It is a member of the boreal family, which includes around two hundred species found in temperate and tropical zones. It grows most often on humid soils near bodies of water, which are abundant in Warmia and Mazury. This is one of the most popular shrubs in these areas. Its flowers are white with a yellow centre, have five petals, and are fragrant.
European cranberry bush (Viburnum opulus) (Kalina in Polish) has been appreciated for its attractive appearance and medicinal properties. The first references to its use in medicine can be found in herbariums from the 16th century. Since ancient times, its fruit has been recommended to improve heart function. Polish folk medicine used it to treat respiratory and circulatory ailments.
In the traditional culture of the Slavs, viburnum was considered a female shrub, a symbol of happiness, girlish beauty and love, life-giving powers, and fertility. In the eastern Slavs, it was considered a wedding tree used to decorate traditional baked goods, dishes, and garlands. The positive associations are also reflected in folk songs. Poets, such as Teofil Lenartowicz, have also used the motif of viburnum.
The viburnum plant inspired a unique necklace. Each link consists of a flower and leaves. In the necklace's center, the links combine to form three dewdrops. The whole piece was made in rose gold with yellow and white diamonds weighing 6 carats.
