Flowers

From the seemingly simple home and office floral arrangements, to the more spectacular wedding affairs, flowers are a pivotal part of our existence. It is not surprising to see these plants in coronations, rituals, and a host of other types of celebrations. Come birthdays, for example, the ones we love are usually greeted with a fresh bouquet. A long time blessing on the planet, flowers are one of the best ways we have to convey or receive a signal of caring.
The language of flowers has different meanings and connotations in different parts of the world. Since time immemorial it has triggered of the imagination and inspiration of numerous poets, artists and writers. It is not unusual for us to come to a point where we are unable to adequately verbally express our feelings, and they help us through that awkwardness.

The right combination of flowers can cause a change in mood or the status of our emotions. Researching the association between happiness and these plants is Rutgers University, whose behavioral scientists found a definite linkage between the two. Unsurprisingly, they have a definite ability to increase the satisfaction one has with life, and the general interactions we have in social settings. As a result of the study, there is very little debate about the evidence that flowers will increase a person’s happiness, their intimacy, or their moods.

Today, flowers are selected due to their implied meanings. If you pick a bundle of acacia flowers, you are giving an implied meaning of concealed or chaste love, or expressing beauty. The ‘Aster’ symbolizes both love and daintiness, a pink carnation means I will never forget you while the yellow carnation specifies rejection or disappointment but the tulip says you have sunshine in your smile.

In addition to these beliefs, there are scientific ones that flowers have healing properties. In a study conducted by an environmental psychologist by the name of Dr. Roger Ulrich at Texas A&M University, plants can have a unique effect on patients who have them in their rooms. He discovered patients levels of stress were reduced, their need for pain medications decreased and hospital stays were shorter with increased sense of optimism and physical well-being. Recently, many health care facilities have taken the initiative to utilize these ideas in creation of their healthier, patient friendly environmental atmosphere. What has resulted is an increase in flowers in health care places, as an effort to try to heal the patients in the best possible way.