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About Saint Patrick’s Day and the Flowers We Love


Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th each year, honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick was a Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland during the 5th century. He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is considered one of the country’s primary patron saints. According to legend, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates as a teenager and taken to Ireland as a slave. During his captivity, he found solace in Christianity and eventually escaped. He returned to Ireland later as a missionary, converting many Irish people to Christianity.

Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Initially, Saint Patrick’s Day was observed as a religious feast day by Irish Christians, commemorating Saint Patrick’s death on March 17th, believed to be in the year 461 AD. Over time, the day evolved into a more secular celebration of Irish culture and identity. In Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day became a public holiday, marked by religious observances, parades, festivals, and feasting.

Irish immigrants brought Saint Patrick’s Day traditions to other countries, particularly the United States. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British army. Today, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world, not only by people of Irish descent but also by many others who enjoy the festive atmosphere, wearing green attire, attending parades, and participating in cultural events.

Symbols and Traditions:

  • Wearing Green: Wearing green clothing and accessories is a common tradition on Saint Patrick’s Day, symbolizing Ireland’s lush landscape (and also the “wearing of the green” as a nod to Irish nationalism).
  • Shamrock: The shamrock, a three-leaf clover, is associated with Saint Patrick and is said to have been used by him to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. It has become a symbol of the holiday.
  • Parades and Festivities: Parades featuring Irish music, dancing, floats, and marching bands are a prominent feature of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, particularly in countries with large Irish communities.
  • Traditional Foods and Drinks: Traditional Irish foods such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and Irish stout are often enjoyed on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Overall, Saint Patrick’s Day has evolved from a religious observance to a global celebration of Irish culture, identity, and heritage, uniting people of various backgrounds in a spirit of festivity and camaraderie.

The Flowers of Saint Patrick’s Day

While there isn’t a specific flower traditionally associated with Saint Patrick’s Day in the same way that certain flowers are associated with holidays like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, there are several flowers commonly used in arrangements and decorations to celebrate the occasion. Here are a few options:

  1. Shamrock: While not a flower, the shamrock is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Saint Patrick’s Day. Its three-leafed form is said to have been used by Saint Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity, and it has become closely associated with Irish culture and the holiday. Read more about the Shamrock on the Eden Florist Blog
  2. Green Flowers: Given that green is the predominant color associated with Saint Patrick’s Day, flowers with green hues are often chosen for arrangements. This could include green carnations, green roses, green hydrangeas, or green chrysanthemums.
  3. Bells of Ireland: With their tall, slender stems and pale green bell-shaped flowers, Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) are often used in floral arrangements for Saint Patrick’s Day. They symbolize good luck and are reminiscent of the Irish landscape. Read more about Belles of Ireland on the Eden Florist Blog
  4. White Flowers: White flowers are also sometimes included in Saint Patrick’s Day arrangements to represent purity and spirituality. White lilies, white roses, or white daisies could be incorporated to complement the green theme.
  5. Spring Flowers: Saint Patrick’s Day falls in mid-March, which is the beginning of spring in many parts of the world. Spring flowers such as daffodils, tulips, and iris could be used to celebrate the arrival of the new season alongside the holiday.

While these flowers are commonly associated with Saint Patrick’s Day, there are no strict rules, and individuals are free to choose any flowers that they feel represent the spirit of the holiday. Additionally, incorporating elements like ribbons or decorative accents in shades of green and gold can further enhance the festive atmosphere.

St. Patrick’s Day flowersdesigned to celebrate your Lucky Charm. Send St. Patrick’s Day flowers such as our Belles of Beauty and Feeling Lucky Bouquets to commemorate the Luck of the Irish and the End of the Rainbow. We love the festive Greens, Golds and Rainbow colors this time of year (or anytime the mood strikes you!) Same-day and next-day delivery available, call 954.981.5515 or place your order online today! Check out the large selection of flowers available on Saint Patty’s Day here: https://edenflorist.com/product-category/holidays/saint-patricks-day/

The Language of Flowers thru the Ages





"Language of flowers through the ages"The language of Flowers started in Constantinople in the 1600s, and was brought to England in 1716 by Lady Mary Wortley Montague who had spent time in Turkey with her husband. The interest then moved to France (of course) where the Book Le Langage des Fleurs was printed with over 800 floral signs. Many were toned down in the English translation at the time of Queen Victoria because they were quite lusty and risque!

Flowers are part of our daily life. For virtually every event we have assigned a special flower. Flowers for love, church, church graveyard, marriage, etc. In the 16th century inn’s use to have a branch or flower stalk as signboard which later often changed only into the name of a specific tree or flower.  Many times one finds flower gardens in mythological sceneries.

The use of flowers is uncountable: attributes for the springtime, the youth, the sunrise, the rhetoric, the virtue etc.

Most people are aware that a red rose means love but did you know that almost every flower and sometimes the different colors of a single flower has its own meaning? Why is Stephanotis such a popular flower to use in wedding bouquets? Why put Bells of Ireland or Cattails in a bouquet for someone getting a new house or embarking on a new career?

Check out our Language of Flowers Chart (pdf, no optin) for the many different flowers and their meanings. This includes the more traditional meanings according to the original language of flowers.

Flowers and Their Meaning: The Poppy





"Meaning and History of the Poppy"

Poppy – Meaning: “Wealth and Success”

Botanical Name: Bocconia    Family: Papaveraceae

We are slumberous Poppies,
Lords of Lethe downs,
Some awake and some asleep,
Sleeping in our crowns.
What perchance our dreams may know,
Let our serious beauty show.

There are many kinds of poppy, including California poppies, Iceland poppies, and perennial poppies. Red poppies symbolize fantastic extravagance. On the other hand, yellow poppies stand for wealth and success. White ones can convey forgetfulness and sleep.  Poppy is among the most loved flowers. These plants generally bloom during the spring and early summer.

The field poppy was grown by the ancient Egyptians.

The poppy plant was sacred to Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain. She was often depicted wearing wearing a wreath made of the blooms and carrying corn, which she would offer as a sacrifice to the Gods.  The poppy has been called many names such as Thunder flower. The myth is that when children would pick the flower, the petals would fall and they would then be struck by Thunder.  One of the old country names was Cheesebowl because there is a little round bowl in the bottom of the flower’s head, filled with seeds set in something that resembles cheese. The poppy has also been associated with fertility, and represented the blood of dead warriors. Because of the its strong smell, it has even been called the headache flower.

When you need flowers, remember Eden Florist & Gift Baskets
Note: the header image for this blog is a field of poppies

History and Meaning of Iris





"History and Meaning of Iris"With a history that dates back to the times of Greek Gods and Goddesses, means “rainbow,” Named for the Goddess of love,  The sacred Iris was considered the symbol of communication and messages.

The Iris is from the Iridaceae Family

Symbolism and Language of Flowers: Faith, Wisdom, Hope, Valor,  admiration and Eloquence

France and Florence (Italy) both chose the Iris as their emblem. The Iris is the basis for the fleur-de-lis, one of the most well-known symbols in the world and the symbol of the French Royal Family. Tennessee has also adopted the Iris as the official state flower.

Iris is a garden flower, grown from a bulb with long, flat leaves. With over 200 varieties, Iris come white, yellow,  shades of blues and purples, pink and orange, brown and red, and even black.

Some varieties of iris grow in deserts, some in swamps, some in colder climates and many others in temperate climates.

The Iris was also considered a favorite flower of the Muslems who took it to Spain after their conquest in the 8th century.

Irises are grown from bulbs or rhizomes and have long, flat leaves. Irises are used extensively in gardens, especially the bearded varieties. Irises are  hardy herbaceous perennials that are easy to cultivate. Irises can be found growing in North America, Asia, Northern Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

Iris Facts and Trivia:

Iris roots are used to treat skin diseases. The juice of Irises are also sometimes used as a cosmetic treatment for the removal of freckles.

The Iris is known as Tze Hu-tieh or “The Purple Butterfly” because it reminds the Chinese people of butterfly wings, flapping gently in the breeze.

Purple irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the Goddess to guide the dead on their journey.

Ancient Egyptian kings were enthralled by the iris’s exotic nature. Evidence can be found in the drawings of the flower in a number of Egyptian palaces and historic structures.

During the Middle Ages the Fleur-de-lis was adopted as the recognized national symbol of France.

The Iris has been used to make perfume and as a medicinal remedy.

 

Iris, Most Beautiful Flower

Iris, most beautiful flower,
Symbol of life, love, and light;
Found by the brook, and the meadow,
Or lofty, on arable height.
You come in such glorious colors,
In hues, the rainbow surpass;
The chart of color portrays you,
In petal, or veins, of your class.
You bloom with the first in Winter,
With the last, in the Fall, you still show;
You steal the full beauty of Springtime,
With your fragrance and sharp color glow.
Your form and beauty of flower,
An artist’s desire of full worth;
So Iris, we love you and crown you,
MOST BEAUTIFUL FLOWER ON EARTH!

Edith Buckner Edwards

 

Meaning and History of Calendula





Calendula ~ Admiration, Good Luck

 "Meaning and History of Calendula"(wor calendae,  pot marigold) ~ Means “Winning Grace”  and “throughout the months.”

The name Calendula stems from the Latin kalendae, meaning first day of the month, presumably because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year.” ( wikipedia.com )  Historically Known for its medicinal and culinary value, the calendula was called  “Mary’s Gold” by Early Christians.  The would place calendula by the statues of the Virgin Mary to honor her.  The most sacred of flowers of ancient India, calendula were strung into garlands to adorn holy statues.


A member of the marigold family, calendula is traditionally known as an herb as well as valued for its medicinal and culinary uses. In ancient times, calendula blossoms were mixed in wine to relieve indigestion. Calendula petals were used in ointments to heal skin irritations, jaundice, sore eyes, and toothaches.  It is used to stimulate blood circulation and lower fevers (by causing sweating). It can also be used to treat diaper rash, as it promotes rapid healing. Calendula oil can be used to treat earaches, is a natural antiseptic and even helps heal hemmoroids.

The Romans used calendula mixed with vinegar to season their meat and salad dishes.A Mediterranean annual plant (Calendula officinalis) in the composite family, widely cultivated for its showy, yellow or orange, rayed flower heads that were formerly used in medicine, coloring, and flavoring of food.

 

Calendula is also October’s Birth flower and the International Herb Association declared calendula flower of the year for 2008. Calendula has great anti-inflammatory properties and vulnerary properties. Its uses are varied — from soothing minor skin disorders like pimples and dry chapped lips to curing chicken pox etc.

 

The Meaning of Flowers: Alstromeria





"The Meaning and History of the Alsromeria Peruvian Liliy"Meaning: Wealth, prosperity, fortune

Named after Swedish naturalist, Baron Clas Alstroemer (1736-1794)

Native to South America,  Alstroemeria is commonly called the Peruvian lily or lily of the Incas,  a genus of flowering plants in the family Alstroemeriaceae.

Alstroemerias come in a wide range of colours, including white, pink, yellow, salmon, red, lavender, orange, bronze and bicolours and are available year-round.

Alstroemerias are versatile flowers in terms of both colour and form. Perfect for most any style arrangement including contemporary designs, clusters and vase arrangement.