Yesterday’s blog post about chestnuts brought back treasured childhood memories to at least one my readers. This evocative poem came from inspired poet Mr R.U.Shakespeare (previously barred) who lives in Australia…
Chestnut (Not an Old Chestnut)
A magnificent tree with big strong limbs and broad leaves that could blot out the sun,
As well as its splendour that magnificent tree gave bounty and hours of fun.
I knew where the trees were and what to expect,
And I knew what to gather and what to reject,
Green spiny husks lay all around,
Some half split open after hitting the ground.
My anorak pockets full to the fore
Of shiny brown nuts, and my hands so sore,
And so on my bike – no ifs or buts –
There’s light enough still to roast my nuts!
The flames diminish but the embers host,
And it’s time for me my nuts to roast.
Four young lads gather round the fire,
Eating roast chestnuts skewered on a piece of thin wire.
The once shiny skin now charred and black
Is only a reminder that I will have to go back.
Question: Why is a “Chest Nut” thus called? Since your blog is now the recognised font of all knowledge (educational yet amusing!), I’m expecting a full explanation of the origins of the name very shortly, if it’s nut asking too much!
I’m a “bow-legs nut” personally. I hope that answers your question adequately. If not, don’t worry, I have the serious answer too (thanks to Wikipedia).
The name “Chestnut” is derived from an earlier English term “Chesten nut”, which descends from the Old French word “chastain” (Modern French, châtaigne).[11]
The trees’ names are virtually identical in all the most ancient languages of Central Europe: in Breton kistinen for the tree, and kistin for its fruit, in Welsh castan-wydden and sataen, in Dutch kastanje for both the tree and its fruit, in Albanian gështenjë, and many others close to the French châtaigne and to the Latin name chosen for the genus, Castanea.[12]
The name Castanea is probably derived from the old name for the sweet chestnut, either in Latin[13] or in Ancient Greek. Another possible source of the name is the town of Kastania in Thessaly, Greece;[5] more probable, though, is that the town took its name from the most common tree growing around it.[12] In the Mediterranean climate zone, chestnut trees are rarer in Greece because the chalky soil is not conducive to the tree’s growth. Kastania is located on one of the relatively few sedimentary or siliceous outcrops. They grow so abundantly there, their presence would have determined the place’s name.[14] Still others take the name as coming from the Greek name of Sardis glans (Sardis acorn) – Sardis being the capital of Lydia, Asia Minor, from where the fruit had spread.[15]
The name is cited twice in the King James Version of the Bible. In one instance, Jacob puts peeled twigs in the water troughs to promote healthy offspring of his livestock.[16] Although it may indicate another tree, it indicates the fruit was a local staple food at that time.[12]
And, a certain David Millstone (an expert on folk-dancing?) wrote an article on the subject. Here is just the beginning paragraph…
“It started simply enough, with a question posted from Baltimore to rec.folk-dancing, an Internet discussion group:
I know a “chestnut” is a traditional contra dance, typically associated with a particular tune- but it seems no one in Baltimore really knows why “chestnuts” are called chestnuts. I did come up with some wise-crack explanations, but none that have any credibility. So, dear readers, I ask: Why are “chestnuts” called chestnuts?”
Thank you kindly! As you know, I’m nuts about nuts, and now my brain is bulging with new nutty facts so thoughtfully provided by your good self.
My goods elf (with bow-legs) is happy that you’re so thrilled with the cache of nutty information.