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.
Lavender has always meant purity, virtue and serenity, and is valued for its capability to attract positive energies. Many attribute a special message to it, namely “your memory is my only happiness”; giving it as a gift symbolizes a deep connection. The name “lavender” comes from the Latin lavare, as Greeks and Romans used dried lavender to scent baths. In medieval times, on St. John's Day in Rome, lavender ears were used to ward off witches; later they served as amulets against demons and misfortune, and were waved at weddings to propitiate fertility.
The sunflower symbolizes happiness, light and dedication. In the East, it is a symbol of longevity and immortality, perhaps because once cut it dries up slowly. Its scientific name Helianthus means “I turn to the sun”, as it follows the sun across the sky. Many civilizations used it as an offering to sun gods and as ornamental.
Gardenias are delicate and fragrant flowers often associated with purity, sweetness, and secret love.
The red-petaled poppy represents sleep and oblivion, as well as quiet pride. It's considered the flower of consolation and simplicity: legend says Demeter sipped poppy infusions to regain serenity after losing her daughter.
Native to Tasmania, the mimosa symbolizes strength and femininity. In 1946, for the first postwar Women's Day, UDI members chose mimosa for its early spring bloom and affordability. American Indians offered mimosa bouquets to declare love, and English girls pinned sprouts to accentuate femininity.
