The Naming of the Berries
Reading edition
Cranberries were called different names by different Indians: “Sassamanesh” by eastern Indians and “Atoqua” by the Algonquians in Wisconsin. In New Jersey, where cranberries were the symbol of peace, “Pakimintzen” meant cranberry eater.
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The word “cranberry” was a contraction of crane berry, an early name given to the berries because their pale pink blossoms resembled the head of a crane. Cranes were seen in the lowlands, enjoying the berries.
