Symbolism of Flowers

 

Since time immemorial, flower symbolism has been used to private correspondence and expressing unspoken feelings. People became especially fascinated by flower symbolism during the Victorian Era and books explaining "flower language" were nearly as common as the Bible in Victorian homes. Here are some common meanings of flowers:

        Daisy - new beginnings

        Sunflower - adoration, loyalty

        Iris - faith, trust, wisdom, hope

        Zinnia - thoughts of absent friends

        Rose - joy, happiness, love

        Poppy - remembrance of fallen soldiers

How about our Washington lilac?

For a complete list, go to Wikipedia, "list of plants with symbolism." 

Spokane the Lilac City

 

According to a 2014 news story on KXLY.com, lilacs are not native to the Spokane area. According to local legend, the first lilac was brought here from Minnesota in 1882, but a Spokane Historical website, J.J. Browne planted the first lilac bushes in his yard in 1906. John W. Duncan planted 128 lilac bushes in Manito Park in 1912 which "which sparked a lilac craze as the city encouraged gardeners to plant the fragrant bushes." 

It makes good sense to me that the early settlers to the area would bring starts of their favorite plants with them. Many families have stories of just that....... "That plant was great-grandma's, she brought it on the wagon train." Knowing they would never return "back there," they brought along tangible memories of that home. 

Tromping around Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge with retired manager, Nancy Curry, we explored the barely visible markers to locate old homesteads. In most cases, a lilac bush is all that's left. 

(Photo from my yard,  Donna)