Fraternity-Testvériség, 2009 (87. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2009-07-01 / 3. szám
festivities. Because the rose is definitely the flower of love and the queen of flowers, there are many legends telling how red roses got their color, but the early Christians made red roses the symbol for martyrs’ blood while white roses have always been associated with innocence and purity. Red and white roses together mean unity in the language of flowers. The meaning of the yellow rose in the language of flowers is a decrease of love and probably infidelity. This belief can be traced back to Aisha, the favorite wife of the prophet Mohammed. He suspected her of unfaithfulness and asked the advice of Archangel Gabriel. On his return, Aisha greeted him with some red roses and on the instruction of the archangel, Mohammed ordered her to drop them in the river, knowing that if they changed color, his suspicions were confirmed. The roses did indeed turn yellow. Roses have been the national emblem of England. Even Shakespeare devoted Sonnet LIV to the flower: “The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem, for that sweet odor which doth in it live.” No doubt the Englishmen’s love of roses spread to other European nations, including Hungary for its soil is conducive to the flower’s growth and its multiple varieties. So the next time you witness a Hungarian wreath-laying, know that it is not just chance that it is usually composed of white carnations, red roses, and the accompanying greens-colors of a nation that treasures its coronations (or “carnation”) ceremonies, love as depicted in the blood of Christ, and the greenery of fertile fields and agricultural plenty. Only now might you see past the colored banner of the specific event being memorialized to appreciate the magnificence and meaning of each bloom in a Hungarian wreath. Reference: Pickles, Sheila, THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS, Harmony Books, New York, 1989, pp. 18; 86-93. Affordable Health Insurance For EVERYONE and Every Budget. Dignity Health Plans are an affordable solution for individuals and families who are currently unable to access or afford major medical insurance. This includes those unemployed without COBRA benefits, those who are employed but do not get health insurance from their employer, and newcomers to the United States who are unable to access traditional health insurance. www.dignityhealthplans.com 877-653-9080 15
