| FLOWERS have been used for a lot of purposes since the outset of civilization, and are the carrier of important meanings. For a great period of time the charming and delicate beauty of flowers has enchanted people regardless of age. Flowers have been cultivated for their decorative beauty as well as their ability to heal. Not only have flowers been the favourite topic of verse and myths, but they also have been associated with religious symbols. Many baby-girls are named after flowers. Some types of flowers were and continue to be used as food until nowadays; others have are used as medicine. Ancient man also recognised the aesthetic function of flowers. In fact, some ancient cultures supposed that they could appease their ancestors' spirits by embellishing their tombs with a certain type of flowers.
The major role that flowers have, yet, is their power to demonstrate genuine human emotions and thoughts the way no other object can. Whenever your feelings are too strong to put them into words – be it passion, sorrow, happiness, or gratitude - try to demonstrate them by means of flowers.
The flower that conveys the most evident meaning is the rose, the eternal symbol of affection and desire. During the Renaissance era, roses were associated with Venus's immortal beauty, whereas scratches made by the rose's thorny stem symbolized the wounds of passion. In Christian symbolism the red rose stands for affection and the blood of a sufferer. White roses signify purity and charm, whereas pink roses stand for happiness.
Alongside expressing messages, flowers can also impact upon our mood and emotions. According to a recent behavioural study carried out by the State University of New Jersey, the presence of colorful flowers results in happy memories and emotions and impacts on social conduct positively. The healing properties of flowers have also been proved by scientific research.
German psychologist Dr. Roger Ulrich discovered that when hospital patients viewed flowers, their need for pain killing medication reduced, their stress levels dropped and they became more optimistic. Possibly, the positive effect flowers produce on hospital patients is also connected with the meaning they hold - they are tangible proof that somebody cares about them and wishes them well.
Flowers, therefore, have an immediate effect on our emotions and a long-lasting positive influence on our mood. |
