Gaia's
GardenEven those of us on an Earth centered path can use a little help now and then in caring for our Mother. This column is dedicated to making us more aware of the "footprints" we leave on Her and how to live more harmoniously with Her even if we're urban pagans.
The Language of Flowers.Beltane is definitely a time for celebrating with flowers. After all “bringing in the May,” means to bring fresh cut wildflowers and blossoming branches into your home.
Most people know that certain flowers have certain meanings, i.e.; roses are for love, but not many people know that each color of rose means a certain type of love, i.e.; white is pure, platonic love, red is passionate love, pink is sweetheart or unconsummated love, and black is the end or death of a love. Of course the list goes on and even includes specific varieties of roses. The meanings of roses alone could, and have filled small books.The art of defining and interpreting “flower language reached its peak in the Victorian Era. Flower dictionaries were in great demand at this time and, while often contradicting each other, included such things as placement of flowers in a bouquet, (did they lean one direction or another), and how to read a posy of flowers. I have chosen to include a few of the more common definitions of some of the more uncommon flowers and plants. So remember, when you bring flowers to someone, be careful of what you ”say”
Flower name: Meaning
Veronica: fidelity
Wood sorrel: joy
Acacia: friendship
Allspice: compassion
Bluebell: constancy
Broom: apology
Chamomile: strength in adversity
Chickweed: let's meet
Clover: think of me
Dead leaves: sadness
Fennel: strength
Sage: esteem
Hawthorn: hope
Holly: foresight
Ivy: marriage
Juniper: protection
Marigold: grief
Myrrh: gladness
Oak leaves: bravery
Potato: benevolence
Rhubarb: I need advice
Sweet pea: delicate pleasures
Straw: togetherness
Turnip: charity
Valerian: argument
Violet: modesty
Wheat: riches
Witch hazel: enchantment
Zinnia: thinking of youMother Bless,
Kara Shima
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