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etani-a · 7 years

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Tani’s performance set to Art Deco by Lana Del Rey for tonight’s @keepers-kiss cabaret! Thank you all for coming! ^_^ ) It starts, as most of Tani’s songs do, with a slow, rhythmic beat. It’s cut with a slow baseline, with electric lilts like the wires of an open magitek machine sparking into insignificance, into an open chamber filled with barely-familiar faces. It starts slow, but purposeful; with the promise of something more. Tani enters the vacant stage with a slow flourish. He’s clad in a long, silk, black robe with a rounded hemline that skims the glossy floor beneath stocking-clad feet. It’s whisked closed about the svelte sway of his waist by a single threadbare belt, clasped by a small, clamshell embellishment crafted from pure silver. Full lips come painted cherry red, framed by cobalt eyes lined by cat-eye kohl, and silver, embellished glitter cast across the crests of his freckle-dotted cheeks like stars upon an alabaster sky. Thick, blonde curls have been tamed into a single, messy braid drawn over his left shoulder, and tethered by a white-velvet ribbon fastened into a looping bow.

Claw-tipped hands move toward his hips as he moves forwards, as he approaches the heart of the glowing, blue stage with a confident smirk set across his lips. For once, he’s not nervous — and perhaps the bubbling carbon of a downed glass of rose champagne ought to be held responsible. He stops at the heart of that irridescent, glass stage, and he shifts his weight onto his left leg. His right tilts, until he’s half-standing upon his toes, bundled by smooth satin as he lifts his chin, as he draws in a short breath, and gives his curled lashes a mere, and singular -flutter-. He begins to sing. It’s soft, and fluid, and smooth — not unlike his champagne. “Club king on the downtown scene. ♪” “Prowlin’ around at night~.. ♪” “You not mean, you just want to be seen. ♪” “..want to be wild. ♪” His left hand falls away from his hip. Claw-tipped fingers curl toward his palm as the backs of his fingers stroke slowly over smooth satin on their way toward the seashell embellishment corded about his waist. He tips his head back, he allows his eyes to fall closed, and he kisses every verse as it leaves him, claws sneaking beneath the edges of that little belt. “A little party never hurt no one, that’s why it’s all right. ♪” “You want in, but you just can’t win. ♪” “So you hang in the likes~.. ♪” His fingertips pull beneath the fabric of his belt. The clamshell tugs at it’s fastenings until it cannot hold onto them any longer, and fabric tears as it pulls from its place, wrapped about his waist. It whisks from his flesh, from figure-skimming silk that falls like water across porcelain stone as it pulls from his frame.

Narrow shoulders roll back, his hands pull away from his figure to allow the slow release of his robe as it flutters from him like smoke, unravelling across the corded, black lace clad upon his frame beneath. A harness has been drawn across his chest with criss-crossing straps that meet the sway of his waist, connecting into a garter belt pulled across the pierced dip of his navel where suspenders hold his stockings in place, part-way up his pale thighs. “You’re so art deco. ♪” His beat swells, the orchestrion ambles to life in sweet succession, unfurling a slow, and lurid beat to accompany the iambic pentameter of Tani’s sweet voice as his hands whisk toward the svelte curve of his hips for claws to pull beneath taut fabric as his hips offer a loose roll -back-, cultivated by the slow rise of his too-thick tail. “Out on the floor. ♪” “Shinin’ like gun metal. ♪” One hand pulls free from his suspender. His ring finger, and his littlest fingers curl toward his palm as his index and middle extend, thumb held upward in the shape of a gun as he points it toward Kyuusei Miyanatsu. “Cold an’ unsure. ♪” He closes his left eye in a wink. Lifting that hand as if that flesh-made gun has just fired. He brings it to his lips as if to blow-away smoking gunpowder that doesn’t exist, before that hand lowers to his side as he takes a deliberate step forwards, followed by another, and another. “Baby, you’re so ghetto. ♪” “You’re lookin’ to score. ♪” “..when they all say ‘hello’. ♪” “You try to ignore them. ♪” “..’cause you want -more-. ♪” His knees bend, and he lowers down to perch upon the very edge of the stage, legs unfurling before him as he slips, seamlessly, from the edge to re-gather his footing on the stretch of vacant floor before him. He straightens, his hands lift toward his hair to flick back a stray, gold-spun ringlet as he takes a bold step forwards, voice still carrying despite his movements. “Why? ♪” “You want more. ♪” “..why? ♪” “You want more. ♪” He turns in place, weight sinking onto his heels as he moves into a deliberate twirl, left hand extending, delicate fingers drawing from his dainty palm as it rests upon Rahela Uillces’s shoulder. He leans down in a flutter of gold-spun curls to cherry-kiss his next line by her ear, as if he’s seeking an answer from her. “Right? ♪” “‘Cause you want -more-. ♪” He releases her, drawing away, carding a hand through her loose hair as that too-wide smile returns to his parted lips, releasing her as his attention shifts away, falling to rest upon , and his table. He moves forwards, hands lifting, knuckles skimming against the crests of his powdered cheeks. “Young thing on the downtown scene. ♪” “Rollin’ around at night. ♪” He lifts his left leg in a telling sweep, whisking it into Gilbert Viscart’s lap, until his toes rest by the top of his thigh, by the inseam of his trousers with deliberate -pressure-. He leans forwards, resting his elbow upon his knee, and extending his hand to brazenly reach for the collar of Gilbert’s tunic as he leans forwards. He perks a brow, he tips his head, his blonde hair comes tumbling over a lace-clad shoulder. “You’ve got things that have yet to be seen. ♪” “Like you’re a Brass Blade’s delight. ♪” “A little party never hurt no one. ♪”

He draws back, he releases him, his fingertips drift toward his ankle as he flexes his foot en-pointe, claw-tipped nails digging into satin enough for a thin train to appear in the fabric, crawling toward the crest of his thigh as his fingertips reach the fastening holding it up. He pulls it loose, and his thumb dives beneath the lip of the fabric. “That’s why it’s all right. ♪” “You want in. ♪” “But you just can’t win. ♪” He tugs the fabric down, exposing the length of his thigh, pulling it across the notch of his bony knee, and down his calf until he can slip it from his foot as he withdraws it, and drapes the stocking across Gilbert’s shoulder with a dismissive flick of his fingers, and a too-wide, dimple-framed smile as he turns away, straightening, and offering a mere flick of his tail. “So you stay in the lights. ♪” “You’re so art deco. ♪” He dips into his eloquent chorus with a fluid tilt of his hips. His left hand lifts, his fingertips drift beneath his chin as he moves, as his steps come followed by a smooth sway of his hips; as temperate, and as gradual, as graceful as his beat. He moves into an elegant twirl, weight bearing onto the glide offered by his stocking-clad foot. “Out on the floor. ♪” “Shinin’ like gunmetal. ♪” “Cold an’ unsure. ♪” His twirl ends, he reaches out, and his palm sets by the arm of Idristan Agache’s couch as he reclines to perch upon it, drawing his knees toward his chest and lowering his feet again to primly fold one leg, upon the other. He reaches over, and he collects Idristan’s palm, drawing it toward his thigh in open invitation to pull loose the fastening holding his thigh-high stocking in place with a reassuring, and encouraging nod! “Baby, you’re so ghetto. ♪” “You’re lookin’ to score. ♪” The fastening pops free under Idristan’s touch, and Tani’s smile widens as he captures that hand on his retreat. Delicately, he brings it to his lips, and he peppers a smooth kiss across ridged knuckles to leave a thin smudge of lipstick in his wake, guiding that hand away, before reaching down to tuck his thumbs beneath elasticised fabric as he lifts his knee, and shuffles it down the length of his thigh, until he might pull it from his foot entirely. “When they all say ‘hello’. ♪” “You try to ignore them. ♪” He moves to stand, lifting that stocking with a flourish, and sweeping around the back of the couch to deposit it within Vesper Lyall’s lap. “‘Cause you want more. ♪” “Why? ♪” “You want more. ♪” “Why? ♪” “..’cause you want more. ♪” His steps stall amid the aisle, fingertips dancing along the edges of his garter belt, still strung about his waist with fastenings that swing loose, with nought to hold up. He lifts onto his toes, palms rising to skim across pebbled nipples on display between the windows of his harness as he offers another fluid glide of his hips; left in little more than a pair of thin, black, lacy panties. “A little party never hurt no one. ♪” “So, we stay out late. ♪” His thumbs catch beneath the pull of his garter belt, sweeping it about the curve of his waist until it’s fastening faces outward, folded across the pierced dip of his navel. He pauses by Leanne Delphium, and he reaches out with a careful hand to tuck two curved-over fingertips beneath her chin, to draw her gaze to his. “A little party never hurt no one. ♪” “That’s what your friends say. ♪” He withdraws his hand, and he reaches out to touch the fastening, waiting, in eager anticipation, for to unfasten it. It snakes from about his waist, and his left hand lowers, -just- in time to catch it as he draws away, as he lifts that thin shred of lacy black fabric to place within her lap, as if by way of reward. His hand lifts on its retreat to daintily cuff the crest of Leanne’s cheek in retreat, while he turns away with a superfluous twirl. “You put your life out on the line. ♪” “You’re crazy all the time~.. ♪” His movements carry him back to the stage; left only in his harness, and his lacy underthings. Careful palms extend to set upon the glossy surface as he smoothly eases himself up first, to sit by its edge; thick tail whisking ardently after his effeminate frame as he props an elbow upon the stage behind him, back arching in a smooth press forwards; hips oscillating up, and into utterly -nothing-. “Put your life out on the line…♪” His free hand catches in that straining white ribbon keeping his braid in place. It’s drawn free, and gold-spun curls unravel behind him in a fractured halo as his head tips back, and his eyes fall closed, lashes kissing the crest of his flushed cheeks, length pressing into smooth satin in an outward display of lurid arousal as his breathless lyrics fall past his too-full lips in a flurrying shake of his head. “You’re crazy -all the time-..♪”

“You’re so art deco. ♪” His hips sink down with the drop of his beat, his tail flicks across the stage, and his fingers splay as he gathers himself, drawing back until his knees tuck beneath his slight frame, until he’s propped upon them within the heart of the stage, tail threading across the curve of his thigh to hide the swell of his arousal beneath layers of smooth lace. “Out on the floor. ♪” “Shinin’ like gun metal. ♪” His fingers reclaim the shape of a gun all over again, they point back toward Kyuusei, withdrawing after the utterance of his words to fold back toward his parted lips, to skim across the bow of his lower until it folds against his chin with a low stain of crescent-moon cardinal on alabaster. “Cold an’ unsure. ♪” “Baby, you’re so ghetto. ♪” His palm skates down the curve of his chest, nails pressing against the buckles of his harness as his thighs part, as his opposing hand curves over the outside of his thigh, sweeping toward the inside, across pale flesh half-veiled by lace. Like the threaded pull of his beat’s innocuous violin, his fingertips fold beneath embellished lace to draw it away from the inside of his thigh in an undue -roll- of his spread thighs. “You’re lookin’ to score. ♪” A smile finds its way onto his lips, and his tail pulls from between his thighs, until there’s little of Tani left to the imagination. The courtesan’s fingertips draw away from his underthings, tugging lace forwards with the movement until the flushed-pink tip of his length peeks past the lip of his underthings, alight with pearlescent pre that’s soon hidden as he leans forwards. “When they all say ‘hello’.. ♪” “You try to ignore them. ♪” “..’cause you want more. ♪” Palms press to the stage floor as he rocks forwards onto his knees, ankles crossing over one another and rising toward the swell of his backside as he leans down, as his tail unfurls behind him in a looping curl of pearl-dotted fur. “Why? ♪” “You want more. ♪” He sinks back, as if pressing back into a figure that isn’t behind him, as if guided by a pair of invisible hands gripping to the fleshy curves of his hips. His head tips back, his blonde curls fall in a tumbling sway behind him as his eyes close, as his mouth falls open as if in abject -pleasure-. “Why? ♪” “..’cause you want -more-. ♪” His eyes open, and they’re alight with thinly-veiled aether. His fingers curl over one another in a white-knuckled press to the stage beneath him as a coy, salacious smile pulls across his lipstick stained lips. He draws back, he pulls upright, his palms skirt across alabaster flesh dusted pink under the beaming stage lights, under the kiss of his own heartbeat, raging, now, in his ears.

“A little party never hurt no one. ♪” “Not you an’ me. ♪” Splayed fingers make their way to the choker laid across the curve of his throat until his nails sink beneath leather and pull, bluntly, -forwards-. His beat is overtaken, again, by his baseline, and his wavering voice begins to fade under the weight of his own sensory overload. “A little party never hurt no one. ♪” “..we were born to be -free-.. ♪” ..and his beat continues as he stands, left hand reaching to snag hold of his discarded robe, pulling it from the stage floor in a swathe of black satin that glides like some preternatural being rising from a bed of lace. He draws it up, and over his shoulder as he turns; as his left hand folds into the shape of a dismissive gun being fired by his side as he turns in a gratuitous twirl to make his exit from stage. He turns as he reaches the partition, and his satin wrinkles as he folds a hand over his midsection, and bends into a careful, and delicate bow-curtesy of farewell, a deeply indebted smile upon his lipstick-stained lips. Then, the courtesan turns, at last, to part from his stage.

#balmung #ffxiv #final fantasy xiv #miqo'te #balmung rp #performance #keeper's kiss #ic #WHIEW

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celticpagans · 7 years

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Magical Meaning of Flowers

Aster (daintiness) (love, from the Greek word for “star”) Apothecaries, witches and healers, believed Asters to have healing properties. Asters were laid on the graves of French soldiers to symbolise peace. Azalea (temperance – passion – womanhood – fragility) Azaleas grow as shrubs and small trees with a large and abundant flower display. The English name derived from the Greek word azaleos, meaning “dry.” Baby’s Breath (innocence) Baby’s breath symbolises purity of heart, the breath of the Holy Spirit and tenderness. Baby��s breath is a dense cluster of delicate flowers, a favourite of brides symbolising peace, love and unity. Bachelor Button (celibacy – single – blessedness – delicacy) Bachelor button symbolises hope in love, and is also known as the cornflower, basket flower and boutonniere flower. Young men wore a bachelor button flower signifying their love for a young woman, the flower faded quickly if the love was unrequited. This beautiful blue cornflower is Poland’s national flower. Bachelor buttons have been prized historically for their pigment. Bamboo (balance – flexibility – immortality – youth) Bamboo is a symbol for long life and is the most popular plant in China, it is considered a gentleman with perfect virtues and has the balance of Yin and the Yang. When a storm comes the bamboo bends with the wind. When the storm ceases, it resumes its upright position. It has the ability to overcome adversity and stand firmly Bauhinia – (harmony) The bauhinia has orchid-like flowers that are purple-red and surrounded by thick, heart shaped leaves, the flowers bloom from November to March. The Bauhinia flower features on the flag of Hong Kong. Begonia – (beware – fanciful nature) Begonias grow in subtropical and tropical moist climates, in South and Central America, Africa and southern Asia. Begonias have showy flowers of white, pink, scarlet, yellow, and attractively marked leaves. Bird of Paradise – (faithfulness – freedom – perspective) The bird of paradise flower is named because of a resemblance to the actual bird of paradise. In South Africa it is commonly known as a “crane” flower. Bluebell – (constancy – humility – gratitude) sometimes (“wild hyacinths”) Bluebells are considered, not only beautiful but magical, they are closely linked to the realm of fairies and are sometimes referred to as “fairy thimbles.” In order to call fairies to a convention the bluebells would be rung, and children who picked them sometimes disappeared. Because of her connection with war and death, the bluebell keeps her head bowed, as bowmen in the Middle Ages glued feathers onto arrows using bluebell sap. Bluebells are known as Deadmen’s Bells. Buttercup – (neatness – humility – childishness) The buttercup is sometimes called “Coyote’s Eyes,” from the American legend of the coyote tossing his eyes up in air and catching them again, when an eagle swooped down and snatched the eyes. Not able to see, the coyote made eyes from the buttercup. Buttercups are part of a large genus of 400 species. Cactus – (endurance – burning love – maternal love – strength) Cacti are unique, distinctive plants, adapted to extremely arid and hot climates and have water conserving features. Their stems have green succulent structures containing the chlorophyll necessary for growth and life, the leaves have become the spines for which cacti are so well known. The cactus is a hardy and resilient plant. Calendula – (despair – grief – sorrow) Calendula blossoms are used to ease indigestion, and calendula petals are used in ointments to heal skin irritations, jaundice, sore eyes and toothaches. Calla Lily – (magnificent beauty) The calla lily is native to southern Africa and is visible in many works of art. Camellia – (perfection – gratitude – reasoning – admiration – good luck) Each colour has a symbolic meaning including innate worth, adoration, perfection and loveliness (white) innate worth, adoration, perfection, loveliness, (pink) longing, longing for love, (red) excellence, heart flame. The English name is derived from the Latin name camellia, named after the Czech-born missionary and botanist George Josef Kamel, whose name was originally derived from the word kamel, meaning “camel.” Carnation – (impulsiveness – joy – devotion – love – fascination – capriciousness) white carnation meaning (disdain – refusal) Carnations were used in Greek ceremonial crowns. The name carnation may come from the Greek carnis (flesh) and refer to the incarnation of God made flesh. The English name derived from the flower name, from French carnation, meaning “complexion,” from Italian carnagione, meaning “flesh-colored.” The carnation is also known as “the poor man’s rose.” Cattail – (prosperity – peace) Cattails or bulrushes, are wetland plants with spongy, strap-like leaves and creeping stems, the thick root can be ground to make a flour substitute. The spread of cattails assists the process of open water bodies being converted to vegetated marshland and eventually to dry land. Chamomile (action – movement – energy) The extract of German chamomile is taken as a strong tea and is used in herbal medicine as a digestive aid, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile tea is used to calm the nerves and chamomile makes an excellent mouthwash against mouth and gum infections. It is used in ointments and lotions and is very soothing. Cherry Blossom (learning – education) In China the cherry blossom is a symbol of feminine beauty, it represents the feminine principle and love. Falling blossoms symbolise fallen warriors who died in battle, and symbolise the samurai. Cherry blossoms in Japan symbolise the transience of life because of their short blooming times. Christmas Rose The Christmas rose is purported to have flowered on Christmas Day, thus associated with the infant Jesus. It is a member of the genus Helleborus and is not related to the rose bush. The Christmas Rose (sometimes known as the Lenten Rose) of Mary Gardens, bears pure white or pink flowers. Chrysanthemum – (wealth – optimism – cheerfulness – abundance) The name is derived from the feminine form of Greek (Chrysanthos), meaning “golden flower.” Chrysanthemums are associated with death in Italy. Colour meanings (white) truth, hope, rest and friendship, (red) love, (yellow) slighted love. The Japanese put a single chrysanthemum petal on the bottom of a wine glass to sustain a long and healthy life, and Japanese emperors sat on their Chrysanthemum throne. Crocus – (joy – happiness – cheerfulness) The genus crocus is in the iris family, the plants grow from corm, are mainly perennials and found in woodland and meadows, crocuses are native to central and southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, central Asia and China. Cyclamen – (goodbye – resignation) Cyclamen grow in dry forest or scrub areas, have white, bright pink, red or purple flowers, and are native to Africa and the Mediterranean. They are part of the primrose family, although bare no resemblance. Daffodil – (regard – chivalry – respect – unrequited love – sunshine – happiness) In Greek mythology the daffodil is described as a pale yellow deathless kind of lily flower, that overspreads the plains of Hades, and is the favourite food of the dead. The traditional daffodil has a yellow to golden-yellow color all over, and due to breeding the daffodil may be variously colored. Breeders have developed some daffodils with double, triple, or ambiguously multiple rows of petals, and several wild species have double variants. The English name is derived from the flower name, from Latin asphodelus, from Greek asphodelos, meaning “asphodel flower.” Dandelion (nature’s oracle) In Medieval times the dandelion was called lion’s teeth, because its leaves had jagged tooth like edges. The dandelion has for centuries been consulted as an oracle, the time can be told by the number of blows to get rid of the seeds. For a prophecy about how long it is until your wedding day, count the number of seeds left after you have blown on them once, the number of seeds left tells you how many years it will be. Dahlia – (forever – dignity – elegance – forever thine) The dahlia was used as a food source in the 1940?s by the Europeans, when the French potato crop was destroyed by disease. The dahlia is named after Anders Dahl, the 18th century Swedish botanist. The English name is derived from the flower name, taken from the surname of Anders Dahl, meaning “valley,” from this “dahlia flower” or “valley flower. The Aztecs used dahlias to treat epilepsy. Daisy – (feelings shared – innocence – purity – beauty – simplicity – loyalty – love) also known as (“flowery mead”) The English name is derived from the flower name, from Old English daegeseage, “day’s eye. “ Hairpins decorated with daisies were found during the excavation of the Minoan Palace on the Island of Crete, and daisies are believed to be several thousand years old. Egyptian ceramics were decorated with daisies. Maidens grabbed a bunch of daises with their eyes closed, then counted them to find out how many years until they were to marry. Originally known as ‘bruisword’, and used to heal bruises. It is considered good luck to step on the first daisy of the year Dandelion – (affection requited – sympathy – happiness – love’s oracle – faithfulness – desire) The dandelion is native to Europe and Asia, in northern areas and places where the dandelion is not native, it has become a weed. Day Lily – (forgetting worries) in China (symbolic of devotion to mother) The flower means “Suited for A Boy,” it was used as a lucky talisman by expectant mothers who wished for a baby boy. “In China when the day lily has a cheerful position, the flower is called “Wong Yu.” Delphinium – (levity – ardent attachment – fun – light of heart – joyous) Delphinium derived from the French form of the Latin, Delphinia, meaning “woman from Delphi.” The flower resembles nose of the dolphin, and delphiums were thought to repel scorpions. The Native Americans used delphiniums to make blue dye and the Europeans made ink. Edelweiss – (courage – noble purity – daring) Edelweiss is a European mountain flower a member of the sunflower family, its flowers are felted and woolly with white hairs, the characteristic bloom consists of five to six small yellow flower heads surrounded by leaflets. The name edelweiss is German, edel (noble) and weiss (white). Fern – (shelter – discretion – secret bond of love – confidence – fascination – magic – reverie) Ferns do not have seeds or flowers, but reproduce by spores. There are about 12,000 varieties worldwide, and fern is derived from Old English fear, meaning “fern,” a type of leafy plant. Flower and plant names were popular in the 19th century and the name was first used then. Forget me not (never forget me) Forget-me-not the flower symbolism associated with the forget-me-not is true love and memories. In 15th century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower would not be forgotten by their lovers. In a medieval legend, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river, he picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armour he fell into the river, as he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted “Forget-me-not”. It is also told in pious legend that the Christ child was sitting on Mary’s lap one day and said that he wished that future generations could see them. He touched her eyes and then waved his hand over the ground and blue forget-me-nots appeared. Forget me nots acquired the name when a knight leapt into the river Danube to get a pretty blue flower for his lady, it was floating on the water and she was sad it may be swept away by the water. Tragically the current dragged the knight down, he threw his lady the flower before he drowned, crying, “Forget me not.” The lady wore the flowers in her hair ever after to always remember him. It is said that forget me nots planted on the grave of someone you love, will never die as long as you live. Blue and pink flowers are found on the same stem, blue for boys and pink for girls. Forget me nots are given as a symbol of remembrance. Foxglove – (youth – stateliness) Foxglove is symbolic of both healing and harm, foxglove flowers have both positive and negative symbolic meanings. The scientific name is digitalis, a reference to the presence of extremely powerful chemicals used to treat heart conditions when correctly administered. However if taken in large amounts it is deadly. Fuchsia – (love) Fuchsia flowers are a delicate teardrop shape and grow in profusion throughout summer and autumn, tropical species grow all year round. Hummingbirds are attracted to the glorious red sepals and beautiful purple petals. Gardenia – (secret love – refinement – beauty – purity) meaning (“garden flower”) Gardenia plants have a strong sweet scent, the flower can be very large in some species. Gardenias are native to Asia, Australasia, Oceana and Africa, they also grow in Hawaii. Geranium – (friendship-folly-stupidity-meeting) The temperate regions of the world and tropical mountains are where the geranium will be found. The genus name is derived from the Greek word geranos, meaning “crane”. The appearance of the geraniums seed-heads are the same shape as the bill of a crane. Gladiolus – (strength – astounding beauty – preparedness – love at first sight) The stem base (corms) of the gladiolus were made into a poultice for thorns and splinters and used for it’s healing properties. The name gladiolus comes from the sword or “gladius” shape leaves. The gladiolus symbolised the Roman gladiators. Globe Amaranth – (unfading love) The globe amaranth is an annual plant that grows up to 24 inches in height, it is a genus of plants in the Amaranthaceae family. The true species of globe amaranth has magenta flowers, then there are garden varieties with purple, white, red, lilac and pink. Hawthorn – (hope) and (May) The hawthorn is a pagan symbol for life, in Devon it is considered unlucky as the fairies might cast a spell on you if you sit under a hawthorn. The hawthorn is believed to be haunted by fairies and is sometimes called ‘Fairy Thorn.’ Farmers believed hawthorn was lucky and would hang it outside the cowsheds so the cows would give plenty of milk. The hawthorn flowers in May. Mandrake (the Magician) The mandrake or mandragora, is one of the most important hallucinogens in Western Europe and the Near East, in over two millennia. It is a flowering plant that can give life or cause death, depending on its use. The mandrake has many uses and has been a favourite of apothecaries, witches considered it indispensable and used it for spells and healing. Apothecaries and witches used mandrake when they wished to make a particularly strong potion. In order for Odysseus to withstand the magic of Circe, Hermes gave the mandrake to him. Herbalist shops in the early twentieth century, situated in the less affluent areas of London, sold mandrake. Many women who owned mandrakes fed and clothed them, these women were accused of being witches and burnt at the stake by the Inquisition. The mandrake was dressed in expensive cloth, bathed several times a year, given food to eat, water to drink, and considered human. The mandrake is considered part plant, part human and imbued with magical powers. The mandrake exudes a strong, unusual but pleasant scent. It is a perennial with a strange appearance, it has broad leaves with white, yellow or purple flower, the fruit is similar to a plum. The root is black, forked and a foot long, with the semblence of human male form with a penis, a subsidiary root which sticks out. When a mandrake is being pulled out it shrieks like a person, and a black dog is used to pull it out, as the mandrake shrieks the dog dies. The mandrake has pharmacological effects as a pain killer, erotica, a sleep inducer, during the transition between consciousness and sleep it causes hallucinations. A technique used in Turkey was to extract the mandrake root and cut it to manipulate its shape, then to apply pressure bandages and replant it in the ground. When next extracted after more growth, no one could tell it was crafted by hands other than nature. Six mandrakes of this nature were created and exhibited by Von Luschan, in 1891. He declared that a clever artist could create figures that looked genuine, and no one would know they were not nature’s gift. These treasures were so rare it was a life threatening undertaking to obtain one, they were valuable talismans and were extremely expensive. Hibiscus – (delicate beauty) Hibiscus is a large genus containing over 200 species, butterflies and bees are attracted to it. Hibiscus tea is a soothing tea enjoyed by many, it is also considered a healing tonic. Holly Symbolism Symbolism associated with the holly is defense, domestic happiness and forecast. The Romans decorated their hallways with holly garlands for their mid-winter celebration, Saturnalia. Medieval monks called the holly the Holy Tree and believed holly would keep away evil spirits and protect their homes from lightening. The pointed leaves represented the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries symbolised drops of his blood. Honeysuckle – (love – loving bonds) The wood of the honeysuckle contains nepetalactone, which is the active ingredient found in catnip. Some species of honeysuckle have bell-shaped flowers, honeysuckle is a twining flower grown in China, North America and Europe. Huckleberry – (faith – simple pleasures) Due to the size of the tiny huckleberries, they were used to refer to something small, often as a term of endearment. The phrase “a huckleberry over my persimmon,” meaning “a bit beyond my abilities”. “I’ll be your huckleberry,” meaning “I am the person for the job.” Hyacinth – (games – rashness – playfulness – joy – sports – rebirth) derived from the Latin form of Greek (hyakinthos.) The hyacinth flower is used in the Haftseen table setting, in honour of the Persian New Year celebrations. Hyacinths are named after Hyacinth, a figure in Greek mythology, a youth who was loved and accidentally killed by Apollo. The hyacinth flower sprouted from his blood, and hyacinths are often associated with rebirth. Impatiens – (motherly love) Impatiens planted in the medieval Mary gardens, gardens devoted to the Virgin Mary, were called “Our Lady’s earings.” Impatiens flowers come in many forms, some orchid shaped, others with flat flowers. They are thought of as a sacred flower. Iris – (wisdom – faith – friendship – to cherish – valor – hope – love’s promise) Iris is the name of a mythological rainbow goddess, the Greek meaning is “rainbow.” The Iris is the emblem of France and Florence. Iris is used by the English as a feminine name, it is used by a male or female, by those of Jewish heritage. Irises were used in Mary Gardens, and the blade-shaped foliage symbolises the sorrows which ‘pierced her heart.’ Ivy – (weddings – Christmas – fidelity – friendship – affection) Ivy is a strong climbing vine, used by many for garden walls and for garden decoration, ivy climbing the walls of a home, conjures visions or romance and country cottages. Ivy adds a particular charm, a smoothly cemented wall is impenetrable to the climbing roots of ivy and ivy can protect the walls from the weather. Jasmine – (sensuality – grace – elegance – attachment – modesty) Jasmine is known for its potent fragrance and jasmine is used in some of the world’s oldest and most beautiful scents. Widely cultivated for its flowers and immensely popular as a climbing, fragrant cover in a garden. No one can miss the potent scent of jasmine flowers wafting through the home. In southeast and southern Asia, women adorn their hair with jasmine. Many people enjoy jasmine tea, and it is frequently used by those involved in healing, some use it as a preventative medicine. Derived from the Persian yasmin, meaning “jasmine flower.” Lady’s Mantle The symbolism associated with The Lady’s Mantle, is as a cloak for the Blessed Virgin, and it was grown in the Mary Gardens. Dew is associated with magic, and the dew that collects on the lady’s mantle, is named alchemilla “little magical one.” People stuffed their pillows with it to ensure a good night’s sleep, the dew was used as a beauty lotion. Lilac – (pride – youth – innocence – beauty) The colour lilac comes from the beautiful pale purple colour of the lilac flower. Lilacs are also white, pale yellow, pink or burgundy and are known for their strong, heady perfume like scent. Lilac became popular in England because of its femininity, it is the state flower of New Hampshire and lilacs grow on trees or shrubs. Lily – (chastity – fleur-de-lis – faith – wisdom – Holy Trinity – chivalry – royalty – fertility) In both pagan and Christian traditions, lilies symbolise fertility, depending on the type of lily there are many meanings. Calla lily beauty, China lily mother, orange lily hatred, tiger lily wealth- pride, white lily purity, virginity, sweetness, virginity majesty, it’s heavenly to be with you. Yellow lily gaiety, gratitude, I’m light as a feather, happiness. In Greek marriage ceremonies the bride wears a crown of lilies. In religious terms the lily symbolises the annunciation of the birth of Jesus by the angel Gabriel. In both Christian and pagan traditions lilies symbolise fertility. Lotus – (forgotten past – estranged love) meaning Hebrew lowt (“covering, veil”) The lotus is known as the “sacred water lily” in Buddhism and Hinduism. Lotus roots are widely used in Asian cuisine and the lotus is the national flower of India, and the blue or Indian lotus, is known as the bean of India. The English name is derived from the flower name, from Latin lotus and from Greek lotus, and the Egyptian “white lotus.” Lupine – (imagination) meaning “lupinus” (“of wolves”) The name derived from the belief of ancient peoples, that lupines robbed the soil of nutrients, in reality lupines add nitrogen to the soil. The lupine blossoms exude a delicious fragrance of honey, and the Karner blue butterfly’s caterpillar, gets it’s nourishment from lupines, its only food source. Magnolia – (love – nature – nobility – perseverance) The Magnolia’s abundance in Mississippi is reflected in its state nickname, the “Magnolia State”, it is also the state flower of Louisiana. The abundance of Magnolia Trees growing along Buffalo Bayou, in Houston, Texas, led to the nickname “The Magnolia City.” Marigold – (passion -creativity) known as (Mary’s Gold ), referred to as (“golden gifts”) and (“Herb of the Sun”) Marigolds were given as religious offerings to the Virgin, usually by the poor who could not afford to give actual gold, and they were used in Mary Gardens. The English name derives from the flower name, Mary, meaning “the Mother Ray,” and the word “gold” (Marigold). Marigolds have been used as love charms, in rituals and worn as talismans. Marigold flowers added to pillows encourage prophetic or psychic dreams. They are also a favourite with brides, who have them woven into wedding garlands. Marjoram – (happiness – joy) also called (sweet majoram) Marjoram is cultivated for its fragrant leaves, either green or dry it is used in cooking. It does not like the cold and is an under shrub, with citrus flavours and sweet pine. As marjoram begins to flower the tops are cut and dried in the shade. Healers often used marjoram in their concoctions. Morning Glory – (affection) Morning glory flowers are funnel-shaped and open in the morning, this is the time of day they are pollinated by bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, birds and insects. New flowers bloom each day as the life span of the flower is only one morning, in the afternoon the morning glory dies. Narcissus – (normality – sweetness – vanity – self-esteem) from the Greek Narkissos meaning (numbness – sleep) The name narcissus is derived from Greek mythology, and the recounts the tale of a young man named Narcissus, who knelt by the river bank and gazed into a pool of water. Narcissus became so obsessed with his own reflection, he fell into the water and drowned. From the spot where Narcissus died, the narcissus grew. Nasturtium – (victory – battle – conquest), nasturtium (“nose-twister”) or (“nose-tweaker”) In some countries the nasturtium leaves are used as food, the name Tropaeolum majus, is Latin for trophy, a reference to war. Nasturtium have showy, often intensely bright flowers and rounded, shield-shaped leaves. Orange Blossom – (innocence, fruitfulness – marriage – innocence – good fortune) Orange blossom is the state flower of Florida, and a favourite of brides either to carry or wear in their hair and is used for headresses. Citrus-scented rosewater is made from the petals of orange blossom. Orange blossom water is used as a common additive to food in various cultures. Orchid – (charm – maturity – love – beauty – children – thoughtfulness) The English name comes from the flower name, from Greek orkhis, meaning “testicle,” from Proto-Indo-European orghi, given its name because of the shape of its root. The orchid’s popularity remains constant. Pansy – called the “heartsease” or “Johnny Jump Up – (merriment – thoughtfulness) The name pansy is from the French word pensée meaning “thought,” named so because the flower resembles a human face. Each year in August, as though it is in deep thought, the pansy nods. Peony Flower Symbolism Peony flower symbolism the flower symbolism associated with the peony is happy marriage, compassion and bashfulness. Peonies are extensively grown as ornamental plants for their very large, often scented flowers. The English name is derived from the flower name, peony, which was named after the physician god Paeon because the flower was formerly used in medicine. Peonies tend to attract ants to the flower buds due to the nectar that forms. Peonies are herbaceous plants or woody shrubs with red, white or yellow flowers. Petunia – (soothing) The petunia Capital of the world, is Dixon, Illinois, where the Petunia Festival is held. All the streets are lined with petunias. Petunia’s are related to chillis, tobacco and tomatoes Poinsettia – (purity – celebration – Christmas) Poinsettias are also known as the “Christmas flower” and “Mexican flame leaf.” Poinsettias originally came from Mexico and Central America. A Christmas legend tells the tale of a poverty stricken child, too poor to buy a present for the Christ child, who plucked a weed from the side of the road. The plant magically blossomed into red and green flowers just as he entered the church. Poppy – (beauty – magic – consolation – fertility – eternal life) Poppies were used by the Egyptians to decorate burial tombs, and for funerals. Poppies are synonymous with sleep and rest. Poppies were used by the Greeks in the shrines of the goddess of fertility, Demeter, and the goddess of the hunt, Diana. Poppies are an emblem of those who died in World War I. Pussy Willow (motherhood) Pussy willows sprout during the first signs of spring, and if picked just as the buds expend in spring it can last indefinitely when dried. They are a popular flower to be used in the home for decoration. Rhododendron – (caution – beware – be alert) (rhododendron means “rose tree” The rhododendron’s symbolism is caution, beware, be alert, this is due to its properties which are toxic to animals, it is also a hallucogen and affects humans as a laxative. There are over a thousand species of rhododendrons, and It is the state flower of West Virginia, Washington USA, and the national flower of Nepal. Rose – (love – remembrance – beauty) The rose is always associated with love and romance, the meaning of roses red/passion, white/purity, pink/happiness, be careful who you give a yellow rose to yellow/infidelity. Roses were introduced to Europe during the Roman Empire and predominantly used for decoration. Roses were first cultivated 5,000 years ago in Asian gardens, and Confucius declared that the emperor of China owned more than 600 books on the cultivation of roses. It is thought that the name Rose is a short form of a Germanic name which contained the word. Roses are emblems of England and New York City, it is thought the name rose has Germanic origins. Shamrock (good luck – the luck of the Irish – lightheartedness – good fortune) The shamrock is a symbol of the Republic of Ireland, and symbolic of St. Patrick’s Day, with its traditional celebration on 17th March. In Victorian times it was used for its medicinal properties, it was also displayed in homes for luck. Snapdragon Flower Symbolism The flower symbolism associated with snapdragons is graciousness and strength. The snapdragon is important as a model organism in botanical research, its genome has been studied in detail. The name literally means “like a nose” in Ancient Greek. Snapdragons are perennials that do best in full or partial sun. Sunflower – (adoration – haughtiness) Sunflowers belong to the genus helianthus (a reference to the sun god, Helios) they turn their heads to the sun, the origin of their name. Sunflowers are native to the Americas and are the state flower of Kansas, when cultivated they can reach a height of twenty feet, and is known as one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Sweet Pea – (bliss – pleasure – farewell – adieu – leaving – thank you) Sweet peas were the emblem for Edwardian England, and were an extremely popular flower in the late 1800s. As sweet peas are associated with the month of April they are a lovely gift for someone who’s birthday falls in this month. Tulip – (fame – perfect love) – (the national symbol of Holland) – (in Latin “tulipa”) Red tulips mean “believe me,” and they are a declaration of love, variegated tulips mean “you have beautiful eyes.” Cream tulips mean “I will love you forever.” Verbena – (sensibility – prayer) )(native to the American continent and Europe Healers have been using Verbena in potions and tonics for centuries, it is most often used as a tea. It is grown as a honey plant, supplying bees with nectar. Verbena has been used by apothecaries and healers, verbena is also used as a protection against vampires. Violet – (faithfulness – happiness – love – virtue – modesty – loving watchfulness) – derived from the Latin word “viola” meaning (“violet colour”) of (“violet flower”). The beautiful violet is often used in cooking and works especially well as a chocolate filling, or for toppings, and delectable desserts are made using essence of violet flowers. The violet flower is often used for decorating the dinner table because of its vivid colouring. Wisteria – (named after the eighteenth century Philadelphia physician, Caspar Wistar), meaning – (spontaneity – welcoming – playfulness) Wisteria is named the “Purple Vine” in China, the petals shade from the strong dark purple tip, to the light pink at the open base. Any support is suitable for the steadily climbing Wisteria vines that wind themselves either clockwise or counter clockwise. Zinnia – (Named after the German botanist Johann Zinn), meaning – affection -constancy – goodness – remembrance – friendship. Zinnias were discovered in the early 1500s in the Mexican wilderness, because of their unattractive appearance, their Aztec name meant “eyesore.” They are the state flower of Indiana. After the zinnia went through a metamorphosis, the name Cinderella was often used. In the 1930s a young Harley Street doctor, named Edward Bach, gave up his lucrative practice as a physician, in order to follow and apply the teachings of Paracelsus, who was a magician with herbs and plants. Edward Bach was committed to finding a way of healing that was gentle, pain free, natural and would restore mind and body. Bach searched the English countryside and the mountains of Wales, certain he would find wildflowers that contained the secret ingredients to heal mind, body and spirit. He believed it was a person’s state of mind that caused illness, by disturbing the natural balance of tissues and organs. Bach believed that by using plants and flowers with high vibrations, the lowered vibrations of the individual would be lifted, thus restoring balance and health. He said, “Herbal remedies have the power to elevate our vibrations, and draw down spiritual power, which cleanses mind and body, and heals.” With his exceptional understanding, Bach was able to touch any plant and feel the power and vibrations it emitted. He then grouped the plants according to the type of healing they were offering, whether it be to ease the pain of a headache, an injury or to restore vitality or as an aid for nausea or tiredness. He chose the plants for their mental, physical and spiritual, healing properties. Edward Bach produced thirty eight remedies and wrote about his work, so that people would understand what flower remedy to use for their ailment. Individuals around the world attested to the efficacy of his natural remedies, and Bach flower remedies are still used worldwide.

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