‘We cry and smile with them. Flowers are lovely things that give life more meaning and color‘. You’ve just read a quote dedicated to these delightful beings that make the world a better place to live in.
You pass by them every day but have you ever stopped and stared for a while at the flowers embellishing your environment? Or felt grateful and thanked nature for creating such perfect plants that symbolize purity – something we rarely see in humans these days?
Although it isn’t their international day (January 19), let’s celebrate flowers today or every day. When you pass by them, smile and observe their pure beauty. You will realize that people should try to be more like flowers – humble, harmless and adorable. In their honor, we’ve prepared these 17 cool facts you probably never even heard of. Scroll down and find out more about flowers. We promise you will be surprised by some of the facts.
1. Ancient civilizations burned aster leaves to ward off evil spirits2. The lotus was considered a sacred flower by ancient Egyptians and was used in burial rituals. They viewed it as a symbol of resurrection and eternal life3. The oldest flower was discovered in China, 2002. The flower’s name is Archaefructus sinensis and it bloomed around 125 million years according to scientists4. Sunflowers move throughout the day in response to the movement of the sun from east to west5. Moon flowers bloom only at night, closing during the day6. Blue cohosh was used by Native American women to ensure an easy labor and childbirth7. When Achilles was born, his mother dipped him head first in a bath of yarrow tea. Yarrow flower is still known for healing and was used during World War I to heal soldiers’ wounds8. Tulips make great salad ingredients9. The largest flower called Titan Arum is also the smelliest flower in the world10. There are over 400,000 types of flowering plants in the world11. 198 million roses were produced for Valentine’s Day in the US in 201012. During the 1600’s, tulips were so valuable in Holland that their bulbs were worth more than gold13. Dried hibiscus is considered a delicacy in Mexico14. For centuries, flowers have been used in magic. Crocus were thought to bring about visions, while dandelions were believed to aid healing15. Scientists assert that there are over 270,000 species of flowers that have been documented and are existing in the 21st century16. According to Biblical stories, there was a white rose that grew in the Garden of Eden and turned red as it blushed with shame upon Adam and Eve’s fall from grace17. The world’s oldest living rose bush is thought to be 1000 years old. Today, it continues to bloom on the wall of the Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany
