Oranges

By Kieran

 What's in the name Orange ...

 


Original watercolor and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, as I continue exploring shadows


The fruit originated as 'nāraṅga' in the foothills of the Himalayas
And was known as 'nāranj' in Arabic and 'naranja' with nary a Spanish bias

The French dropped the 'n' not to confuse how 'une orange' sounded
The name stuck in English and Dutch as it became well grounded

But what of William I, Prince of Oranje, who revolted against Spain?
That name comes from the old Roman town Arausio where he doth reign

William III of Orange, a descendant became King of the British Isles
Color Orange became the banner of Protestanism like the Nederlandophile

Comments

Anonymous said…
So informative, all in rhyme and verse!!
Viva La 🍊 (WhatsApp comment from a very dear English school teacher)
February 3, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Kieran said…
Thank you Barbara. It surely must’ve been the excellent teachers in school ❣️ - Kieran
February 3, 2026 at 5:36 PM
Anonymous said…
For me, it was a highlight in California! My brother's wife had grafted three or four varieties in the same tree and it was a mind blowing experience to actually pick and eat them off the tree what a beautiful sight it is all over the place !
I also had yuzu marmalade, which was one of the most refined orange flavour too. (WhatsApp comment from an XLRI classmate)
February 3, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Kieran said…
You are absolutely right about the unexpected delights of grafting

All citrus trees are mutually compatible but the root stock has to be a robust orange for a successful cocktail graft

The scions can be a wide variety from sweet mandarins, to sour yuzu and even Buddha’s hands 😊 - Kieran
February 3, 2026 at 5:53 PM
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