Category: historical facts

My Ode to Romance Countdown to Valentine’s Day

as the lily among thorns so is my love among the daughters.

#3 of 14 Language of Flowers

In the Victorian Era, flowers were used to express emotions that cannot be spoken.  For example, a flower given by the right hand meant a “yes” to a question and if the flower was handed over with the left hand, it meant ” no”.

Flowers, plants and herbs have meaning as well.  Blackeye Susan’s means justice and mint means virtue.  The rose is a symbol of love but the colour of the rose has different meanings altogether.   

  • White rose – purity, innocence, reverence a new beginning, a fresh start
  • Red rose – love, I love you. – great for that one true love on Valentine’s day
  • Deep, dark crimson rose – mourning
  • Pink rose – grace, happiness, gentleness
  • Yellow rose – jealousy, infidelity
  • Orange rose – desire and enthusiasm
  • Lavender rose – love at first sight
  • Coral rose – friendship, modesty, sympathy

(The Old Farmer’s Almanac )  

A bridal bouquet of red roses and baby’s breath is an collective expression meaning “I love you purely”.  Likewise, a flower in the button hole of the groom is an extension of the Medieval tradition of a knight wearing his lady’s colours declaring his love and their relationship.

“As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters” Song of Solomon 2 verse 2

Lily = happiness or unconscious sweetness

My Ode to Romance Countdown To Valentine Day

Chivalry is still alive today

#2 of 14 Chivalry

“Love suffers long and is kind” 1Corinthians 13:4

Tristram and Isolde, 1916 - John William Waterhouse
Tristram and Isolde by William John Waterhouse- 1916

In medieval times, acts of chivalry were used by knights to demonstrate commitment, respect, compassion and trust as well as to show noble bravery to a lady when pursuing an honourable relationship with her. 

Chivalry is still alive today and can be seen in acts of kindness such as opening a door, pulling out a chair or as simple as returning a warm greeting.  Valentine’s Day supports a somewhat chivalrous behaviour by the giving of flowers, chocolate, having a candlelight dinner or showing love and compassion to others in kind words and deeds.

The Easter Egg story

Why the egg at Easter?

Ever wonder what the story is behind the Easter egg?  Why use the egg?  Is it something to do with the Christian faith or the Jewish faith?  Is it a religious symbol at all?  And what’s this about Easter as being Christian or pagan?

I grew curious so I asked my co-workers, clients, friends and family and none of them had much of a clue as to the meaning behind the egg at Easter or otherwise known as the paschal egg.  The word paschal relates to Easter or it relates to Jewish Passover.

Historically, the egg was used by ancient cultures in Egypt, Mesopotamia and Crete.

this egg was painted in Punic a language known by the ancient people of Carthage.  The tradition of painting eggs goes back to Africa some 60,000 years ago.  It was a symbol of death and rebirth

The early Christians of Mesopotamia painted eggs red as they remember Jesus Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. The egg was seen as the tomb in which he was laid and where he rose, the red colour symbolized the blood he shed on the cross.  The egg is used at the time of Easter as a memorial within the Christian faith.

Non Christians use the Easter bunny as a symbol of rebirth with regards to the coming of the Spring season.

Some quick facts about Easter…