Flowers have played a significant role in cultures around the world for centuries. From religious ceremonies to weddings and funerals, flowers have been used to convey meaning and symbolize various cultural beliefs and traditions. In this article, we will explore the significance of flowers in different cultures and their meanings.
In ancient Greece, the flower that was most closely associated with the gods was the lily. According to Greek mythology, the lily was created from the breast milk of the goddess Hera. The Greeks believed that the lily symbolized purity, innocence, and rebirth. Today, the lily is still a popular flower for weddings and funerals, where it is used to symbolize new beginnings and the cycle of life and death. Mind you, there are about 100 species of lilies with over 2,000 varieties, and there are different meanings for many of them.
In China, the peony is considered to be the national flower and is a symbol of wealth, honor, and happiness. The peony has been cultivated in China for over 1,500 years and is often used in art and literature to symbolize femininity and grace. In Chinese culture, the peony is also associated with the goddess Guan Yin, who is revered for her compassion and mercy.
In Hinduism, the lotus flower is one of the most important symbols. The lotus is said to represent enlightenment and the journey to spiritual awakening. The lotus is often depicted in Hindu art and is associated with the gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In addition to its religious significance, the lotus is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
In Japan, the cherry blossom is a symbol of beauty and the impermanence of life. The cherry blossom is a popular subject in Japanese art and literature and is often used to represent the transience of life and the beauty that can be found in fleeting moments. The cherry blossom also plays a significant role in the annual Hanami festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring and the blooming of the cherry blossoms.
In Native American cultures, the sunflower is a symbol of good luck and harvest. The sunflower is often used in traditional ceremonies and is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to those who cultivate it. In addition to its cultural significance, the sunflower is also a source of food and oil for many Native American tribes.
And this is just a fraction of the incredible cultures in our world today, all of which have their own concept and meaning of flowers. Flowers have held symbolic meanings and cultural significance in many different cultures throughout history. From ancient Greece to modern-day Japan, flowers have played an important role in conveying meaning and representing cultural beliefs and traditions. Whether used in religious ceremonies, as a symbol of good fortune, or as a native plant to the indigenous lands, flowers continue to hold an important place in nearly every culture around the world.
The cultivation and enjoyment of sakura, or flowering cherry trees, started in Japan during the 8th Century, and has spread from there to many other countries around the world. In ancient times, the sakura blossoming was an occasion for hanami, a celebration and time for the Japanese to consider the transient and ephemeral nature of human life. Because the sakura blossom wih great beauty for only a short time, and quickly fade and die, many people associate them with human mortality. The samurai adopted the cherry blossom, because of its transience, and it’s perhaps from this association that the flowers came to symbolize drops of blood. Nowadays, people in Japan listen carefully to the weather forecast as spring unfurls from the Southern islands upwards, and the sakura zensen (or cherry blossom front) is a time for hanami celebrations to be scheduled.
Today, hanami are occasions for outdoor parties, at which people come together to enjoy the sight and scent of the blossoms, while eating and drinking together. I remember drinking sake under the cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park or Ueno Park in the late 1980s, sitting with my colleagues and their spouses; we were enjoying the blossoms, for sure, and each other’s company. Had we been thinking about the meaning of the sakura, we would have considered the brevity of life, and become more resolute in pursuing our professional and personal goals. We would also have considered that the blossoms bring good fortune, and that they’re symbols of simplicity and innocence, as well as love and affection.