Flowers in Indian Society
India has always had various traditions and events with flowers decorating the venue. From events such as one’s wedding or every other social event, flowers are always in attendance with their polychromatic, striking selves. Flowers are also used in prayer ceremonies.
Flowers for Weddings:
Indian weddings are renowned for their grandeur and cultural significance, with flowers playing a major role in these joyous celebrations. Florists use roses and marigolds, often strung into garlands, for floral decorations. These flowers enhance the venue, including the stage and other areas, and also feature in the wedding attire of the couple.
Different flowers carry different meanings. For example, daisies symbolize innocence and love, while alstroemeria represents devotion and prosperity. Beyond their symbolic meanings, flowers also serve an aesthetic purpose, adding beauty to the celebration and signifying new beginnings for the couple and their families.
Ceremonies for Prayers with Flowers:
Flowers are also used as offerings for the deities during prayer ceremonies. These floral elements can create a connection between the respective gods and the followers of said gods.
The 2 F’s: festivals and flowers:
India’s social calendar for cultural occasions drives the purchase and use of many flowers for decoration in homes and public areas. People adorn shrines and temples of deities with various flowers.
The Meanings of a Variety of Flowers in This Culture:
Genda Phool which is Marigold:
The Symbolism: Marigolds are auspicious and often affiliated to the sun, which means positive energy and brightness.
Where people use Marigolds: People use garlands made from marigolds extensively during festivals like Dussehra and Diwali. Marigolds symbolize happiness.
Mogra, which is Jasmine:
The Symbolism: Jasmine is representative of grace, simplicity, and purity. The fragrance of jasmine elicits a sense of calmness.
Where do people use jasmine? We use them regularly in weddings, as in bridal decorations, ceremonies of the religious type, and garlands made out of jasmine that symbolize beauty and a divine type of love.
Gulab, which is Rose:
The Symbolism: Roses universally mean affection and love.
Where do people use roses? People regularly use roses for religious ceremonies, weddings, and worshiping deities. By doing so, they express devotion and love.
Kamal, which in English is Lotus:
The Symbolism: The lotus symbolises beauty of the divine type, knowledge and purity. Different flowers are for different divine beings.
Where do people use lotuses? People offer lotuses in temples, where they play a crucial role in religious rituals. The lotus symbolizes knowledge and spiritual growth.
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