I didn't know the origin of the word "dandelion", so I had to look it up.  It comes from the Medieval Latin word dens leonis  (lion's tooth) which evolved into the French dent-de-lion and then evolved into the late Middle English word, as we have it today, dandelion. Who would have thought? that, but it's a reflection of the flower's tooth-like, jagged edges.  The Modern French word for our English dandelion is "pissenlit" which is a little more earthy...

Well, there is nothing frightening about lions' teeth in this charming picture of the braided-haired girl glancing wistfully at something passing by on this beautiful spring morning at the Early Education playground at the Father Lively Center.  What is she thinking with that pensive look?  For whom is collecting those bright yellow flowers?  No doubt the recipient will be as equally charmed by her thoughtfulness as we are by this picture.

Written By: Father Lance W. Harlow

Date Published: June 19, 2025

Photo Credit: Tonya Caron