One of the emblems of spring, lily of the valley is a symbol of happiness and good luck. The habit of giving it as a gift on May 1 was introduced by Charles IX in 1561, who initiated the custom of giving a sprig of lily of the valley as a good luck charm.
Originally, lilac was cultivated and hybridized by French nurserymen, who supplied florists throughout Europe. Used primarily for decorative purposes, in the past it was often used for therapeutic purposes: decoction of the bark calmed fever, while lilac infusion served as an excellent stomach and liver decongestant.
Depending on the color, the rose is used to express different emotions: purple for the promise of eternal love; fiery red means passion; white represents candid, pure and spiritual love; pink symbolizes admiration and loyalty; and yellow symbolizes sunshine and joie de vivre.
Roses probably originated in Central Asia 60 to 70 million years ago. In China, Confucius mentioned roses growing in imperial gardens, stating that the Chinese emperor's library contained hundreds of books dedicated to them. Paintings of roses were found on the much older walls of the tomb of Thutmose IV, who died in the 14th century BC. In ancient Rome, the use of roses to decorate gardens was widespread, so much so that Horace lamented that the Roman government allowed agricultural land to be used for their cultivation.
Roses probably originated in Central Asia 60 to 70 million years ago. In China, Confucius mentioned roses growing in imperial gardens, stating that the Chinese emperor's library contained hundreds of books dedicated to them. Paintings of roses were found on the much older walls of the tomb of Thutmose IV, who died in the 14th century BC. In ancient Rome, the use of roses to decorate gardens was widespread, so much so that Horace lamented that the Roman government allowed agricultural land to be used for their cultivation.
Lavender has always meant purity, virtue and serenity, and is valued for its ability to attract positive energies to oneself and personal space. Many attribute a special message to it, namely “your memory is my only happiness”; giving it as a gift thus symbolizes a deep connection. The name “lavender” comes from the Latin word lavare and is due to the Greeks and Romans' use of the flower after drying it: they used it as a cleanser and to scent bath water.
In medieval times, during the night of St. John's Day in Rome, people armed themselves with lavender ears to ward off witches; the ear later served as an amulet to protect against demons and misfortune. In addition, an ear of lavender was waved during wedding ceremonies because traditions said it would propitiate the fertility of newlyweds.
The sunflower symbolizes happiness, light and dedication. In the East, it is a symbol of longevity and immortality, perhaps because compared to other flowers once cut it dries up rather slowly. it is also known by its scientific name helianthus, which means “I turn to the sun”: already in antiquity it was noted that the sunflower follows the sun throughout the course of the day until sunset. Around the world, many civilizations have always used it as an offering to the sun god and as an ornament for its joyful colors. Sunflower seeds were used in ancient times as an oil for skin and for cooking.
Testo per il settimo fiore
The red-petaled poppy represents sleep and oblivion, as well as pride that rests, a quiet pride that does not need ostentation but exists harmoniously. It's considered the flower of consolation and simplicity: legend has it that Demeter, goddess of fields and crops, sipped many infusions made from poppy flowers to regain serenity after losing her daughter.
Native to Tasmania, the mimosa has been introduced to Europe since the early 1800s, symbolizing strength and femininity. There is a moment in history when the plant became the symbol of International Women's Day: in 1946 the women of the UDI (Italian Women's Union), feminists belonging to the PCI (Italian Communist Party), were looking for a flower to celebrate the first postwar Women's Day. The mimosa was one of the first flowers to bloom in early March and had the advantage of being inexpensive.
In addition, American Indians used to give a small bouquet of mimosas as a gift when they decided to declare their love. English girls used to pin a sprig of mimosa to their jackets to accentuate their femininity.
In addition, American Indians used to give a small bouquet of mimosas as a gift when they decided to declare their love. English girls used to pin a sprig of mimosa to their jackets to accentuate their femininity.