Bouquets of flowers in New York City
Photo courtesy of Chris Doody
BY: LILY PETERSON, STAFF WRITER
I saw some of the most beautiful bouquets of flowers that I have ever seen walking through New York City on Valentine’s Day weekend this year. Red roses were scattered on the streets and subways— a subtle, yet beautiful human act of kindness.
Flowers truly do make the perfect gift for any occasion, and it’s not just because they are pretty plants that smell good.
They represent birth. A flower’s life begins as a seed in dark soil. From there, it grows towards the light and blooms. Flowers symbolize growth and perseverance: A rough start should never define who you are and what you can do. Flowers, like humans, often strive to be the best that they can be. They are evidence that finding your path, or your light, may be difficult, but crucial to help you thrive and blossom into your best self. Next time you see that one flower sticking up in the crack of the sidewalk, think about everything it overcame, just for a breath of fresh air.
They represent life. While a flower is in bloom, it stands tall and dances in the breeze, supporting the local honeybee population. Or perhaps it brings color and fragrance into a dark living room. Some flowers are classic symbols of life around the world; the cherry blossom in Japan, the lotus in East Asia, the marigold in Mexico and the hibiscus in the Pacific Islands and Hawaii are just some examples. There are so many things you can do in life. Flowers should remind us to do what brings us joy; after all, we only live once.
They represent death. A flower’s life is beautiful, yet temporary. After its prime, it eventually begins to wilt, and the petals begin to fall. There’s only so much a flower can withstand before succumbing to the elements and time. That is true for humans as well—it is important to surround yourself with positivity to protect yourself, both your body and mind, from all the negativity that riddles our world today. Try to be present in each moment; not lost dwelling on the past or dreading the future. After all, flowers representhow beauty is not diminished with age and impermanence. They remind us of how everything will be okay in the end.
They represent love. It can be difficult to accurately express how you feel when communicating with the ones you truly love. Whether it’s affection, an apology or admiration, flowers have slowly become a gesture of the many vulnerable expressions of the heart. The rose has specifically become a symbol of romantic love, hence its heavy presence in NYC on Valentine’s Day. The softness of their petals and the floral fragrance suggest intimacy, closeness and an emotional bond. Something unique about roses is the thorns that cover their stems. Plants often have thorns to protect them from harsh environments and predators. This symbolizes great endurance; a thorned flower in bloom represents beauty that has flourished despite difficulty and hardship. It is a sign of a well-earned existence. Don’t be scared to love a person “with thorns.”
As the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to grow, remember to appreciate the little things that make life special.
