathering. Rakita is also used to strengthen the beds of reservoirs. It is planted along the banks of rivers and lakes.
The wood of this plant is used in the tanning process for natural leather. And from its flexible branches weave baskets, dishes, souvenirs and even furniture items. Willow twigs are also great for making bath brooms.
The willow leaf is an excellent pet food. Sheep and goats especially like to feast on this plant.
Do not forget about the high decorative characteristics of this tree. Rakita are often planted on the territory of rest houses, boarding houses, sanatoriums. You can often meet this tree in city parks.
Folk omens about rakita
Slavs believed that observing nature, you can predict the weather for many months ahead. For example, according to our ancestors, early frost on the willow foreshadowed a long and frosty winter. And if the first fluff appeared on this plant, then there will be no more cold weather - spring has come.
The image of a weeping tree is quite stable even today. It is believed that rakita dreams of sadness, tears and loneliness. But if in a dream you had to hide in the fertile shade of such plants, this is a very good sign.
