Also viola. An ornamental plant, Viola odorata, whose leaves and flowers (when the buds just open) are culinary delights, used also medicinally. Before the rose took its place, the violet was the flower of love. It was an emblem for both Aphrodite and her son Priapus, a fertility god. The Greeks called it Ione, after the myth about Zeus changing his mistress Io into a white heifer, giving her violets to eat, to divert his wife Hera's suspicions. The Romans were fond of violet leaf salads and wore violet necklaces and bracelets to prevent intoxication when drinking. They made violet wine, preserves, perfume and a beauty cream of violets and goat's milk. In the Middle Ages, the violet was prized for its expectorant properties, as a mild laxative and as a poultice for fresh wounds. Napoleon, while in exile in St. Helena, promised he would return with the spring, meaning when the violets blossomed again. The favorite toast of his supporters and officers was to "Corporal Violet", in reference to his self-appointed nickname, because of his fondness for the flower.
In the Victorian age, the violet stood for modesty and humility. During courtship, a man who sent violets to his beloved was saying, "I am dying of love for you but dare not say so."
There are about 500 varieties of violets. The leaves and the flowers are sweet and delicate, today used mostly in decorative confections, often candied, but also in salads. Violets are the main ingredients in the French liqueur Parfait Amour and in violet-flavored lozenges. See also edible flowers.
