Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Flowers of Beauty





~ In The Garden ~

Flowers in the Bible are symbols of delicate life and beauty. They are used to convey messages of God’s comfort as well as messages of the perishable nature of man.

Song of Solomon 2:13 is part of a love story. This passage uses the fragrance of “blossoming vines” to beautify the text and add sensual images to the love poem. In two other examples of more cosmic proportions, Hosea 14 describes Israel’s repentance toward God for having worshiped other gods. In return, God showers Israel with healing. The following description of the renewed Israel uses images of beautiful lily and vine blossoms. Then 1 Kings 6:18 describes how the first temple was decorated with flowers. The temple was where the Israelites encountered God; considered the most holy place on Earth. Flowers were seen as a fitting decoration for such a setting. No specific flower is mentioned here, merely the general phrase “open flowers.”


Do Not Worry

Perhaps in one of the most well-known New Testament references to flowers, Matthew 6:28-29 compares the care God shows in providing for the lilies with the care God shows in providing for his people. The language is beautiful, saying that the lilies are even more beautiful than King Solomon himself, and if God cares that much for a flower that will perish in a day, imagine how much more he will care for his people. This text is in the midst of multiple parables that attempt to help the listener learn the lesson, using concrete images. In this specific text, the method is the same. Flowers are used as a concrete example to show the listeners that they do not need to worry about having enough clothing or food.


Picture of a Short Life

Contrary to being a picture of beauty, flowers are also known for their short life and delicate nature. Nahum 1:4 uses this characteristic to convey a message of God’s anger against Nineveh. In essence, the picture communicated here is that in the face of God’s righteous power, people who sin against him are like flowers that wither quickly, just like the “blossoms of Lebanon.” The short life of a flower is compared on a more individual level to man’s lifespan on Earth in Job 14:2. Similarly, Job 15:33 likens the life of a wicked man to an “olive tree shedding its blossoms.” One interesting thing to note is that even while these examples are obviously conveying a message of death, there is still beauty associated with the imagery.








Bible Verses about Flowers

Psalms 103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Song of Solomon 6:2-3 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

Song of Solomon 5:13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

Psalms 103:16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Song of Solomon 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

Hosea 14:5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Song of Solomon 2:1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

1 Kings 6:18 And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.

Song of Solomon 5:13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.

Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

Psalms 103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.





~ The Meaning of Flowers ~

Flower Meanings can be of any nature. Be it Everlasting love, Friendship, Concealed love or Innocent love, you can express range of emotions through flowers. Flowers are meant for all occasions. When words are unable to convey thoughtfulness and love, flowers easily pass the message and express feelings on sender's behalf.

It is generally believed the practice of assigning meanings to flowers began in Turkey during the seventeenth century. Lovers began using floral exchanges to convey particular messages. The Victorian era witnessed rise in the popularity of flower language and corresponding meaning assigned to different flowers. In England, dozens of dictionaries of "florography" were published during that period. Suitors carefully studied these guidebooks to select appropriate bouquets for their sweethearts.

There has been common perception related to feelings and expression attributed to different flowers. Still, it's very tough to assemble a list of flower meanings as each flower has many different connotations depending on the reference. Also, different cultures ascribe different qualities to various blooms. So, you'll probably get a different answer depending on which geographical location the person belongs to whom you ask. There can be specific flower meanings that are associated with flower types or colors but mostly the flower meanings can be personalized or heartfelt. When giving the gift of flowers, people tend to personalize the experience by offering the types and/or colors that carry a significant meaning to the person or occasion.

Flower meanings express a milieu of emotions and sentiments. Your love is reciprocated, Splendid Beauty, Timidity, Forsaken, Expectations, Pure of heart, Innocence, Hope in love, Felicity, Delicacy, Single blessedness, or Good luck - you name it - flowers touch every string of emotions. Similarly, sunflowers can mean either haughtiness or respect. The iris, being named for the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, still represents a message being sent. A pansy flower means thoughts, a daffodil regard, and a string of ivy signifies fidelity.



~ Rose Flower Meanings ~

Roses are the most eloquent love expression one can convey to beloved ones. Roses are popular all around the globe for its eternal beauty and exceptional fragrances. Different colors and hues of roses correspond to different love statement. Naturally, various varieties and colors of roses carry different flower meanings when they are gifted.

Have you ever wondered that anagram of rose is EROS - the Greek god of love. That's why Valentines Day epitomizes the expression and feeling of love with a Rose only. In lovers' lexicon, roses have always a special place to mark the occasion and feeling of love. It has been prized for thousands of years throughout varied range of cultures, and has come to symbolize many different things. A perfect way to say "I love You" - it has been the choice of lovers in every culture and century.





Individual Flowers & Meanings

ACACIA- Concealed Love, Beauty in Retirement, Chaste Love

AGAPANTHIS- Concealed Love, Beauty in Retirement, Chaste Love

AMBROSIA- Your Love is Given Back/Returned

AMARYLLIS- Pride, Pastoral Poetry

ANEMONE- Forsaken, sincerity

ARBUTUS- Thee Only Do I Love

ASTER- Symbol of Love, Daintiness

AZALEA- Take Care of Yourself for Me, Temperance, Fragile Passion, Chinese Symbol of Womanhood

BACHELOR BUTTON- Single Blessedness

BEGONIA- Beware

BELLS OF IRELAND- Good Luck

BITTERSWEET- Truth

BLUEBELL- Humility

CACTUS- Endurance

CALADIUM- Great joy and delight

CAMELLIA- Good luck gift for a man

PINK CAMELLIA- Longing for you

RED CAMELLIA- You're a Flame in My Heart

WHITE CAMELLIA -You're Adorable

CARNATION FLOWER- FLOWER MEANINGS Fascination, Woman Love

PINK CARNATION- I'll Never Forget You

RED CARNATION- My Heart Aches For You, Admiration

PURPLE CARNATION- Capriciousness, Whimsical

SOLID COLOR CARNATION- Yes

STRIPED CARNATION- No, Refusal, Sorry I Can't Be With You, Wish I Could Be With You

WHITE CARNATION- Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman's Good Luck Gift

YELLOW CARNATION- You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection

CATTAIL FLOWER- Peace, Prosperity

CHRYSANTHEMUM- You're a Wonderful Friend, Cheerfulness and Rest.

WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUM- Truth

YELLOW CHRYSANTHEMUM- Slighted Love

CROCUS- Cheerfulness, gladness

CYCLAMEN- Resignation and Good-bye

DAFFODIL- Respect, Regard, Unrequited Love, You're the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining when I'm with You

DAISY- Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity

FERN- Magic, Fascination, Confidence and Shelter

FIR- Time

FLAX- Domestic Symbol

FORGET-ME-NOT- True Love, Good Memories

FORSYTHIA- Anticipation

FREESIA- Trust

GARDENIA- You're Lovely, Secret Love

GERANIUM- Stupidity, Folly

GLADIOLI- Give Me a Break, I'm Really Sincere, Flower of the Gladiators

GLOXINIA- Love at First Sight

HEATHER (LAVENDER)- Admiration, Solitude

HEATHER (WHITE)- FLOWER MEANINGS Protection, Wishes Will Come True

HOLLY- Defence, Domestic Happiness

HONEYSUCKLE- Happiness

HYACINTH- Games and Sports, Rashness,

BLUE HYACINTH- Constancy

PURPLE HYACINTH- I am Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Sorrow

RED OR PINK HYACINTH- Play

WHITE HYACINTH- Loveliness, I'll Pray for You

YELLOW HYACINTH- Jealousy

HYDRANGEA- Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness

IRIS-Fleur-de-lis- Your Friendship Means so Much to Me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valour, My Compliments

IVY- Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection

JONQUIL- Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire, Sympathy, Desire for Affection Returned

PINK LARKSPUR- Fickleness

WHITE LILY- Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You

YELLOW LILY- I'm Walking on Air, False and Gay

CALLA LILY- Beauty

DAY LILY- Coquetry, Chinese Emblem for Mother

EUCHARIS LILY- Maiden Charms

TIGER LILY- Wealth, Pride

LILY OF THE VALLEY- Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility, You've Made My Life Complete, beauty, gaiety

MAGNOLIA- Nobility

MARIGOLD- Cruelty, Grief, Jealousy

MISTLETOE- Kiss me, Affection, To Surmount Difficulties, Sacred Plant of India

MONKSHOOD- Beware, A Deadly Foe is Near

MOSS- Maternal Love, Charity

MYRTLE- Love, Hebrew Emblem of Marriage

NARCISSUS- Egotism, Formality, Stay as Sweet as You Are

NASTURTIUM- Conquest, Victory in Battle

OLEANDER- Caution

ORANGE BLOSSOM- Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness

ORANGE MOCK- Deceit

ORCHID- Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children, Thoughtful, Maturity, Charm

CATTLEYA ORCHID- Mature Charm

PALM LEAVES- Victory and Success

PEONY- Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage

PETUNIA- Resentment, Anger, Your Presence Sooths Me

PINE- Hope, Pity

POPPY- Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination

RED POPPY- Pleasure

WHITE POPPY- Consolation

YELLOW POPPY- Wealth, Success

PRIMROSE- I Can't Live Without You

EVENING PRIMROSE- Inconstancy

WEDDING ROSES- Happy Love

DARK CRIMSON ROSE- Mourning

HIBISCUS ROSE- Delicate Beauty

LEAF ROSE- You May Hope

PINK ROSES- Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me

RED ROSES- Love, I Love You

TEA ROSE- I'll Remember Always

THORNLESS ROSE- Love at First Sight

WHITE ROSES- Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You, You're Heavenly, Secrecy and Silence

WHITE AND RED ROSES MIXED- Unity, Flower Emblem of England

YELLOW ROSES- Decrease of Love, Jealousy, Try to Care

ROSEBUDS- Beauty and Youth, A Heart Innocent of Love

RED ROSEBUDS- Pure and Lovely

WHITE ROSEBUDS- Girlhood

ROSE Bouquet of Mature Blooms- Gratitude

ROSES Single Full Bloom-I Love You, I Still Love You

SMILAX- Loveliness

SNAPDRAGON- Deception, Gracious Lady

SPIDER FLOWER- Elope with Me

STEPHANOTIS- Happiness in Marriage, Desire to Travel

STOCK- Bonds of Affection, Promptness, You'll Always Be Beautiful to Me

SUNFLOWER- Pride, Sunshine

SWEET PEA- Good-bye, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time

TULIP FLOWER- Perfect Lover, Frame, Flower Emblem of Holland

RED TULIP- Believe Me, Declaration of Love

WHITE TULIPS- Beautiful Eyes

YELLOW TULIPS- There's Sunshine in Your Smile

VIOLET- Modesty

BLUE VIOLET- Watchfulness, Faithfulness, I'll Always Be True

WHITE VIOLET- Let's Take a Chance

VISCARIA- Dance With Me

WISTERIA- Welcome

ZINNIA (MAGENTA)- Lasting Affection

ZINNIA (MIXED)- Thinking (or In Memory) of an Absent Friend

ZINNIA (SCARLET)- Constancy

ZINNIA (WHITE)- Goodness

ZINNIA (YELLOW)- Daily Remembrance