Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Wedding Flowers - Their Symbolism and Meaning

Most people enjoy a good wedding. When all is said and done, and they reflect on how perfect the ceremony was, they would often speak at length about the bride, the gown, the cake, and the decorations. While some may guesstimate the price of the wedding flowers, few of them would take note of how appropriate and meaningful the choice of flowers was.

Although it would be more practical and less expensive, brides rarely let seasons dictate which flowers the select to enhance their wedding ceremony. Whatever the selection process, there are certain flowers that appear more frequently than others. In 2007 Lifestyle writer, Tina Samuels, identified the Calla Lily, the Gardenia, the Hydrangea, the Lily of the Valley, the Stephanotis, the Tulip and the Rose as the most popular wedding flowers. But what message do these wedding flowers reveal?

The Calla Lilly is traditionally a spring flower. A native of Africa and South Africa, the Calla Lilly grows in shades of yellow, orange, red, purple and white. This flower symbolizes beauty, making it a perfect choice as a wedding flower.

Gardenias, on the other hand, are members of the coffee family. They originated from Africa, southern Asia, Australasia and Oceania. The white color of the gardenia is probably the reason for its popularity as a wedding flower. It is a symbol of both secret and sweet love. The flower also means good luck, another fitting theme for the occasion.

Based on meaning alone, Hydangea is a rather odd choice of wedding flowers. Symbolizing understanding, frigidity and heartlessness, the Hydangea is almost global in its origin. It hails from South and East Asia and North and South America. These fluffy flowers grow in hues of blue, red, pink, and light purple or dark purple.

Happiness, sweetness and love's good fortune are messages conveyed by the gentle Lily of the Valley. One legend says that these flowers were produced from Eve's tears when she and Adam were driven from the Garden of Eden while another legend attributes their origin to the Virgin Mother's tears at the crucifixion. These wedding flowers thrive in the cool regions of Asia and Europe and selected parts of the United States.

The Stephanotis is an evergreen vine. The flowers symbolize both happiness in marriage and desire to travel. They enhance a wedding with their sweet fragrance. These flowers are usually white.

Tulips are an emblem of Holland although they were originally cultivated by the Ottoman Empire. As wedding flowers, tulips represent the perfect lover. These brightly colored flowers originated in Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

Last, but by no means least, is the rose - a well known symbol of love, passion, and perfection. The rose is the birth flower for June and comes in a large variety of colors. Each different color and arrangement carries its own meaning. Bridal roses mean happy love; burgundy reflect unconscious beauty, a multicolored arrangement means grace; a single rose represents simplicity; white roses say, "I am worthy of you"; red rosebuds personify pure and lovely, and white rosebuds are a symbol of girlhood.

Other highly regarded wedding flowers include carnations, chrysanthemums, and orchids. They symbolize "for my poor heart", and "I love you" respectively.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4133053

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