WORLD OF FLOWERS

An  emotional picture from our local contest”LET S PAINT !”

IRIS - A CROATIAN NATIONAL SYMBOL

Primary Significance: With history dating back to Greek mythology, irises come in a rainbow of colors, the most popular being the deep blue variety. Their primary meanings include faith, hope, wisdom, courage, and admiration.

With striking uniqueness and beauty, IRISES have rich meanings, and when given as gifts, they can convey deep sentiments. With over 200 varieties in a wide spectrum of colors, the iris, which fittingly takes its name from the Greek word for "rainbow," can be found in virtually every part of the world, growing both naturally and in farms. While garden irises can come in any of these many varieties, the flower's cut versions are mostly blue (the most popular type), white, and yellow.

The iris's history is rich, dating back to Ancient Greek times when the Greek Goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, acted as the link between heaven and earth. PURPLE irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the Goddess to guide the dead in their journey. Ancient Egyptian kings marveled in the iris's exotic nature, and drawings have been found of the flower in a number of Egyptian palaces. During the Middle Ages, the meaning of irises became linked to the French monarchy, and the Fleur-de-lis eventually became the recognized national symbol of France. From their earliest years, irises were used to make perfume and as a medicinal remedy. Today, they are primarily seen in gardens, in bouquets, and in the wild all over the world.

GIFT GIVING ETIQUETTE IN CROATIA

/FLOWERS INCLUDED/

Some general gift giving tips include:

.   If invited to someone’s house, bring flowers for the hostess. The host may be given a box of chocolates or a bottle of good wine. 
.   Do not give chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals and for gravestones. 
.   When giving flowers, make sure there are an odd number of stems.
.   Gifts are generally opened when received.

As to WHAT FLOWERS TO PRESENT, IT DEPENDS ON AN OCCASION. 

Seasonal spray of flower are fine, like these:

FLOWERS COLOURS NOT ADVISABLE:

RED: SINCE THEY ASSOCIATE THE RECEIVER OF CERTAIN AFFECTIONS YOU MAY HAVE FOR THE PERSON... NOT GOOD WHEN COUPLES ARE IN QUESTION...

YELLOW: HM,... JELOUSY ASSOCIATION, AGAIN NOT A GOOD IDEA!

PINK? FINE! THINK PINK!

Therefore, for any birthday in Croatia /when grown-ups are concerned/, these bouques are an ideal gift:

FOR VALENTINE'S DAY: THESE ARE GREAT!

HAVE A LOVELY VALENTINE'S DAY, DEAR FRIENDS!

BEST FROM MELITA