Blossoms are starting to appear on the earliest spring-flowering trees and shrubs, and serviceberry (
Amelanchier arborea) is among those early-flowering species. The old timers in the mountains pronounced it sarvis, and it gets its name from when remote communities were served by circuit-riding preachers.
Weather and muddy roads kept the preachers out of the most remote spots through the winter and well into spring. People who died during this time were buried and their funerals were delayed until better weather arrived. Couples might declare their intention to wed and be allowed to live together while waiting to have the union blessed.
Once spring arrived and brought the circuit riders with it, then all of the "sarvises" would be held. And
Amelanchier arborea would provide a suitable backdrop of flowers.
I planted a service berry a couple of years ago and wondered at the name. Now I know the history behind it.
ReplyDeleteServiceberry is my favorite tree. Lovely blossoms and the birds go crazy for the berries. I have heard people talk about sarvis but had no idea they were talking about the serviceberry. Thanks for the information. It makes a lot of sense.
ReplyDelete"Sarvis", that's funny. I'm listening to a couple of accents right now and it's like they're speaking another language.
ReplyDeleteSarvis is blooming on our mountain now. Love this post, Jim!
ReplyDeleteHi Jim, lovely photographs. The blossom is just about coming out here too! Jane x
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. It's a pretty blossom too.
ReplyDeleteWell this is just plain fascinating... every year at this time I admire these shrubs and wonder what they are. I had taken to calling them "witch hazel" although I have no idea where I picked that up. Every spring, their blooms surprise and delight me, because very often, they're the first to arrive. And I always plan to ask someone, but never seem to get around to it or remember. So today I saw Vicki's post and came over here. This is great!! Now I know not only the name, but the story behind it too! Interesting blog you have here..
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