It’s that time of year to celebrate the lilac bushes putting on their glorious and fragrant show. We were walking in the Historic Riverside District in Covington, KY, admiring the beautifully preserved historic homes. The lilacs were blooming all along the sidewalks, their perfume filling the air on a bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day.
Lilacs have come to symbolize spring and renewal because they are early bloomers. These bushes have also held different meanings in different cultures throughout the centuries. The Celtics saw lilacs as magical because of their sweet scent. During the Victorian age, lilacs were a symbol of an old love - widows often wore lilacs during this time. In Russia, holding a sprig of lilac over a newborn baby was thought to bring wisdom.
Although the species stands for renewal and confidence overall, each color of lilac has its own specific meaning. White lilacs represent purity and innocence, while purple lilacs symbolize spirituality. If the blooms edge more on the blue side of the color wheel, they symbolize happiness and tranquility. Magenta lilacs symbolize love and passion.
Lilacs originated in Eastern Europe and Asia and were brought over to America by colonists in the 17th century. Although they weren't native to the United States, they quickly became popular with Americans. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew these shrubs in their gardens, and lilacs were grown in America's first botanical gardens. Lilacs have long been a beloved flower and source of inspiration for artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
When we smell the lilac fragrance, memories may come back. This scent takes me to my grandma’s flower garden, a quiet, peaceful place enclosed by a white fence, with a bird bath, all kinds of flowers: iris, peonies, roses, lilies of the valley, and of course lilacs. They remind me of my mom, who would have a bouquet on her kitchen table. Lilacs remind me of some of my students, who would bring a couple branches in to put on my desk, the classroom filled with that delightful floral scent (which was particularly welcome after the kids came in from their after lunch time outside!)
Another beautiful spring burst of color and aroma!
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