Posts filed under 'Holidays and Flowers'
Bells of Ireland
Saint Patrick’s feast day, as a kind of national day, was already being celebrated by the Irish in Europe in the ninth and tenth centuries. In later times he become more and more widely known as the patron of Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s feast day was finally placed on the universal liturgical calendar in the Catholic Church due to the influence of Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding in the early 1600s. Saint Patrick’s Day thus became a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland.
In 1903, Saint Patrick’s Day became an official public holiday in Ireland. This was thanks to the Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903, an act of the United Kingdom Parliament introduced by Irish MP James O’Mara. O’Mara later introduced the law that required that pubs and bars be closed on 17 March after drinking got out of hand, a provision that was repealed in the 1970s. The first Saint Patrick’s Day parade held in the Irish Free State was held in Dublin in 1931 and was reviewed by the then Minister of Defense Desmond Fitzgerald. Although secular celebrations now exist, the holiday remains a religious observance in Ireland, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland.
In the mid-1990s the Irish government began a campaign to use Saint Patrick’s Day to showcase Ireland and its culture. The government set up a group called St. Patrick’s Festival, with the aim to:
— Offer a national festival that ranks amongst all of the greatest celebrations in the world and promote excitement throughout Ireland via innovation, creativity, grassroots involvement, and marketing activity.
— Provide the opportunity and motivation for people of Irish descent, (and those who sometimes wish they were Irish) to attend and join in the imaginative and expressive celebrations.
— Project, internationally, an accurate image of Ireland as a creative, professional and sophisticated country with wide appeal, as we approach the new millennium.[14]
The first Saint Patrick’s Festival was held on 17 March 1996. In 1997, it became a three-day event, and by 2000 it was a four-day event. By 2006, the festival was five days long; more than 675,000 people attended the 2009 parade. Overall 2009′s five day festival saw close to 1 million visitors, who took part in festivities that included concerts, outdoor theatre performances, and fireworks.
In every year since 1991, March has been proclaimed Irish-American Heritage Month by the US Congress or President due to the date of St. Patrick’s Day. Today, Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike. It is one of the leading days for consumption of alcohol in the United States, and is typically one of the busiest days of the year for bars and restaurants. Many people, regardless of ethnic background, wear green clothing and items. Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched affectionately.
Source: Wikipedia
March 8th, 2011
Did you know?
More than 100 million roses are sold at Valentine’s Day. Of cut flower purchases, Valentine’s Day ranks #1, making it the number one holiday for many florists.
Of Valentine’s floral purchases, 64% are made by men and 36% by women. What are they buying?
78% Cut flowers
15% Flowering houseplants
5% Outdoor bedding and garden plants
2% Green plants
Of cut flowers purchased, 45% are roses, 34% mixed flowers, 13% carnations, and 8% other single flower types. Of roses purchased, 74% are red, 10% pink, 5% peach/salmon, 3% yellow, 2% white, 4% mixed colors, 2% other. For whom are they buying?
Men:
84% wife/significant other
4% friend
5% mother
3% daughter
5% other
Women:
24% mother
19% husband/significant other
13% daughter
14% self
12% friend
6% parents
2% grandmother
1% sister
9% other
Source: Society of American Florists Survey results are from a nationwide survey of 481 men and 534 women conducted by Bruskin/Goldring Research
Love is very patient and kind,
never jealous or envious,
never boastful or proud,
never haughty or selfish or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable or touchy.
It does not hold grudges
and will hardly even notice
when others do it wrong.
It is never glad about injustice,
but rejoices whenever truth wins out.
If you love someone you
will be loyal to him
no matter what the cost.
You will always believe in him,
Always expect the best of him
and always stand your ground
in defending him.
All the special gifts
and powers from God
will someday come to an end,
but love goes on forever.
Living Bible I Corinthians 13:4-8
Check out Valentines Traditions Around the World and Even More Valentine Traditions Around the World
February 10th, 2010
Christmas, celebrated the world over has a long and interesting history. Here are a few more facts about Christmas from wence it began
• The story of Jesus Christ’s birth is told in New Testament’s gospel of Saint Luke and Saint Matthew.
• Some Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s coming on January 6, the Epiphany, when they believe he was baptized.
• Church officials, “impressed with the ritual’s symbolic bringing back of light into the world,” claimed the date of December 25. Roman Emperor Constantine officially recognized it as the celebration of Jesus’ birth in the 4th century A.D.
• The song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” refers to the 12 days between Christmas and the Epiphany.
• The word Christmas comes from the Old English Cristes maesse, which means Christ’s mass.
• The Middle Ages marked the origin of many traditional Christmas symbols such as the Yule log, holly, and caroling. The burning Yule log (Yule comes from the Scandinavian jol or jul which means “jolly”) symbolized the time in which bonfires raged to “beckon the reappearance of winter’s holy light.”
• The word Xmas is sometimes used instead of Christmas. In Greek, X is the first letter of Christ’s name.
• In the early 19th century, German and Dutch Protestant immigrants resurrected the Christmas holiday to its original status. St. Nicholas also gained prominence during the Victorian era.
• In 1969, the Roman Catholic church dropped St. Nicholas’ Feast Day from its calendar because his life is so unreliably documented.
• The German word Christkindl, which means Christ child, eventually turned into Kriss Kringle.
• Santa Claus generally was depicted as an elf until 1931, when Coca-Cola ads portrayed him as human-sized.
• Rudolph didn’t become Santa’s ninth reindeer until 1939 when an advertising writer for the department store Montgomery Ward created him.
Sources: Encarta 96 Encyclopedia, World Book, Encyclopedia Britanica
Check out the Holiday Tips and Ideas for the History of Santa Claus, Origins of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa and more here: http://www.edenflorist.com/articles.php?tPath=7
Order your holiday flowers at Eden Florist & Gift Baskets Online or by phone 954-981-5515
December 15th, 2009
Here’s some more Christmas Facts, Symbols and History
Xmas
This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ’s name, “X” in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a shorthand form of the word. Although the early Christians understood that X stood for Christ’s name, later Christians who did not understand the Greek language mistook “Xmas” as a sign of disrespect.
Read the Origins of Christmas here: http://www.edenflorist.com/article_info.php?articles_id=14
The Candy Cane
Candy canes have been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until around 1900 that they were decorated with red stripes and bent into the shape of a cane. They were sometimes handed out during church services to keep the children quiet. One story (almost certainly false) that is often told about the origin of the candy cane is as follows:
In the late 1800′s a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy. He came up with the idea of bending one of his white candy sticks into the shape of a Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of Christ’s love and sacrifice through the Candy Cane. First, he used a plain white peppermint stick. The color white symbolizes the purity and sinless nature of Jesus. Next, he added three small stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before His death on the cross. There are three of them to represent the Holy Trinity. He added a bold stripe to represent the blood Jesus shed for mankind. When looked at with the crook on top, it looks like a shepherd’s staff because Jesus is the shepherd of man. If you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter J symbolizing the first letter in Jesus’ name. The candy maker made these candy canes for Christmas, so everyone would remember what Christmas is all about.
Santa Claus
The original Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, was born in Turkey in the 4th century. He was very pious from an early age, devoting his life to Christianity. He became widely known for his generosity for the poor. But the Romans held him in contempt. He was imprisoned and tortured. But when Constantine became emperor of Rome, he allowed Nicholas to go free. Constantine became a Christian and convened the Council of Nicaea in 325. Nicholas was a delegate to the council. He is especially noted for his love of children and for his generosity. He is the patron saint of sailors, Sicily, Greece, and Russia. He is also, of course, the patron saint of children. The Dutch kept the legend of St. Nicholas alive. In 16th century Holland, Dutch children would place their wooden shoes by the hearth in hopes that they would be filled with a treat. The Dutch spelled St. Nicholas as Sint Nikolaas, which became corrupted to Sinterklaas, and finally, in Anglican, to Santa Claus. In 1822, Clement C. Moore composed his famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nick,” which was later published as “The Night Before Christmas.” Moore is credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly fat man in a red suit.
Read the History of Santa Claus here: http://www.edenflorist.com/article_info.php?articles_id=16
(source: http://wilstar.net/xmas/xmassymb.htm)
Order your holiday flowers at Eden Florist & Gift Baskets Online or by phone 954-981-5515 or 800-966-3336.
December 13th, 2009
Mistletoe and Holly
Two hundred years before the birth of Christ, the Druids used mistletoe to celebrate the coming of winter. They would gather this evergreen plant that is parasitic upon other trees and used it to decorate their homes. They believed the plant had special healing powers for everything from female infertility to poison ingestion. Scandinavians also thought of mistletoe as a plant of peace and harmony. They associated mistletoe with their goddess of love, Frigga. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe probably derived from this belief. The early church banned the use of mistletoe in Christmas celebrations because of its pagan origins. Instead, church fathers suggested the use of holly as an appropriate substitute for Christmas greenery.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias are native to Mexico. They were named after America’s first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett. He brought the plants to America in 1828. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. Thus the Poinsettia became associated with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is small and yellow. But surrounding the flower are large, bright red leaves, often mistaken for petals.
The Christmas Tree
The Christmas Tree originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was common for the Germanic people to decorate fir trees, both inside and out, with roses, apples, and colored paper. It is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter’s night near Christmas, he was struck with the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He duplicated the starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was not widely used in Britain until the 19th century. It was brought to America by the Pennsylvania Germans in the 1820′s.
Is there someone in your family that you just have trouble getting the right gift for? If so, check out Heidi’s Top Ten Gifts for the Hard to Please ~ http://www.edenflorist.com/article_info.php?articles_id=22
December 11th, 2009
It seems to me that because we have become such an “informal” society, oftentimes etiquette goes right out the window.
If you are like me you have parties galore to attend this time of year. They may be dinner parties, office parties, cocktail parties or holiday open houses. In fact, I did a very informal survey of my customers and most people said they had at least 5 events to go to between now and New Years! And oftentimes we are not sure what to bring the host or hostess as a thank you.
That’s where Eden Florist can help! We help you find the perfect centerpiece or cut flowers or holiday plant to add a touch of class to your arrival.
Need other ideas for a hostess gift? How about a nice bottle of wine or champagne, or scented candles, the latest best-seller or perhaps a little trinket or holiday keepsake such as a bell or wine glass?
The gift does not have to be extravagant or elaborate or even expensive. It just needs to be in good taste and something you think your host will appreciate. Believe me the host will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
The important thing is to never arrive empty-handed.
If you’d like more ideas for holiday gifting, read these articles:
A Gift in Hand for the Holidays ~ http://wemagazineforwomen.com/a-gift-in-hand-for-the-holidays/
Etiquette Everyday ~ Holiday Etiquette http://www.emilypost.com/everyday/holiday_FAQs_giving.htm
Ps. If you don’t have time to get a little something, give Eden Florist a call (800-966-3336) and let us take care of the delivery for you. And if you forget to bring something, send them the next day! That always works and you will be remembered.
Pss. I’d love to know what types of gifts you bring to parties. Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section below.
December 5th, 2009
This year for Thanksgiving I am doing something just a little different. I got these great little blue overall party favors from Lillian Verson company and am personalizing them for all our guests.
These will serve as the placecard for everyone on Thanksgiving Day.
In addition to being pretty placecards, they will hold notes from each of the guests.
I have designed a note card for everyone with everyone’s name on it. Each guest will get a complete set of names in an envelope with a pen. On the top of each card is a pretty turkey and pumpkin clip art and each card says:
Dear (fill in the guest’s name)
I am thankful for you because: (and the guest fills this out and puts in each person’s overall).
During desert we will ask everyone to read one or two from their favor and they can take the rest home.
You can get great Thanksgiving clip-art here: http://www.christmas-graphics-plus.com/free/thanksgiving-clipart-gallery.html
This is one of my all-time favorites and because my family likes it so much, we do it every year!
Thanksgiving Activities that Rock!
http://www.tulipstalk.com/thanksgiving-activities-that-rock/
If you have children in the house, be sure and download the Thanksgiving Coloring Book for their entertainment. You can find it here:
Thank you for your love and support of Eden Florist. May your Thanksgiving be all you hope for … and then some!
November 26th, 2009
The Thanksgiving Table Cloth
My mom has purchased a plastic Thanksgiving table cloth that we use to write with a permanent marker what we’re thankful for each year with our signature and the year. She has it out on the table and then we can look back and see what our family/friends wrote and have memories of spending time with different people on Thanksgiving. (Contributed by Brittany)
This is one of my all-time favorites and because my family likes it so much, we do it every year!
The Thanksgiving Box
http://www.tulipstalk.com/a-box-of-thanks/
There’s still time to order flowers for your Thanksgiving table from Eden Florist. Visit our Website www.EDENFLORIST.com or call 800-966-3336 (EDEN) today!
November 25th, 2009
Here’s a simple Thanksgiving activity/tradition that does not take any preparation and it makes everyone feel good about themselves.
Sharing Gratitude
Each person turns to the person to their left (or right) and says one thing they do (or represent) for which they are thankful.
For example let’s say my daughter was sitting next to me. I would turn to her and say out loud, that I am thankful for the sense of humor she has, and how many times I smile and laugh because of her. (Contributed by Mia)
Here’s a little Thanksgiving number that is also easy to plan:
Giving Thanks by the Numbers
http://www.tulipstalk.com/a-thanksgiving-activity-by-the-numbers/
Remember, there’s still time to order flowers for your Thanksgiving table from Eden Florist. Visit our Website www.EDENFLORIST.com or call 800-966-3336 (EDEN) today!
November 24th, 2009
This is one of my favorites and I am going to use this one of these days…. It is an old tradition that is delightful and inspiring. As you read it picture yourself around a table at the first thanksgiving. What would you be thankful for back then?
THE TALKING FORK
This old storytelling game has been around forever, but it just might do the trick when the kids have cleaned their plates and are ready to fly out the door again. Just ask: “Did everybody use a fork?” They’ll all nod.
“Good. If you just used a fork, then you owe the cook a magic memory. I will now unveil The Talking Fork.” Puzzled looks will follow. “I cooked this meal. And before we all leave, I want to hear some good, fun, magic family memories. Here’s the Talking Fork. I’ll go first.” Then pick up a fork around which you’ve tied a ribbon — a nice, big serving fork is good for dramatic effect — and begin. Source: Family Education.com
HAPPY PUMPKINS
Another fun activity for family members of all ages is the Happy Pumpkins. You will need one miniature pumpkin per guest and several “magic markers.”
Ask each guest to decorate their pumpkin to reflect their mood, personality or creative nature. Use these as a centerpiece for the desert table.
And here’s another Thanksgiving activity that is sure to bring a smile to your guests faces:
Picture Perfect Thanksgiving http://www.tulipstalk.com/picture-perfect-thanksgiving/
There’s still time to order flowers for your Thanksgiving table from Eden Florist. Visit our Website www.EDENFLORIST.com or call 800-966-3336 (EDEN) today!
November 23rd, 2009
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