I've been thinking about how much 2024 is feeling like the infamous drought year, 2012…
Spring has sprung at Devil’s Lake State Park, and with it comes a charming little flower with a curious name: Dutchman’s Breeches. Observant visitors will be delighted to spot patches of these delicate blooms all over the quartzite cliff on the right side of the park’s north shore entrance road. The flowers, which are just starting to bloom, resemble the baggy pants once worn by Dutch sailors.
The Fascinating History Behind the Name
The Dutchman’s Breeches flower (Dicentra cucullaria) got its moniker from the distinctive breeches, or slops, that were a staple of Dutch sailors’ attire in the 16th and 17th centuries. These voluminous, knee-length pants were a defining feature of the Dutch seafaring style.
Interestingly, the term “Dutchman’s Breeches” was not only used to describe the sailors’ billowing trousers but also the patches of blue sky visible through breaks in the clouds. The flower’s unique shape, with its puffy “legs” and white coloring, evokes both the pants and the sky, making it a fitting namesake.
From Breeches to Knickerbockers: The Evolution of Pants
The legacy of the Dutch sailors’ breeches extends far beyond the flower. Over time, these baggy pants evolved into various styles, including pantaloons, drawers, and knickerbockers. In fact, the term “knickerbockers” originated from Washington Irving’s 1809 novel “History of New York,” which featured illustrations of a Dutchman sporting loose-fitting garments.
Today, knickerbockers are more commonly associated with golf attire, but their origins lie in the breeches of the Dutch Golden Age.
Embrace Your Inner Pirate at Devil’s Lake State Park
So, when hiking Devil’s Lake State Park trails this spring, keep an eye out for the whimsical Dutchman’s Breeches. Let these delightful blooms transport you to the era of swashbuckling adventures and high-seas fashion.
As you admire their playful appearance, remember that breeches are pants, not undies, and feel free to channel your inner pirate with a hearty “Ahoy!” to these charming flowers. Visit Devil’s Lake State Park today and experience the magic of spring in full bloom!
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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