The function of flowers: from past to present |
| Date Added: December 11, 2009 10:34:30 AM |
| Author: mcekenzie121 |
| Category: Computers & Internet: Web Directories: Niche Directories: Gifts |
| FLOWERS have played a key function all throughout the history of mankind. For a great period of time the charming and delicate beauty of flowers has enthralled people of all cultures and backgrounds. Flowers have been cultivated for their decorative beauty and their healing properties. Not only have flowers been the favourite subject of verse and ancient myths, but they also have been associated with religious symbols. A lot of women are named after flowers. Some types of flowers were and are still used as food until now; others have are used as medication. Prehistoric man also acknowledged the artistic function of flowers. In fact, some ancient cultures believed that they could propitiate their ancestors' spirits by ornamenting their tombs with a particular type of flowers. The most important role of flowers, yet, is their ability to express genuine human emotions and thoughts the way no other object can. Whenever your feelings are too intense to express in words – be it affection, sorrow, happiness, or gratitude - try to display them with the help flowers. Being the perpetual symbol of love and desire, the rose is the flower that holds the most obvious meaning. In Christian symbolism the red rose means love and the blood of a sufferer. White roses signify purity and inborn charm, while pink roses symbolize happiness. Furthermore, flowers can also influence our mood and emotional state. According to a recent behavioural study carried out by New Jersey State University, the presence of colorful flowers triggers happy emotions and memories and influences social behaviour in a positive way. Scientific research has also proven that flowers have got healing properties. German environmental psychologist Dr. Roger Ulrich discovered that when hospital patients viewed flowers, their need for pain killing medicine decreased, their strain levels went down and they became much more optimistic. Maybe, the positive influence flowers produce on hospital patients also have something to do with the meaning they have - they are tangible proof that somebody cares about them and wishes them well. Flowers, therefore, have an instant effect on our emotional state and a long-lasting positive effect on our mood. |