The long recited rhyme, April showers bring May flowers, can be traced back to the mid-1500s. It is often seen as a reminder to be patient. That even through the showers of life, flowers will eventually blossom. But in a more literal sense, it also reminds us that the explosion of color that Spring brings is on its way.
Flowers have always been used as symbols, but during the Victorian era it reached its highest level. The buttercup has long been a symbol of humility and childishness. Most of us have played the game of putting a buttercup under our chin to see if it reflection glows on our skin. The daisy symbolizes purity, innocence and loyal love. Perhaps that’s why the daisy is used to discover whether ‘he loves me, he loves me not.’ The forget-me-not flower has an obvious meaning. According to legend, the knight and his lady were walking by a river. He leaned down to pick her some flowers but due to the weight of his armor he fell in and drowned. As he went down to his watery grave, he threw the flowers to his love and yelled ‘forget me not.’ Poppies have been a flower of memorial and consolation for centuries; they were used at funerals in ancient Egypt. More recently, they are worn every November 11th throughout Europe to memorialize those who died in battle, especially World War I. Roses have always been symbols of love but many of the colors have specific meanings as well. A red rose is for passion and true love. A white rose expresses innocence and purity . Friendship is represented by a yellow rose. A lavendar rose, with its unique color, is linked to the mystery of nature as well as love at first sight.
Symbolism is not just confined to flowering plants, they also extend to trees. The cherry blossom is seen as a symbol of education. In Japan, they represent the fragility of life due to their short blooming period. The magnolia is associated with nobility, love of nature and perseverance. It’s also an iconic flower of the south. Bamboo is seen as the perfect balance between strength and flexibility. It bends with the wind but is also strong and durable. The cattail (or bulrush)is a symbol of peace and prosperity. Perhaps this is because cattails are present at the peaceful progression from marshland to dry land.
So as the April showers move out and May flowers begin to bloom, make sure you take the time to stop and smell the roses, or any other flower.
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