Well most of the snow has gone and signs of spring are appearing around our countryside.  Took this picture just this week and the vibrant yellow flower is opening up all around the countryside now.  We locals live with it and don't give it much thought but visitors always comment on it.   There are many Celtic traditions associated with it.

Gorse is often associated with love and fertility.  It was for this reason that a spring of gorse was traditionally added to a bride's bouquet and gorse torches were ritually burnt around livestock to protect against sterility.  However one should never give gorse flowers to another as a gift for it is unlucky for both the giver and receiver.  

By tradition when gorse is out in bloom, kissing is also out of season!