The most highly coveted of ornamental plants, the delicate, exotic and graceful orchid represents love, luxury, beauty and strength. In ancient Greece, orchids were associated with virility. In fact, Greek women believed that if the father of their unborn child ate large, new orchid tubers, the baby would be a boy. If the mother ate small orchid tubers, she would give birth to a girl.
During the Victorian era, orchid symbolism shifted to luxury, and today this sense of magnificence and artful splendor continues, with orchids representing rare and delicate beauty. The 14th wedding anniversary flower, pink orchids convey pure affection, and the popular cattelya orchid represents mature charm.
When we got married I had to choose a boutique. I came across some Phalaenopsis Orchids and fell in love with them. My boutique was arranged beautifully with small tuberoses that smelled divine!
Tuberose signified both dangerous pleasure and voluptuousness. The scent of the flower is a fusion of white petals and warm skin, an arresting sensual and heady fragrance.
Tracing the evolution of the flower and its usage leads one to encounter a variety of lore surrounding its white trumpet like form. In India, tuberose is renowned for its strong aphrodisiac powers, and according to some stories I have heard, unmarried girls are warned not to breathe in its perfume after dark. Moreover, tuberose also possesses powerful healing properties and is used for anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory purposes. In Ayurvedic tradition, tuberose is also known to stimulate serenity, creativity and psychic powers.
Here are some photos of my wedding flowers:
For valentines day 2009 I told my husband not to get me the usual bunch of roses. I hate the fact that they last about a week and then you have to throw them away! The warehouse was selling a pot of these beautiful orchids and I’m delighted to say that it is still alive and well and even flowering again! Here are the photos of them in full bloom!
I’ve loved how they have survived much to the disbelief of my husband that they would survive! I guess our kitchen must be getting the right light and warmth. When these flowers die I will cut it back and it will flower again and then die off till the following flowering year. I look forward to them flowering every time!
Funnily enough these are my favourites too!! I have been wanting to get some for ages – you’ve inspired me. I loved Asher’s birthday cake too – you are a very clever mum.
Posted by 4maze | September 20, 2010, 10:26 pm