Earth Day adornment...
by
Sonya M Fitzmaurice
- Friday, April 19, 2019
It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living. ~ David Attenborough
Adorning ourselves with nature's efflorescence may be one of the few things that truly unite us as humans, as one family in a vast world. Long before make-up or jewelry, flowers, herbs, and plants became first trimmings. We still use them today, though the reasons and rituals have shifted a bit. From the token uses of royal Egyptians and lavish displays of the Greeks and Romans, the symbolism, scent, and status of living embellishment continue to evolve and expand with creativity beyond history and custom.
Amid industrial advances in our modern world, a keen awareness of the environment with a focus on preserving gifts of the natural system takes center stage annually. Earth Day is just around the bend celebrated on April 22nd worldwide, a day for motivated reflection and action. Befitting is to take a look at the artistry in the bloom of contemporary craft.
From the laurel wreaths of the ancient world awarded to heroes honoring victory to the floral crowns worn in medieval Europe during festive celebrations and holy days, garlands of leaves and flowers have embodied symbolic meaning in Western culture for over two thousand years. The vestige circular or horseshoe shape of the wreath maintains the symbol of glory, power, and eternity even today. Dancing around maypoles and welcoming spring, wreaths are part of culture and legends often worn during sacred ceremonies and rituals.
An expression of the soul, jewelry is often a symbol of prosperity and protection. Earrings and have been worn by both genders for millennia. In Africa, they hold magical and religious significance. Wearing a ring on one's hand dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who believed circles were symbols of eternity. Wedded couples exchanged rings made out of braided reeds. Thus began the tradition worn on the left-hand ring finger with a vein that ran directly to the heart.
Thought to be useful for keeping evil at bay, herbs and flowers were often worn particularly during weddings and other momentous occasions. Bouquet de corsage donned by select participants kept them safe. Over time the phrase was shortened to just corsage, the French word initially referring to the bodice of a dress where the blooms were pinned. Today, imaginative assemblages of orchid, succulents, and horsetail reed combine artfully to create modern lavalliere.
Men also wore flowers for many of the same reasons. A single-flower boutonniere would be worn on suit jackets to prevent disease and ward off evil spirits. These days, men can make a memorable statement in flora and fronds paying homage to the colorful conception of the modern necktie. Bearing beginnings with Croatian soldiers in France during the Thirty Years War, Croats wore colorful, knotted neckerchiefs as a part of their uniform making them easy to identify and for protection against the cold.
Bands of flowers can have various symbolism, depending on blossoms chosen to be used. Roses can represent love, respect, and friendship, while Lily of the Valley represents innocence.
Earth Day adornment is a testimony to the power of natural delicacy as a great source of excitement, beauty, and interest, meant to be preserved to continue a universal legacy of merit. xoxo-Sonya
