Clementine

“Mom, why did you and dad name me Clementine, I mean, really? You named me after a fruit? That is beyond cruel, did you not think about the torture I would have to go through with this name? I want to change my name!”

Her mother left the room and returned with a photo album. Flipping through each page, her mother began: “You see Clementine, your father and I actually met in a clementine orchard during harvest season in Florida in the 1970s. So each major event in our lives together happened to have clementines involved in it at a symbol of our fortune. Clementines during the New Year are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune and we see our meeting there as such. You father started the tradition by offering me a clementine dessert or scented item for each anniversary we had. Our first year he actually used canned clementines and clementine syrups! Can you believe that?

“Really? Dad was a total looser!” Clementine grunted. “No he was not! Remember we were broke and in love, it was his way of sharing what little we had together. Anyway, when you fall in love you will see that even the smallest gestures of affection will steal your heart away.” With no reaction, her mother continued. “So as I was saying, we dated for almost two years and your father took me to a cute little restaurant called Clementine’s for dinner one night and proposed. To keep with the theme, we decided that would be the color of our wedding accents and one of our small gifts for each guest who came. Remember, this was in the time when orange was still an in color!”

Anyway, when I was pregnant with you, our first child, it only seemed natural to call you Clementine. You were a sign of good fortune, prosperity and love between your father and I and believe me it was better than naming you Agatha after your paternal grandmother!”

The ladies finally laughed together and made fun of all the trends of the 1970s and 80s and had their first really bonding moment in what seemed like ages. Becoming a teenager had distanced the two women of the house and this was a defining moment of their reconnect. Clementine turned to her mother and apologized. With tears in her eyes she hugged her mother and apologized repeatedly. Finally understanding the true meaning of her name, she became proud of her upbringing and the history of how she became a Clementine.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

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