The Language Of Flowers

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Did you know that flowers have a language all their own? Every culture has ascribed various meanings to herbs and flowers and endowed them with almost mystical qualities. For example, in Western culture, the chrysanthemum means “truth.” In Japanese culture, it signifies “autumn” while in Chinese culture, it connotes “endurance.”

Much of this meaning has derived over a long history, and the traditions have survived to our present time even if we aren’t aware of them. And nowhere are they more apparent than at our weddings. Why do we adorn wedding and reception halls with flowers? Why do brides carry floral bouquets? What is a flower girl?

For most of history, the joining of a couple and the establishment of their new family circle has been such an important occasion that a great deal of superstition has formed around the ceremony.

Read the entire article in the June 2014 issue

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