Anna M. Jarvis was the originator of our Mother's Day. Anna took care of her ailing mother for years and in 1905, her mother died. Anna felt children often neglected to appreciate their mother enough while the mother was alive, so she started a letter-writing campaign urging ministers, businessmen and congressmen in declaring a national Mother's Day holiday. She hoped Mother's Day would increase respect for parents and strengthen family bonds.
The first mother's day was observed on May 10, 1908. Miss Anna Jarvis selected and supplied white carnations at the first service conducted in Grafton, West Virginia. They were chosen because of her mother's fondness for them.
White carnations came to be regarded as the flowers meant for those who have missed their mothers.
Red carnations became the symbol while wishing a living mother love.
On May 9, 1914, the Presidential proclamation declared the 2nd Sunday of May to be observed as Mother's Day.
Easter
THE DOGWOOD TREE LEGEND:
Long ago during the days that Jesus was here on earth in the form of man there were many dogwood trees. The dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other monarchs of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength it was selected as the timber for the cross, but to be put to such a cruel use greatly distressed the tree.
Sensing this, the crucified Jesus in his gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it: "Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings, never again will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted and its blossoms will be in the form of a cross two long and two short petals .
In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints brown with rust and stained with red and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns, and all who see this will remember."
EASTER LILY LEGEND:
In the bible, Jesus Christ referenced the lily in the famous Sermon on the Mount, stating: "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet...Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Today, the Christian belief that white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ's sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow and pain is observed during the Easter holiday.
St. Patricks Day
St. Patrick allegedly used a clover (or 'Shamrock') to explain the Trinity in his teachings. Most people don't realize that there is no such thing as a "Shamrock Plant". The word shamrock comes from the Irish word "seamrog" meaning "little clover" The Irish 'shamrock' is considered white clover, Trifolium repens. Many people buy 'shamrocks' around St. Patrick's Day, but they are usually buying a type of Oxalis. This clover look-alike is easier grown as a houseplant than real clover, making Oxalis popular for interior decorating during St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
St. Valentines Day
Have a secret and romantic message in your Valentine flowers:
African Violet - Spirituality, Protection
Anthurium - Intense Attraction
Bromeliad - Protection, Money
Carnation (Red) - Admiration
Carnation (White) - Pure and ardent love
Camellia, white - loveliness
Chrysanthemum, red - I love you
Cyclamen: Diffidence; Modesty
Fern - fascination
Gloxinia: Love at first sight.
Ivy - Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection
Kalanchoe - Popularity
Orchid (CATTLEYA) - Mature Charm
Orchid (Lady Slipper) - Beautiful Lady
Orchid - Love, Beauty, Refinement
Primrose - Young Love
Rose (Red) - Love
Rose (White) - Charm and Innocence
Rose (Yellow) - Friendship
Rose (Pink) - Perfect Happiness
Rose (white & red) - Unity
Rosebud - Beauty & youth
Memorial Day
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. Most people decorate graves with flowers, wreaths and flags.
