FLOWERS:
The very object stirs up hundreds of
feelings and can represent
a thousand different things.
Traditionally, red roses represent love.
Some flowers represent hope and happiness.
In western traditions surrounding death,
white lilies represent rebirth,
and are gifted as sympathy for those mourning.
Georgia O’Keeffe was best known for her suggestive
and provocative paintings of flowers.
Many draw comparisons from her floral paintings
to the female genitalia. Something that is so
intimate, beautiful and personal
has been a symbol of desire,
often sexualized
.
The narcissus is named after the ancient Greek myth
in which a hunter of the same name was
known for his incredible beauty. Despite this,
he rejected all advances from other lovers.
One day he came across his reflection in a pool of water,
not realizing it was his
own reflection,
he fell madly in love with it.
Thinking this love could not be reciprocated,
he withered away with heartbreak,
and in his place a narcissus flower grew.
Flowers of all kinds are a language in themselves.
Perhaps humanity’s infatuation with flowers
is because there is nearly one for
any circumstance and any emotion.
