The original colour associated with St. Patrick was blue, but over the years the colour green became more widely associated with the holiday.

Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day as early as the 17th century.

St. Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-level plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish so the wearing and displaying of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs became a ubiquitous feature of the day.  In the 1798 rebellion, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms to make a political statement.

The phrase “the wearing of the green”, meaning to wear a shamrock on one’s clothing, is derived from a song of the same name.

What are your plans for Thanksgiving in Calgary?

At Velda’s, your local Calgary flower shop we are getting ready for Thanksgiving and helping many Calgary families find new ways of saying thanks to those around them.

What is Thanksgiving?

In Canada Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Unlike our friends to the south who celebrate their Thanksgiving in November and remember the  Pilgrims settling in the New World. Canadians give thanks for a successful harvest and all the hard work that went on out in the fields to get all the crops out.   In Canada, The harvest season falls earlier compared to those in the US.

The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an English explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Orient and stumbled onto Canada. He never did make it to the Orient but he was successful in establishing a settlement in North America.. In 1578, Martin and the settlers held a formal ceremony, in what is now called Newfoundland, to give thanks for surviving the long journey and Thanksgiving in Canada was born.  The tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. Martin Frobisher was knighted and had and Frobisher Bay in Northern Canada was named in his honour.

At the same time, French settlers, having crossed the ocean and arrived in Canada with explorer Samuel de Champlain, also held huge feasts of thanks. They even formed ‘The Order of Good Cheer’ and gladly shared their food with their Indian neighbours.

Lots of history about Thanksgiving in Canada, you can learn more at http://www.twilightbridge.com/hobbies/festivals/thanksgiving/canada/

Don’t forget to say Thanks and also don’t forget your flowers.

Happy Thanksgiving

Velda and the your Calgary Florist team at Velda’s Grower Direct.

Easter is associated with memories of parades, family gatherings, church services, chocolate bunnies, gift baskets, egg decorating, and the famous Easter Lily. They are very popular for Easter gifts, and their unique trumpet shaped blossoms symbolize life, purity, hope, and the spiritual meaning of Easter along with the promise of Spring.

The Easter Lily was originally bought into the United States by a World War I soldier Louis Houghton and then made their way across North America. What was previously known as the Bermuda lily was first brought to the southern coast of Oregon in 1919. Houghton distributed an entire suitcase of the hybrid lily bulbs to various friends and family.

This lily proved to really thrive in the climate there. It was similar to the flower’s native Ryukyu Islands of Japan. By the year 1945, there were over a thousand growers on the west coast harvesting these bulbs to sell. There are only about two full weeks during the year when these flowers are commercially available. Easter lilies are estimated to be the fourth largest potted plant crop in the United States, following the poinsettia, mum, and azalea.

History, mythology, and art are filled with stories and images that speak of the beauty and majesty of the elegant white flowers. One of the most famous Biblical references is in the Sermon on the Mount, when Christ said, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin and yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”

Lilies are often called the “White-Robed Apostles of Hope”. Lilies were discovered in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ died on the cross. During the Easter season, churches line their altars and envelop their crosses with a multitude of Easter Lilies, to signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life.

Another concept associated with the pure white lily is that of womanhood. In some early paintings, the Angel Gabriel offers pure white lilies to the Virgin Mary, and this symbolizes that she will be the mother of Jesus. Other paintings show saints bringing vases of white lilies to Mary and the divine child. According to the legend, the flowers were formed when Eve cried repentant tears upon leaving Eden, and the tears became lilies. The point of this legend is that true repentance leads to beauty.

Established through the centuries as a symbol of purity, grace, and the regal lifestyle, the white lily is a suitable reminder of the greater meaning of Easter. These flowers grace millions of homes and churches every year, embodying joy, hope, and life; whether given as a gift or displayed proudly in one’s home, the Easter lily remains a beauteous reminder of how Easter is a time for celebration and rejoicing. So when you purchase Easter baskets for your loved ones, don’t hold back with decorated eggs and chocolates, but be certain to include a few Easter lilies as well!

February is now here

Guys are you paying attention. The day of love is coming soon and we wouldn’t want you to miss out on the most important day of the year (next to her birthday or anniversary) for that special someone in your life.  Most of the lovers are already planning for the day. What gift to give, where to meet, what to do to make the day more romantic than any other day?  How about some great Valentine’s Day Flowers from your local Calgary flower store.

Why and how do Calgarians celebrate Valentine’s Day?

No one really knows why we celebrate Valentine’s Day in the way we do. Taking our girlfriend, wife or “significant other” out for dinner, movie and of course having flowers delivered in Calgary.  When we do that something special,  it makes a big difference in life of our lover.

There are stories about early Christian martyr named “Valentine” who saved Christians from persecution in Rome.  Many believe this is the origin of Valentine’s Day.  However, Valentine’s Day is now an important day for couples and those even thinking about the next stage of a relationship. More and more romances get a kick-start on February 14th.  Couple fall head over heals and mad in love, and can think of nothing but how to please their beloved.

The flower business takes a huge jump during February as men and women want to symbolize their love for their partner. So does the business of jewelry, candies and cards.  So guys, book early!

Don’t miss your opportunity to do something special for that important person in your life.