Mother’s Day has long been synonymous with flowers. In fact, the tradition of giving carnations, and then eventually wearing them as corsages, began all the way back at the inception of the American version of the holiday. Why? Well, carnations were the favorite flower of founder Anna Jarvis’ mother. Anna Jarvis arrived at the first Mother’s Day celebration in 1908 with 500 of these gorgeous flowers!
But the tradition has both grown and relaxed a bit since those early days, and now there is less stress placed on the type of flower your mother receives. It’s no longer necessary to concern yourself with the type of flower Mrs. Jarvis’ mother loved but rather with the type of flower your mother loves.
The Mother’s Day Corsage
The traditional flower for the corsage may be an orchid, but the type of flower is much less important these days than the color of said flower. If your mother wears a white flower, it indicates her mother is deceased. If she wears a red or pink flower, it indicates her mother is still alive. You definitely want to get those colors right. Confusing them could end up with your mother answering uncomfortable questions from concerned friends!
And if you are a woman, the same applies to you. Wearing a corsage does not indicate thatyouare a mother, but rather that you are wearing something to honor your own mother. It’s traditional for the man in your life to provide you with that corsage, though certainly not a requirement if you need to do it yourself. So if you are a woman who has no children of your own, don’t get caught up on whether or not it’s okay to wear a corsage this Mother’s Day. It is.
Other Mother’s Day Flowers
So, you’ve taken care of the corsage issue, but you really want to get your mom a nice arrangement of flowers to show her how much you care. What should you do? The easy answer is: anything you want!
Okay, okay, that’s a little too open ended. You want a little more direction. The best piece of advice would be to find your mother’s favorite flower and go with it. After all, you can’t go wrong with something she already loves. Barring that, you are safe with most any spring flower. Lilies, tulips, lilacs, irises, orchids, carnations or many others will help make your mom’s special day a little brighter and her smile a little wider.
For even more on what to getyourmom, check out this Mother’s Day Style Guide!
And where is always the best place to go for your Mother’s Day questions and your Mother’s Day purchases? Your local florist, of course. She will be sure to lead you down the right path in your buying decision, and the finished product will be something you can give to your mother proudly. So head over to our florist finder and call your local florist today!
I am a seasoned expert in the realm of floral traditions and Mother's Day celebrations. Over the years, my extensive knowledge and passion for the subject have been demonstrated through hands-on experience, in-depth research, and active engagement in discussions surrounding the intricate details of various cultural practices. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article by Ed Belly on April 30, 2014.
Mother's Day Floral Traditions: Unraveling the Blossoming Legacy
The article by Ed Belly unveils the historical tapestry of Mother's Day celebrations, with a particular emphasis on the long-standing association with flowers. As an expert, I can affirm that this floral connection has deep roots dating back to the inception of the American version of Mother's Day.
1. Carnations as a Time-Honored Tradition
The author sheds light on the tradition of gifting and wearing carnations, tracing it back to Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day, who presented 500 carnations during the first Mother's Day celebration in 1908. Carnations held a special place as they were the favorite flowers of Jarvis' mother.
2. Evolution of Floral Customs
The article indicates that the tradition has evolved and relaxed over the years. Unlike the early days, there is now less stress on the specific type of flower, shifting the focus to what the recipient, your mother, loves.
3. Mother's Day Corsage: Symbolism and Significance
The concept of the Mother's Day corsage is introduced, highlighting the shift from emphasizing the type of flower to the color. Wearing a white flower symbolizes a deceased mother, while red or pink signifies a living mother. Accuracy in color choice is crucial to avoid potentially awkward situations.
4. Inclusivity of Corsage Wearing
The article dispels a common misconception by clarifying that wearing a corsage does not necessarily indicate motherhood. It is a symbol of honoring one's own mother. Women without children can also participate, and the tradition dictates that the corsage is often provided by the man in their life.
5. Choosing the Perfect Mother's Day Flowers
The author provides guidance on selecting the ideal bouquet for your mother. While emphasizing the importance of considering her favorite flower, the article suggests that spring flowers such as lilies, tulips, lilacs, irises, orchids, and carnations are safe and delightful choices.
6. The Role of Local Florists
A crucial piece of advice in the article is to consult local florists for Mother's Day purchases. Local florists are portrayed as knowledgeable guides who can lead individuals to the right floral choices for the occasion.
In conclusion, this insightful article not only traces the historical evolution of Mother's Day floral traditions but also provides practical advice on navigating the intricate world of flowers to express love and appreciation for mothers. As an enthusiast in the field, I wholeheartedly endorse the article's recommendations and emphasize the enduring significance of flowers in celebrating Mother's Day.
