By Kent Masterson

Every birthday is made extra special and meaningful with the presentation of the birth flower of the celebrant. For the month of October, the birth flower belongs to the family of daisies, the Asteraceae. The flower is known as calendula and is interchangeably used with pot marigold.

Calendula is a native of Macronesia and the Mediterranean, but due to floriculture, the species has been introduced to various parts of the world. Its name originated from the Latin word kalendae which means the tart of the month. It is believed that the flower is named such because it is in bloom during the start of most months of the year.

The calendula flower is not only of ornamental and decorative value. It has also medicinal and culinary attributes. The fresh petals are widely used in salads while the dried petals can be used to colour cheese. Its pharmacological attributes are determined by numerous studies to be associated with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

The presentation of calendula or pot marigold as gifts has its roots from the Victorian times. The period was well-known for its romanticism in almost every aspect such that love had literally become an art by itself. According to those people who study the meanings of flowers, calendula was widely given during those times to represent sorrow or sympathy.

To this date, calendula is given to a person to express sympathy especially during deaths. When given to a special someone, it can imply sorrow over a thing that may be done wrong by the recipient. It can also signify jealousy.

The flowers of calendula are structured in layers. Architecture is of oval formation and each flower head can grow to a diametre of 3 to 7 cm Thus, other people used to call them summer bride or husbandman’s dial, particularly referring to the inclination of the flower head to the direction of the sun.

The birthdays of those who are born in October can be pumped up with the beautiful floral arrangements with calendula as the focal flower. These blooms can impart more sentiment with the more modern meaning it is now being associated with. Calendulas now positively carry the meaning of winning grace.

If your special someone, friend, or relative is celebrating their birthdays this October – you might want to send your greetings by sending a bouquet of calendula along with their favourite flowers. If you want, you can also spice up your flower gifts by adding wine, cake, balloons, or stuffed toys – the choice is yours.

Flowers Thailand has more than a decade of experience in sending flower arrangements throughout Thailand. Its wide delivery network assures every sender that flower arrangements will be received by their recipients on or before the stipulated time of delivery. They are also known for same day flower delivery services across Thailand. Thus, you can be assured that wherever your intended recipients are, fresh flowers will be delivered on the time and date you have specified.

This article was originally published at http://thailandflowersgifts.com/2011/10/01/calendula-the-birth-flower-for-october/. Several amendments were made on the last paragraph.

About the Author: Kent Masterson has extensive experience as a retail and

online florist.

He has studied the different flower arrangements of the Orient and Western countries.

Source:

isnare.com

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