| FLOWERS have played an important role all throughout the history of mankind. For a great part of history the charming and delicate beauty of flowers has enchanted people of all cultures and backgrounds. Flowers have been cultivated for their decorative beauty as well as their ability to heal. Flowers have been the subject of verse and ancient myths, and have been associated with religious symbols as well. A lot of women are named after flowers. Some types of flowers were and are still used as food until nowadays; others have are used as natural. Ancient man also recognized the artistic role of flowers. In fact, some ancient cultures assumed that they could propitiate their ancestors' spirits by adorning their tombs with a certain kind of flowers.The principal function that flowers have, nevertheless, is their ability to demonstrate true human emotions and thoughts the way no other object can. Whenever your feelings are too intense to put them into words – be it love, grief, happiness, or gratitude - try to display them by means of flowers.The flower that holds the most obvious meaning is the rose, the everlasting sign of romantic relationships and passion. During the Renaissance, roses were associated with Venus's eternal beauty, while scratches made by the rose's thorny stem symbolized the wounds of love. According to Christian symbolism, the red rose is the symbol of affection and the blood of a martyr. White roses signify innocence and innate charm, while pink roses symbolize felicity.Besides, flowers can also impact upon our mood and emotions. According to a recent behavioral study performed by New Jersey State University, the presence of colorful flowers triggers happy memories and emotions and influences social behavior in a positive way. The healing properties of flowers have also been proved by scientific research.German psychologist Dr. Roger Ulrich found out that when hospital patients saw flowers, their need for pain reducing medication decreased, their stress levels diminished and they became much more optimistic. Probably, the positive impact flowers have on hospital patients is also connected with the meaning they hold - they are tangible proof that someone cares about them and wishes them well.Flowers, consequently, have an instant effect on our emotional state and a durable positive influence on our mood. |
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