Traditional French Flowers
Certain aspects of French life are well known across the world. For example, French wine, pastries, cheeses, artists and film directors have gained international fame. However, according to the Online World Flower Indigenous Resource Directory, "The indigenous flowers of France rank just next to the wine in being the identity of France." Thus, flowers figure closely in French culture and tradition.
Spring Flower
On May first in France it is customary to go out to the countryside and gather a bunch of lilies of the valley. Lilies of the valley grow easily and steadily throughout France and Europe. They are a delicate flower with several small bell-like blossoms. According to tradition, you should take the flowers home, put them in a vase and allow their fresh scent to assist in renewing your home for spring.
- Certain aspects of French life are well known across the world.
- Thus, flowers figure closely in French culture and tradition.
National Flower
Irises are a vivid purple and yellow flower that flourish all over France, particularly in the village of Gordon in the Alps. Hundreds of different varieties of the iris abound across the world. Historically, King Louis 12th deemed the fleur-de-lis, or the iris, as the official French symbol. Thus, the flower has a special significance for the French. The French also use the flower to create iris butter, a foundational ingredient for a range of perfumes.
Wedding Flowers
Lilies grow all over France and are often used in wedding bouquets along with white roses. French tradition imitates English tradition when it comes to weddings -- all the flowers are usually white. However, sometimes the bride will sport a colored bouquet with a variety of flowers that symbolize what she and the groom hope for. For example, orange blossoms symbolize wealth and fertility; red tulips represent real love; and lily of the valley represents a renewal of happiness.
- Irises are a vivid purple and yellow flower that flourish all over France, particularly in the village of Gordon in the Alps.
- French tradition imitates English tradition when it comes to weddings -- all the flowers are usually white.
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Writer Bio
Lane Cummings is originally from New York City. She attended the High School of Performing Arts in dance before receiving her Bachelor of Arts in literature and her Master of Arts in Russian literature at the University of Chicago. She has lived in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she lectured and studied Russian. She began writing professionally in 2004 for the "St. Petersburg Times."
