ANIMATING HOLY FLOWERS

          Flowers are used by us from cradle to pyre/ grave in different forms at different occasions. These are ornamental and intricately crafted by Mother Nature. Flowers have fascinating and attractive power for recharging our lives. The whiff emanating from them has maddening effect on our nervous system. The swirling fields of mustard flowers in yellow colour are feast to our eyes. One beholds and is stunned with the natural beauty, pristine greenery, the fluttering butterflies and humming of bees sucking nectar from flowers in the lap of nature enhance the serene environment. The flowers are symbol of peace and their offering is an expression of our love and friendship to someone. Planting flowers in the side ways of boulevards give festive look to the passers-by and the buds and flowers appearing on trees are the symbol of hope for bearing fruits. The singers have given different meanings of flowers by rightly saying that the graced ones (by Supreme Lord) have got flowers in their kitty while those with bad luck have received thistles only based on their actions. The dictionary defines ‘flower’ as the best among a group of people.

          The flowers are of different sizes, mesmerizing designs and colours. Some flowers are of flamboyant colours, while some are dull and some have different colours on the same plant just like our different types of life in the members of the same family. The ultra violet rays of luminous sun help in portraying different colours and leaves. The culling of flowers in the garden add to our joy.

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          The names of the flowers are many like rose, lily, daisy, morning glory, sun flower, marigold, daffodil, tulip, lilac, lotus, plasa ( Kinshuka) , bougainvillea and May flower etc. Some of these flowers do not emit fragrance. The plasa flower is sylvan type while bougainvillea is a tropical climbing plant with bright coloured leaves surrounding flowers of different colours. Tulip is a perennial flower of different colours while lilac gives fragrant flowers of white and purple colours foliated with decorative leaves.

          Though rose is the king of the flowers lotus has special significance in Hindu mythology. It grows in quagmire but still remains above water surface. In the same way the divine persons/ saints even living in the vicious world still remain virtuous and are beacon light for us. Also like the qualities of the lotus flower they distinguish between good and bad, wrong and right and are the embodiment of sweetness and love. It is believed that Lord Krishna’s navel resembled like a petal of lotus. One whose hands, eyes and feet bear an icon of lotus petals is considered auspicious, divine and revered most. Lotus is regarded as a symbol of purity and possesses self-cleansing properties. It is also eco-friendly. The water droplets rolling off a lotus leaf carry away contaminating particles.

          As said in the beginning the flowers are used on all auspicious and inauspicious occasions. These are widely used during worship/ sacred offerings, making garlands and bouquets. At the time of marriage these are used in the form of festoons and greeting and welcoming the marriage party/ guests or strewn under the feet and a bed of roses for the young couple with

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a festive look. Flowers are offered to someone on success for encouragement. These are hooked in the crowns and hair locks (mops)/ braids or tresses of ladies for grace. The petals are strewn under the feet of saints/ sages and celebrities etc. as a welcome gesture or are showered over them. The stages are bedecked with flowers at different occasions. Flowers are offered on someone’s birthday as well.

          Some people offer a flower to their beau/ paramour as a token of love on a particular event and gifts, greetings and flowers are exchanged on Valentine Day.

          We place a flower on the plaque/ epitaph of a dead person’s grave/ tomb knowing not that the soul has already left for somewhere else. In the same way candles are lit, wreaths are placed and floral tributes are paid on the graves/ monuments of the martyrs to commemorate the Day with singing of requiem/ elegy.

          Floral designs are made on the walls of drawing rooms of many royal houses and the fresco of domes/ churches/ temples/ mausoleum etc. as an elegance. The flower vases with variety of flowers or the trays containing lilac become the grace of centre tables to upbeat the depressed mood.

          The moment we think of flowers, our heart starts blooming with joy. The captivating flowers can animate the sick and sad. A garden full of flowers gives us hunky-dory view and we drown our sorrows atonce as the

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flowers smile and make us smile too. The flowers are romantic and mood lifters. The pleasant smell assuages the jangled nerves of weary souls.

          The flowers bloom during rainy season, winter and spring like our young age and are captivating, magnificent and soul stirring but when they are wilting and dwindling they are like our old age, full of worries. Here we should not forget what Shakespear had said, “ Sweeter the flower, more obnoxious when it is decayed.”

          Flowers create love, peace and harmony. Offering flowers in love and appreciation melts away misunderstandings and attrition. This act results in a sense of bonhomie. Lord is a Caretaker( like a gardener) of His garden( creation) . We should kneel before Him for gaining His grace.