Sunflower

The name for the sunflower flower comes from the Greek words helios and anthos, which, when placed together, creates a very literal translation for this blossom. Although these flowers are distributed worldwide, they are native to both North and South America. Because of their extensive root systems, sunflowers can withstand the occasional drought; however, they grow their very best in damp, well fertilized soil, under a good deal of sun light. The head of the sunflower contains a large number of small florets clustered within a small space. Sunflowers are hardy plants, and can grow to amazing sizes. In fact, these flowers hold many records in regards to their size. The 2004 Guinness World Records state that the tallest sunflower was grown in the Netherlands to the height of 25 feet, 5.4 inches tall; the largest head was grown in British Columbia at a remarkable 32 inches.

The sunflower flower, due to its bold, human-like appearance, has found its way into art and myth. One such myth is the Greek legend of Clytie, a tree nymph, who fell madly in love with Apollo. Apollo was uninterested in the nymph, and so she spent her days staring into the sun. Because of this, her body began to transform into the slender green stem, her hair into the golden petals, and her head into the broad face of the flower. After being fully transformed into the sunflower, she still turned to the sun whenever it was at its brightest. Some of the most recognizable pieces of art include the Sunflower series painted by Vincent van Gogh. These paintings depict the flowers clipped and in vases, and in slightly muted shades of yellow and orange. Emil Nolde, Diego Rivera and Georgia O’Keefe were also inspired by these bright, beautiful flowers. Artists are not the only ones with a deep appreciation for the sunflower flower. There are many festivals around the United States and several other countries that celebrate these vibrant blossoms. These festivals are often held at farms and in fields that hold a vast amount of these flowers in full bloom. They may also include competitions, flower-themed activities and food, paintings and photography dedicated to the sunflower, and even the occasional parade.

There are many reasons why one might give sunflowers as a gift. The sunflower is the predominant emblem of adoration, and is often given for 3rd anniversaries, as it can represent the message that the recipient is the light of the giver’s life, and they – like the sunflower – will follow them. The openness of their faces can symbolize warmth and fervent attachment as well. They can also be given simply to cheer the recipient’s day, as these flowers are a great symbol for light and happiness

Rose Flower

Although there are more than 100 species of roses, what most often comes to mind when we think of this flower is the red English rose. With its gorgeous flower made of alternately shaped, pinnate leaves and its seductive fragrance, it has become an immortal symbol for beauty and love. Ancient Greeks and Romans connected the flower to their gods of love and beauty. Poets, from William Shakespeare to Robert Burns, have used the rose as a device to describe their beloveds. And, originating in ancient Persia, the crushed petals of the flower have been used to create perfume for its sweet, floral scent.

Still, there is a great deal of nuance and etiquette associated with giving cut roses as a gift. The number of roses in a bouquet and the color of the flower can send very different messages. Certainly, if the bouquet is intended to express love and passionate desire, red roses, as are commonly given on Valentine’s Day, is the first choice. But how many should be given? A single, blooming red rose simply means “I love you” or perhaps “love at first sight.” A bouquet of two roses symbolizes the union of the two lovers, expressing mutual feelings and satisfaction with being together. Six roses often stands for the hardship of being apart; when you miss someone and hope to be reunited with your other half, you give your beloved half a dozen roses. A full dozen, then, is an invitation to love, meaning “be mine” as the common Valentine’s Day refrain goes. A bouquet of 50 roses stands for unconditional love.

Giving roses in other colors, however, is usually an expression of platonic love, friendship, and support. For example, a bouquet of yellow roses is a way to communicate loyalty and friendship. (Although, some believe that the gift of yellow roses actually expresses jealousy.) Dark crimson roses, on the other hand, are often used to signify mourning and therefore are appropriate gifts for the families of departed loved ones.

Orchid Flower

With more than 22,000 known species (and roughly 800 more discovered each year), the orchid is the largest family of flowering plants. It is a cosmopolitan flower, capable of growing nearly anywhere, from deserts to glaciers. However, this elegant flower is most commonly found in tropical regions, such as Central and South America as well as throughout Asia.

Because there are so many varieties of orchids, you’ll notice many different features when looking at pictures of orchids. Still, some common traits emerge, including bilateral symmetry and, most obviously, the presence of a single modified petal, called the “labellum.” Apart from that, orchids can take on any number of appearances, including bright purple, red, orange, white with lavender touches, or mottled colorations that resemble flames or brushstrokes. Some orchid flowers feature the evolutionary perk of being shaped like the insects that pollinate them. Since there are thousands of unique varieties, orchids are hungrily collected and cultivated by enthusiasts around the globe. Of course, orchids are also used in many cultures for practical purposes—not just admiring their delicate beauty. For instance, orchids are used to produce vanilla, scents for perfume, and, in Turkey, flavoring for ice cream and a hot traditional beverage called “salep.”

But it is the orchid’s fragile beauty and exotic allure that have made the flower a popular gift, as a potted plant and as fresh, cut flowers. What do orchids mean, when given as a gift? These flowers carry many meanings, but the strongest associations are love, beauty, wealth, and strength. A quick look at the cultural history of the flower explains why. The ancient Greeks saw the orchid as an emblem of virility, while the flower became known as a signifier of social clout and opulence in Victorian England. And from the ancient Aztecs up to modern China, cultures valued the orchid for its medicinal purposes, viewing it as a restorative and healing entity. Taken together, one can see how the orchid has accrued its meanings: It is a rare, elegant, and cherished not only for its beauty, but also as a symbol of strength and prosperity. As such, the gift of an orchid is an appropriate gift for all occasions.

Nigella Flower

The nigella flower – sometimes referred to by its common name, love in a mist, or its full scientific name, nigella damascena – is one of only 14 species within its small genus. It is a member of the ranunculaceae family, and is native to areas of southwest Asia, southern Europe and north Africa. These plants are annually growing, and bear threaded, alternating pinnate leaves that develop like a collar around the flower head. The flower itself can be up to 2 inches around, and consist of either a single or double head which blooms from a plant that can reach between 15 and 30 inches in height. They may contain from 5 to 25 sepals, which are generally light blue in shade, but may also appear in pale hues of pink, purple and white.

The nigella flower has been an exceptionally popular garden bloom since the Elizabethan era. This is namely due to the general loveliness of the flower, and it’s uniquely shaped foliage. However, gardens are not the only medium in which this plant has exhibited its special charms. Over time, these blossoms have become a large part of myth and magic. Although most people think that the name “love in a mist” came about purely for the nigella’s frothy appearance, some legends tell a different story. One such tale tells of Frederick I Barbarossa – the holy Roman Emperor – who, in fact, drowned in the Saleph River while leading a Crusade through Turkey. During this Crusade, it is said that a spirit of the water seduced the Emperor, leading him into the shallow river which ultimately led to his demise. On the shore, a delicate nigella flower blossomed, and is thought to represent his own departed spirit – which is now enmeshed with that of water. In magic, the nigella flower is considered a Venus herb. Unlike most Venus herbs, though, these plants are not only used to attract love, but to represent the strong feminine power of an alluring woman. As well as being used in love charms, these plants are also applied to spells that can bring about glamour and the binding of a person’s spirit.

The magical associations with the nigella flower carry over into its symbolism. These blooms are often said to represent the chains that bind people together – usually in love, but sometimes in bitterness. They are also said to express perplexity and intrigue, and are often given as gifts to tell the recipient that the giver is fascinated, or simply has a crush.

Marigold Flower

The marigold flower is known as two separate genera – tagetes and calendula, which contain between 63 and 71 species collectively. Tagetes are native throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico and South America; calendulas are indigenous to areas of the Mediterranean and Iran. The calendula marigolds – which are called pot marigolds – are well known for their medicinal uses which range from anti-viral to anti-inflammatory. On the other hand, some species of tegates are used to repel insects, and as perfumes and flavoring agents. Marigolds are fairly delicate in appearance, but are actually very hardy annual and herbaceous perennial plants. These flowers most commonly appear in shades of orange and yellow, but you may also see them in white, red or mixed combinations.

The marigold flower has a varied history; however, it is most noted for its curative properties. During the Civil War and First World War extracts from marigolds were used to both heal wounds and prevent them from becoming infected. Today, though, these flowers are used to treat any number of skin conditions, as well as common cuts and abrasions. Marigolds are also frequently used in the culinary arts – mostly to season dishes with a spicy flavor, or to color dishes of rice. The marigold flower also has an interesting cultural history. These flowers have long been used to decorate sacred or special places like fire pits or pavilions. As well as decorating significant spaces, these plants are frequently used in Thailand and India at weddings, religious events and festivals – mostly by way of flowing decorations or garlands. Marigold garlands are also made in households all over Nepal to commemorate the Tihar festival. In Mexico, marigold flowers are often used to decorate ofrendas, and papier mache and ceramic statues, as their scent is thought to draw back the souls of the dead.

The marigold flower is rife with a variety of symbolism. To start, these flowers are called “the flower of the sun” and are representative of passion, warmth and creativity. To others, this flower is a symbol of comfort and contentment with simplicity. As a gift, marigolds may be a great expression of either warm or fiercely passionate love, or a simple way of saying that you feel happy and comfortable with the recipient. These flowers are sometimes given in themed gift baskets, but they are most commonly used in vibrant bouquets.

Lotus Flower Pictures

The spiritual qualities of the lotus flower has found its way into Egyptian legends, Indian culture, and even Western faith. This is not surprising as the lotus flower is a potent symbol that grows strong and beautiful from the murkiest depths. Not to be mistaken with the water lily, lotus flowers bear fruit, but produce less nectar and come in fewer colors. The roots of the lotus are deeply imbedded into the bottom of river beds or ponds, while the flowers and leaves float atop the surface of the water. This plant is also thought to be one of only a few heat producing plants, and generally maintains a temperature around 86 to 95 degrees so as to lure cold blooded pollinators.

The lotus is the national flower of both Vietnam and India. In India the lotus flower has made its way deep into religious beliefs and in national folklore. The lotus is one of the eight auspicious symbols and is considered to be a symbol for the progress of the soul through muddy materialism, all the way to bright and sunny enlightenment. In esoteric Buddhist teachings, the unopened flower is thought to be like the heart of man – blossoming only when touched by the virtues of Buddha. In Egypt the lotus can be seen in a variety of art, hieroglyphics and as general decoration. One of the legends that can be found in this area is of a giant lotus rising from watery chaos and causing the sun to rise on the first day of creation. In Christianity, the white lotus is thought to be a representation of the purity of the Virgin Mary. Aside from having a great religious and mythological significance, the lotus can also be consumed. The rhizomes can be roasted, curried, pickled or dried and used as a thickening powder. The seeds can be candied, roasted or eaten raw; the flower and stalks, on the other hand, can be prepared in any way that a regular leafy vegetable might be eaten.

Lotus flowers are full of deep meaning, beautiful and long lasting, and thus, make great gifts. Many people like to give them as wedding presents as they are one of the few flowers that bloom and produce fruit simultaneously. This is thought to be a good omen for a newly married couple, as it not only represents a continuation of the growth of their relationship, but also a growth in their family. These flowers can be given alone, or as part of bouquet. If you are giving them as a gift to someone who lives in a warm climate, has access to a garden pond and simply loves to grow things, you might also want to consider giving them either a pre-grown plant, or even a few fresh seeds.

Jasmine Flower

The jasmine flower is grown from a line of shrubbery and vines that are closely related to the olive family. Although there are about 200 different species of this flower, three of the most common consist of the white, yellow and Japanese varieties. These plants can grow up to 15 feet in their life span, and most of the vine varieties are considered healthy ‘climbers.’ These vines can grow onto other plants or be trained to grow through picket fences, shrubs, or around artfully arranged pieces of chicken wire. Many people grow these plants for their brilliant green leaves as well as for their soft, delicately colored flowers. The leaves themselves – which can either be deciduous or evergreen – are often round, intensely colored and shiny in appearance.

The jasmine flower has been used for ages in a variety of ways. Not only is this flower considered a beautiful plant to keep in the garden, it is also frequently used to adorn woman’s hair and clothing. They have been used to scent green tea leaves; to create delightfully floral pastries, and the scent can be extracted to create essential oils with both healing and aphrodisiac-like properties. The essential oil created from the jasmine flower is said to be an anti-depressant, anti-septic, and a calming sedative. It is also used either by itself or with other notes to create soft, sensuous perfumes that have been favored by women around the world for centuries. The jasmine flower is also widely loved for its strong cultural ties. These blossoms are the national symbol for the Philippines – known there as “Sampaguita” — and Indonesia, where it is known as “Melati.” These flowers are often used as vital elements to both wedding and religious ceremonies.

As a gift, jasmine flowers can be given in a variety of ways, and hold a variety of meanings. In China the jasmine flower is considered the ideal emblem for feminine kindness. In other areas these flowers are thought to indicate grace and delicacy, as well as sensuality and cheerfulness. They are thought to attract wealth and romantic attachments. They make great gifts for those you have a special fondness for; someone who enjoys rich floral fragrances, or even someone who is something of a night owl, as some varieties of this flower tend to open up and show their full beauty late at night. These flowers can easily be given as indoor plants, ready to be planted into the recipient’s own garden, or simply clipped and placed into a fresh bouquet.