Friday, May 29, 2009

Friday Q & A: Say it with Flowers


Welcome to my new feature : The Friday Q & A
And now, our first question......
(drum roll, please)

Question: What are the meanings of different flowers?
Answer: I researched various sources, and here are some of my findings:


ANEMONE: Expectation. Legend says that this flower was sprung from the blood of the god Adonis.

ASTER: Patience, elegance. In ancient times, this purple wildflower was burned to drive away evil spirits.

BABY'S BREATH: Innocence. Also known as "Gypsolphilia" and as "soap wort" in the UK.

CHRYSANTHEMUM: Cheerfulness, optimism, truth, long life, joy, fidelity. Considered to be a noble flower in China where they can be traced back to the 15th century BC. An ancient Chinese city was named "Ju-Xian," translated as "Chrysanthemum City."

DAHLIA: Dignity, forever, good taste. The Japanese name, Tenjikubotan, means "The Peony of India."

HYACINTH: Sport, play. Said to have sprouted from the wound of a dying boy named Haycinth accidentally killed by a discus thrown by his lover, the god Apollo

LILY OF THE VALLEY: Purity of heart, sweetness, happiness, love's good fortune. A legend says that this flower sprang from Eve's tears when she and Adam were exiled from the Garden of Eden. It was believed that this flower protects gardens from evil spirits.

PAPERWHITE: Sweetness. Considered an aphrodisiac due to its intoxicating scent. Also the national flower of Wales, because it is said to bloom on March 1st, the feast day of St. David, the patron saint of Wales.

RANUNCULUS: You are radiant with charm, radiant charm, attractive. Originating in Asia, this flower was celebrated for its medicinal properties as well as its beauty. The name comes from Latin, meaning "little frog," since the flower is often found near water - like frogs.

SUNFLOWER: Adoration, devotion. Symbolizes longevity in China.

SWEET PEA: Bliss, thank you for a lovely time, I think of you. A native of Italy, it was supposedly given its name by the poet John Keats.

TULIP: Perfect love. Considered the emblem of Holland, but originated in Persia.