Tag Archive | History of Flowers

About Saint Patrick’s Day and the Flowers We Love

Mar16

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/

Why Flowers are So Much a Part of Our Daily Lives

Oct6

Flowers have become an integral part of our daily lives for several reasons, both practical and symbolic:

  1. Aesthetics: Flowers are naturally beautiful and visually appealing. Their vibrant colors, intricate shapes, and fragrant scents add a sense of beauty and elegance to our surroundings, whether in gardens, homes, or public spaces.
  2. Emotional Connection: Flowers have the power to evoke strong emotions and positive feelings. Gifting or receiving flowers can convey love, appreciation, sympathy, or congratulations. They serve as a tangible expression of our emotions and can brighten someone’s day.
  3. Cultural Significance: Flowers have held cultural significance in many societies throughout history. They are used in religious rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations, marking important life events such as weddings, funerals, and holidays.
  4. Symbolism: Different flowers have distinct symbolic meanings. For example, red roses often represent love and passion, while lilies symbolize purity and renewal. People often choose specific flowers to convey particular sentiments and messages.
  5. Healing and Wellness: Flowers are used in aromatherapy and herbal medicine due to their therapeutic properties. Their fragrances and essential oils can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
  6. Environmental Benefits: Flowers play a vital role in ecosystems as they provide food for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. They contribute to biodiversity and help maintain a healthy environment.
  7. Gardening: Gardening is a popular hobby, and flowers are a common choice for home gardeners. Cultivating flowers allows people to connect with nature, enjoy outdoor spaces, and exercise their creativity.
  8. Decoration: Flowers are often used to decorate homes, events, and special occasions. They add charm and color to indoor spaces, weddings, parties, and other gatherings.
  9. Floral Industry: The floral industry is a significant part of the global economy. It includes florists, nurseries, growers, and retailers, providing employment and economic opportunities for many.
  10. Art and Inspiration: Flowers have been a source of inspiration for artists, poets, writers, and designers for centuries. They are frequently depicted in various forms of art, literature, and fashion.
  11. Education and Research: Flowers are used in educational settings to teach biology and botany. They are also subjects of scientific research and study to better understand plant biology, genetics, and reproduction.
  12. Connection to Seasons: Many cultures and individuals associate specific flowers with different seasons. For example, cherry blossoms are closely tied to springtime in Japan, while poinsettias are associated with the winter holiday season.

Overall, flowers have a multifaceted presence in our lives, influencing our emotions, culture, aesthetics, and well-being. Their beauty and symbolism make them a cherished part of human existence, transcending both practical and spiritual dimensions.

Meet the Desert Rose

Apr5





"Meet the Desert Rose"Name: Desert Rose Cactus

Family: Crassulaceae (Echeveria)

Meaning: Endurance, fortitude

Common Names: Pinwheel Desert Rose, Irish Rose

History:

The word cactus is derived from the Greek word “Kaktos” and refers to a plant with spiny thistles on it. It has also been referred to as the “Mother-in-law’s Cushion”. The Desert Rose is a water-storing, evergreen perennial with tight rosettes that come in a variety of colors and are predominantly available in the winter and spring. The spoon-shaped leaves look like flower petals, which resemble a rose are native to semi-desert areas of Central America, from Mexico to north-western South America.

Because of its nature to withstand the test of time, the cactus symbolizes endurance and longevity.

The Desert Rose makes a perfect desktop gift for an office.

Flowers and Their Meaning: The Poppy

May20





"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

February’s flower is the Violet

Feb3





Every flower has a history and symbolic meaning.  

 

Meaning: Modesty, faithfulness, virtue

February’s birth flower is the Violet.  It is also known as the African Violet. The flower is a five-petal velvety blossom that comes in shades of pinks, whites and purples. They are available as a houseplant or garden plant all year round.

Baron Walter Von Saint Paul Illaire is credited with discovering the violet plant in Tanzania in 1892.

Violet Facts, Trivia and Folklore:

 

♥ The Greek word for violet is io. Io is a character in Greek mythology and the daughter of King Argos. Zeus loved her. However, Zeus was concerned that Hera (his wife) would discover their affair, so he turned Io into a heifer and then created the sweet-scented flowers that we now know as violets for her to graze upon.

 

 

♥ Violets also have a unique method of reproduction, known as cleistogamy, which means to self-pollinate.    

 

♥ During the Middle Ages, violets were a symbol for humility and modesty not only because of the blooming habits of the flower but also because of their association with the Virgin Mary. 
♥ The god Hades fell in love with the maiden Persephone. One day while Persephone was walking through a field of violets, Hades carried her away to his land of death. The world mourned her death and became barren until Hades relented and agreed that Persephone could walk on the earth from spring through fall. Thus leading to violets symbolizing immortality, resurrection and spring. 

 

 

♥ In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Ophelia, upon learning of the death of her father, Polonius, speaks to the queen in the language of the flowers, quite common in the 16th century.  Her allusions are to the tragic event which has taken place and the emotions and attributes symbolized by certain flowers: rosemary for remembrance; pansies for love; fennel for flattery; columbine for ingratitude; rue for repentance; daisies for faithlessness; and violets for constancy or devotion.  In act IV, scene 5, she sings distraughtly while in the company of the queen, “

 

I would give some violets, but they withered all when my father died: they say he made a good end .”

♥ The Greek dramatist, Aristophanes, referred to Athens in one of his plays as the violet-crowned city for King Ion (Ion means Violet).

 

♥ When French composer Frederick Chopin died, one of his music students Jane Sterling bought all the violets she could find in the flower shops of Paris to cover his grave. So beloved is Chopin that, even today visitors daily place flowers (frequently violets) on this grave in Paris.

 

♥ Josephine Bonaparte loved the scent of violets and thus they became her favorite perfume.  Before Napoleon was exiled in Elba, Josephine died and he picked a bouquet of violets for her grave. When Napoleon died, violets and a lock of Josephine’s hair were found in a locket that he wore.

Flower Trivia – the answer

Aug13





On Tuesday, I asked: What is the famous aria that Don Jose sings to Carmen in the second act of George Bizet’s “Carmen?” What happened in the first act that set up the scene?

 

Answer: The aria is “La Fleur que tu m’avais jetee’ (the flower that you threw at me). Don Jose tells Carmen that the only thing that kept him alive in prison was the cassia flower she had thrown at his feet when he was arrested for fighting with his co-worker.

If you one of the first three to post a comment, you will receive a beatiful book of Friendship Quotes in the mail in the next few days.