Golden Ribbons

If you've ever been in the state of California in March, you have seen this beautiful sight. Just before the onset of spring (or perhaps this is the onset of spring), these ribbons of golden mustard flower twirl on hillsides from Sonoma all the way down to San Diego. They cannot be missed. But their origin is far more beautiful than the flowers themselves.

When Blessed Junipero Serra came to Mexico from Spain in the 1700's and heard of the rich land and verdant fields in the north, he set about spreading his faith in a new direction. As he travelled through California he scattered Spanish mustard seed all along his path, establishing nine missions (which later grew to 21 missions) along his lush carpet of gold. Blessed Serra is largely responsible for the Catholic population in California.


I am so happy to see the mustard flowers again this year. They didn't bloom last March (in my area, anyway) due to the drought we experienced that winter. This year we've had lots of rain, yielding hillside upon hillside of Father Serra's gift to the land.

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For more information about Blessed Junipero Serra and the California missions, go here and here.

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(And while I'm posting this I think my husband would like me to tell you that I scraped up my calves while jumping over a four-foot tall prickly bush (wearing a skirt) to get the top photo above. I'm glad I did it - the shot was worth it, but I must really love my readers. :)

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