The birds are singing, the trees are budding, the sap is beginning to flow, the Spring Bulbs are emerging from the ground and starting to bloom. These are some of the signs of spring in New England. We often say that Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal. As the Spring colors start to appear we can feel the change in the air from our dark cold winter to our warmer longer days. The season gets its name from the word Spring, you can actually feel the Earth bursting or springing to life.
There are many Spring Holidays such as Easter and Passover that also have a strong spiritual tie to rebirth and the circle of life. Many of these Holidays have flowers or Spring herbs that have become symbolic of the Holiday.
Origins of Easter Flowers
Easter Lilies have long been the traditional flower of Easter. These white trumpet shaped flowers represent hope and purity and the resurrection of Jesus. One origin story states that the flowers sprang from Mary’s tomb showing her ascension into Heaven. The flower has also been known to symbolize motherhood.
Lilies aren’t the only flowers that symbolize Easter. Many of the popular spring bulbs appear in Easter arrangements such as Tulips, Daffodils and Iris. Tulips not only represent new beginnings, but also love. Red tulips symbolize true love, while white stands for innocence and forgiveness. Daffodils are one of the first flowers of spring and their bright yellow color attracts the honey bees. These flowers symbolize new beginnings and the yellow color for friendship. The blue Iris symbolizes faith and hope. Sending a bouquet of Spring flowers whispers all these secret messages of new life.
Even in poetry the season of Spring is a popular theme. From Shakespeare to Longfellow the season of “spring bursting forth” is a common phrase.
Passover Herbs and flowers
Passover is a holiday celebrating the Jews freedom from slavery. It is a time for families to gather together to celebrate this beginning of a new and better life. With all the symbolic meanings behind them, flowers are a natural decoration for this holiday. Although there are no specific colors for this holiday, many choose blue and white. A bouquet of blue and white hydrangeas make a spectacular display and symbolize love, harmony and peace
Karpas, or parsley is a traditional element found on the Passover Seder plate. This spring herb is used to remind us that Passover is celebrated in the Spring. Another Passover tradition was the “Night of Lettuce and Flowers” or the last night of Passover. Historically unmarried men would stand in the street holding a single flower. The girls would wait on their porch for the men to offer their flower to the girl they wished to pursue. She would then invite him in to meet her parents. Passover flowers are usually given before the holiday begins as Jewish tradition prohibits you from cultivating or planting during the holiday.
Indoor Bulb Gardens
Whether you are celebrating a holiday or just enjoying these spring flowers inside your home, Spring bulb gardens are a great way to enjoy these blooms. Once your flowers have finished blooming you can cut back the leaves and replant the bulbs outside in your garden. The bulbs will be dormant through the winter and rebloom next Spring. Keep in mind that all of the Spring flowers are not pet friendly. Although the plants aren’t toxic they will make your furry friends ill. Pansies are a great Pet friendly Spring plant and not only look beautiful in garden borders but they also symbolize loving feelings. If you are looking for the perfect Easter or Passover Flowers call the Floral Gallery in Marlborough and soon your house will be bursting with Spring blooms too.
Tags: Spring in New England, Pet friendly plants
