Flowers are a popular gift for a reason: beautiful, scented plants have been used to convey a variety of messages and decorate a number of different events for centuries. As a result, modern visitors to a florist shop often have no shortage of options, whether they’re choosing flowers for a wedding, choosing flowers for a funeral, or simply picking out something to display in their homes. However, there is more to most flowers than you might suspect. While they might be a largely aesthetic choice today, many types of flowers formerly held considerable religious, medicinal and cultural significance. Read on to learn some of these surprising facts about flowers!
- The Secret Worth of Tulips– In Holland in the 1600s, tulip bulbs were more valuable than gold, a fact that contributed to the nation’s cultural connection to the plant. Today, most varieties aren’t quite as expensive, but tulip bulbs do have several different uses. For example, if you’re in a pinch in the kitchen, tulip bulbs can be used as an onion substitute.
- A Symbol of Resurrection–The lotus plant, which is typically found blooming in rivers and damp wetlands, was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians. Lotuses were used in burial rituals, as the flower can lie dormant for years during times of drought, only to flourish once water returns. For this reason, it was considered a sign of eternal life and resurrection.
- Surprising Lifesavers–When the Vikings invaded Scotland centuries ago, their progress was slowed by large patches of wild thistle, which gave the Scots time to escape. As a result, the wild thistle is now Scotland’s national flower. Similarly, Mormon pioneers in Salt Lake City survived by eating the roots of the Sego Lily. Today, this plant is Utah’s state flower.
- A Questionable Namesake–Have you ever wondered where the foxglove flower gets its name? The title is Old English, as people in this time used to believe that foxes slipped the plant’s leaves onto their feet to sneak up on their prey.
- Mythological and Practical Healing–When the Greek hero Achilles was born, his mother dipped him headfirst into a bath of yarrow tea, as it was thought to have healing properties. While his death during the Trojan War is a well-known story, and perhaps disproves this theory, people have continued to use yarrow for medicinal purposes for centuries: it was even used during World War I to treat soldiers’ wounds.
Some of these facts about flowers may surprise you, but they are all a part of the interesting and important history flowering plants have had for generations. Use these facts about flowers to share with your florist the next time you pick up a bouquet, or keep them in mind while ordering from an online florist shop! Research more here.
