The Symbolism of Flowers (Part 2)
We are continuing our journey on the symbolism of flowers.
Daffodils, one of the first flowers that start blooming after winter, and therefore associated with rebirth, and new beginnings, also hope, joy and good luck, sunshine in a flower. The poem, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, by William Wordsworth describes daffodils as “Fluttering and dancing in the breeze…Tossing their heads in sprightly dance”. There are suggestions that daffodils have been grown since the earliest of times, but became popular in western Europe in the early 16th century and a commercial crop in the Netherlands in the late 19th century.
Arum lilies, a herbaceous, perennial flower that is native to Africa from South Africa north to Malawi, and now can be found on all continents except Antarctica. There is a difference between arum and calla lilies, with arum lilies the white big flower, and calla lilies a slimmer flower coming in a range of vibrant colours. The symbolism of arum lilies varies from beauty and purity, and in some cultures a symbol of marriage and commitment, but also a flower associated with bereavement and funerals.
Tulips, a beloved flower of many centuries, symbolizes a perfect and deep love. It does become more complicated because different color tulips has different meanings, similar to the calla lily; pink symbolizes happiness, purple royalty, yellow cheerful and white forgiveness. And, importantly, the tulip is the national flower of The Netherlands.
Buying flowers, for myself or another, is always an enjoyment, whether it is a joyous bunch of mixed flowers, or a simple bunch of lavender or tulips. It brings the outdoors into the house.
