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By Paula Green “April Showers, bring May Flowers.”According to one leading psychologist, “Flowers are the perfect replica of human life.” Throughout history flowers have been given as a token of gratitude, devotion and love. Flowers speak a language all of their own. This floral vocabulary is often referred to as “floriography.” The term was derived during the Victorian era, and it was used as a means of communication in which flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages. This allowed individuals the opportunity to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken There were references given to flowers, herbs and plants in Biblical times. The marigold was called Mary’s Gold by early Christians, who placed garlands of marigolds by statues of the Virgin Mary. The lily of the valley also has Biblical roots; one meaning is tears of the Virgin Mary. There is also the legend that the lily of the valley sprang from Eve’s tears when she was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. It is also believed that this flower protects gardens from evil spirits. It is the flower for the month of May. During the Middle Ages, herbs were believed by some to have magical powers. Therefore, they were given a place of honor in the royal floral gardens. There are some commonly known meanings to popular flowers. The sunflower signifies either haughtiness or respect. The iris was named for the messenger of gods in Greek mythology. It still represents a message being sent. The iris is also associated with the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. A pansy means thoughts, a daffodil regard, and a string of ivy signifies fidelity. The rose symbolizes love in general, but each variety and color has its own meaning. The red rose implies passionate, romantic love; pink roses signify perfect happiness; white roses suggest innocence and purity; and yellow roses stand for friendship or devotion. Another flower that is noteworthy this month is the white carnation. These flowers have lasting qualities and are often handed out on Mother’s Day to symbolize the purity and strength of motherhood. They were handed out at the first Mother’s Day service in 1908. No matter what flowers you choose for your loved one make sure they convey the right message. Now that we have smelled the roses and fancied some floral favorites, we need to now let our thoughts bloom because it is time to get a little trivial…. 1. What flower is symbolic of the death of Jesus Christ? 2. This flower means kiss me, affection. It is the sacred plant of India. 3. This flower denotes resentment, anger, and your presence soothes me. 4. What is the state flower of Pennsylvania? 5. What is the flower for the month of January? 6. Which flower has the smallest seeds? 7. Where are more than 60 percent of the United States’ cut flowers grown? 8. What flower bulb can be used in place of onions in cooking? 9. What do Bells of Ireland signify? 10. This flower represents innocence and loyal love, its petals look like eye lashes. 11. This flower sends the message “beware.” 12. What flower means “you are the only one?” 13. What color of rose would you send to convey a “thank you” message? 14. Who said, “Where flowers bloom so does hope”? 15. What flower is worn to commemorate Soldiers who have died in war? |
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Sources: http://plantanswers.tamu.edu/publications/flowers/flowers.html http://marriage.about.com/od/flowers/a/flowers/mean.htm http://www.victorianbazaar.com/meanings.html Answers: Answers: 1. Passion flower 2. Mistletoe 3. Petunia 4. The Mountain Laurel 5. Carnation 6. Orchid 7. California 8. Tulip 9. Good luck 10. Daisy 11. Begonia 12. Daffodil 13. Dark pink 14. Lady Bird Johnson 15. Red poppy |
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