Can a Flower Speak?

Spring gives birth to a beautiful season called summer in which the expression of nature takes on a life of its own.  Colors, fragrance, design and distinctive sound can tantalize our senses from sight, to smell, to shape, to vibration.  I'd like to emphasize one such creation as flowers, which come in so many varieties enticing a human's imagination to produce works of art.  This comes in the form of flower gardens, florist arrangements and an array of creativity in jewelry, perfume, paintings and photography in the expression of the essence of a flower.  Nature has it's own display in a diversity of wildflowers scattered in fields and mountains to be enjoyed.  

Colors are exquisite and cover the spectrum in series of light, each commanding attention to its characteristic hue.  
The fragrance of flowers is uniquely different according to the specific flower.  The aroma is not only attractive to a human, but the scent of a flower attracts insects and birds in pollination.
The shape of a flower comes in all forms and sizes, having a basic structure common to the flower plant, but differ in distinctive features in appearance.
The sounds of a flower.... does a flower speak?  Not audibly, but if you truly notice a flower, their blooms can speak volumes in their own language.  Have you ever heard of "floriography"?  Since botany began, flowers give meaning and symbolism through their hundreds of years in existence.  Take for example, the Bleeding Heart.....

I have always admired the beauty of the bleeding heart blossom. It is a favorite of mine along with the magnificent rose.  Both are indicative of love but I'd like to reflect on the bleeding heart in today's post.  Its delicate beauty speaks loudly through its simplicity.  No other plant has a perfect heart-shaped flower and the blossoms are considered a symbol of undying love and stand for elegance and fidelity.  

Spiritually speaking, the bleeding heart brings to mind the compassion of heart expressed in 1 Peter 3:8..."All of you should be of one mind.  Sympathize with one another.  Love each other as brothers and sisters.  Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude."  
The medieval name and/or religious meaning is "Mary's Heart", suggesting the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  This is a devotional name used to refer to the interior life and the beauties of the soul of the Virgin Mary.

If you turn a bleeding heart blossom upside down and pull the two halves apart, use your imagination and you will see a lady in a pink bathtub, or perhaps a white lyre with strings of silk.  You can also press the flowers between the pages of a heavy book and use these tiny hearts in decorating letters, cards, a valentine message or create a bookmark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a beautiful quote built on three key words, blossom, fragrance and influence.  I leave you with this thought...."The blossom cannot tell what becomes of its fragrance as it drifts away, just as no person can tell what becomes of their influence as they continue through life". ~ Unknown

This is a suitable message for me regarding flowers.  I have decided to take more time to "stop and smell the roses", which is necessary for freshness in perspective and inspiration.  I will be posting every two weeks instead of on a weekly basis on my blog.  With that being said, here's an old Irish blessing for you, my readers, "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

See you on Monday, September 2...    I hope you will continue to meet me at The Turn-Up Patch.