Flowers in film: The meaningful roles they’ve played

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Flowers play a dominant role in our everyday lives. Whether you’re a casual admirer or an ardent enthusiast, everyone can agree on their natural beauty. They also happen to be incredibly meaningful, making them all the more special and sentimental to give to people who are important to your life.

 

That deep connection is largely why flowers also play such a significant role in some of the world’s most beloved films. Picked as much for their symbolism as their elegance and color, these blooms add something special to the scenes they grace. Some might say they rival the presence of the actors themselves.

 

It makes sense, given that many memorable scenes in film are recounted for the scenes they set. Flowers are often integral to those moments, either because they evoke a certain emotion or because they contribute something of note to the environment. It’s not just the actors who deserve that place in the spotlight! These are some iconic films that have incorporated brilliant flowers in interesting ways.

The Wizard of Oz

“Poppies… poppies,” murmured the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. “Poppies will put them to sleep.” If you’ve seen Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto falling asleep in a field of red poppies, the image is likely locked in your mind for eternity. It would be quite different if she’d fallen asleep on a road — even a yellow brick one wouldn’t conjure up the same powerful visual as the bed of beautiful crimson flowers.

 

The extraordinary poppy is, unsurprisingly, symbolic of rest, sleep, and peace. In many parts of the world, poppies are used to honor and recognize fallen troops. In fact, the flower first became a symbol of wartime soldiers during World War I. The honor is due in large part to the bloom’s innate strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Poppies proved powerful enough to grow in areas where harsh gases otherwise devastated entire towns during the war. The symbolism of the rich scarlet hue bringing its customary hue to such a solemn site forever sealed its fate as a flower honoring some of the world’s bravest people.

 

American Beauty

American Beauty

Roses appeared, well… just about everywhere in American Beauty. The film made clever use of the majestic bloom in so many ways, and there’s been considerable debate over the years about its meaning. Roses, of course, are representative of passion and beauty. In cinematic narratives, however, meanings are often far less literal and far more complex. There’s an extravagance about this film that lends a certain intensity to the otherwise innocent rose.

 

To some degree, roses are a representation of Lester’s lust and passion for Angela. Carolyn, however, is linked with roses in a decidedly different light. In her story, they’re a symbol of perfection. It’s obvious in the way she clips the roses bushes to convey the image of perfect suburban life. Whether to express your passion or your affinity for perfection, roses in all their glory make a beautiful addition to any space. Double The Verona offers a fitting way to honor the beauty of this magnificent bloom.

Memoirs of a Geisha

Memoirs of a Geisha

Prepare to be positively enchanted by Memoirs of a Geisha. If the story itself doesn’t grip you, the stunning scenery will certainly do the job. Key to its beauty is the presence of a lush, 32-foot cherry blossom tree that resonates deeply with some of the film’s most important dialogues. “The lesson of the cherry blossom,” Sayuri exclaims at one point. The lush trees seem to twinkle around her and the Chairman, the object of her affections, adding color and gentle elegance to the vivid imagery.

 

Being that it was a product of big-screen movie magic, it may not come as a huge surprise to learn that the scene was shot at the Japanese Garden at The Huntington in San Marino, California. The setting was inspired by an authentic stroll garden in Kyoto, and it’s hard to envision the two characters being anywhere else as the tree sprayed its lush pink petals around them in one of the film’s most memorable scenes

Broken Flowers

Broken Flowers

There’s a haunting quality about Broken Flowers, a film about a sad man who spends the majority of his days alone, life simply moving along as he sits in solitude. Only when an anonymous lover from his past writes to inform him that he’s the father of a teenage son does something inside him spur into action. Thus begins his journey to find both the woman and his son. As he moves from one former lover to the next, he clutches a variety of floral arrangements for each occasion. Some are full of wildflowers, while others boast colorful carnations and lilies to present.

 

The flowers are omnipresent throughout the film, each time reflecting a different state of affairs with the person in question. The first ex-lover doesn’t have a vase for the flowers she’s given, indicating that they’ll suffer from dehydration — a drought, essentially, that serves as an allegory for her own lackluster love life. There’s the eccentric ex-girlfriend who won’t have anything to do with the man or even his beautiful flowers. There’s the woman whose home is dark and lackluster, her face a reflection of her current life. Despite being surrounded by flowers, her life is dismal on its face. The many flowers of his life are broken indeed. But the blossoms played an incredible role in conveying various emotions and sentiments throughout the film.

 

Flowers have a powerful impact in real life, so it comes as no surprise that directors rely on them so heavily when telling stories in film. Narratives are strengthened by the props used to set the scene and convey the mood. Few arrangements do so well as the humble flower, whether it’s a romantic rose, an uplifting sunflower, or a sweet daisy. Through every drama, comedy, and tragedy, flowers bring layered meanings to every scene.

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This article originally appeared on UrbanStems.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

Do you know your state’s official flower?

 

 

As the months get warmer, flowers are starting to bloom, dotting the landscape with swaths of vibrant color. In celebration of spring, we’ve put together this list of every state’s official flower, with lovely photos and a little history as well.

 

 

 

kanonsky / istockphoto

 

 

  • Year it became official: 1959
  • How to find it: Look for delicate light pink petals folded up tightly, although you can also find the flower in a variety of other colors across the South.

Camellia by junichiro aoyama (CC BY)

 

  • Year it became official: 1917
  • How to find it: This dainty purplish-blue flower has a yellow-white core. You can find varieties of the forget-me-not across Alaska.

Alpine Forget-Me-Not by Meneerke bloem (CC BY-SA)

 

  • Year it became official: 1931
  • How to find it: Unsurprisingly, Arizona’s state flower is a blooming cactus. Look for white flowers with a yellow center at the end of a cactus. When the flowers haven’t bloomed yet, you’ll likely see large green buds attached to the cactus.

Arizona: Saguaro Cactus Blossom by raelb Follow (CC BY-NC-SA)

 

  • Year it became official: 1901
  • How to find it: Given Arkansas’ history as an apple-growing state, it only makes sense that the apple blossom is its official state flower. If you can’t make of the state’s many apple blossom festivals, you can still find this white and pink flower naturally across the state.

apple blossom by to.wi (CC BY-NC-SA)

 

  • Year it became official: 1903
  • How to find it: This vibrant “golden” flower is a great choice for the Golden State. It has elegant, flowing petals that wrap around its stem.

california poppy by docentjoyce (CC BY)

  • Year it became official: 1899
  • How to find it: The columbine is a white and lavender flower with graceful yellow seeds hanging from its center like tentacles. If you couldn’t tell by the name, you can find it in the Rocky Mountains, among other places around Colorado.

Rocky Mountain Columbine by Rob Duval (CC BY-SA)

 

  • Year it became official:1907
  • How to find it: This flower is known for its star-shaped petals and reddish-pinkish specks.

mountain laurel by Arx Fortis (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official:1895
  • How to find it: Look for bold pinkish-orange petals, like the color of an actual peach.

Peach Blossom by pepperberryfarm (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1909
  • How to find it: Unsurprisingly, Florida chose the orange blossom for its state flower. Look for a white-cream petal with an orange-yellow middle.

Orange Blossom by (CC BY-NC-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1916
  • How to find it: This is a white rose with a bright yellow middle.

Cherokee Rose by Courtney McGough (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1988
  • How to find it: Look for a hibiscus-shaped flower that’s a bright golden yellow.

Pua Aloalo by Rosa Say (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1931
  • How to find it: This flower has four white petals with pastel yellow seeds in the middle.

Syringa by Brent Miller (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1908
  • How to find it: Keep your eyes peeled for a small flower that is, well, violet.

violet by Maia C (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1957
  • How to find it: This is a bold, fluffy flower that’s most commonly a vibrant pinkish-red, although it can be found in other colors, too.

Peony by Bob Gutowski (CC BY-NC-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1897
  • How to find it: The flower has small, delicate pink-white petals and a thick stem with lots of leaves.

Wild Rose by jinjian liang (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1903
  • How to find it: Look for thick stems and its signature yellow petals. You can find sunflowers across the state.

Sunflowers by LynnK827 (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1926
  • How to find it: The goldenrod is shaped like a lightning bolt speckled with tiny yellow buds.

Goldenrod by Elaine (CC BY-NC-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1900
  • How to find it: Magnolias have thick, curved petals and are most commonly found in a cream-white color.

magnolia by Paxsimius (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1895
  • How to find it: White pines can be seen across Maine. Just look for the massive white pine trees, and the pine cones are sure to follow.

White Pine Cone and Tassel by Eli Sagor (CC BY-NC)

  • Year it became official: 1918
  • How to find it: As the name suggests, this flower has a strong, big black middle and is surrounded by yellow petals.

Black-Eyed Susan by Dendroica cerulea (CC BY-NC-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1918
  • How to find it: Look for bunched-together small, star-shaped petals. They’re most commonly found in shades of white and purple.

Mayflower by Jim Sorbie (CC BY)

  • Year it became official: 1897
  • How to find it: Michigan named the apple blossom its official state flower since apples grow naturally across Michigan.

apple blossom by to.wi (CC BY-NC-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1967
  • How to find it: These flowers have unique petals that curve upward, making them look like a multi-colored slipper.

Pink & White Lady Slipper by Orchidhunter1939 (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1952
  • How to find it: Magnolias were chosen by school children to be the state flower. The flower also appears on the state’s bicentennial coin.

Magnolia by pontla (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1923
  • How to find it: Look for clustered little white flowers with black seeds.

Hawthorn flowers by Eugene Zelenko (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1895
  • How to find it: Bitterroots have overlapping purple-white petals and white middle.

Bitterroot by David A. Hofmann (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1895
  • How to find it: Goldenrods are native to Nevada and be found by looking for fuzzy yellow buds that are grouped together.

Goldenrod by Tim Tonjes (CC BY-NC-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1917
  • How to find it: Look for tall, fuzzy stems with about three“petals” sticking up straight from the stem.

sagebrush by Joel Hoffman (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1991
  • How to find it: This flower has one long petal that curls to look like a slipper.

Pink & White Lady Slipper by Orchidhunter1939 (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1913
  • How to find it: Violets speckle New Jersey’s landscape with bold purple flowers.

Wood Violet by Maia C (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1927
  • How to find it: The yucca flower has a signature white bulb, although there are other species of the flower across the state, too.

Yucca Flower by DM (CC BY-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1955
  • How to find it: While you may not find roses growing naturally in New York City, you can find them in the state’s more rural or country areas.

Red rose by T.Kiya (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1941
  • How to find it: Dogwood flowers have tiny white petals and bold yellow cores. They are often grouped together like a thunderbolt.

Dogwood by David Hoffman (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1907
  • How to find it: The wild prairie rose has light pink petals and a golden center.

wild prairie rose by Alexwcovington (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1904
  • How to find it: This flower’s red petals create a fluffy bulb.

red carnation by カールおじさん (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 2004
  • How to find it: The state liked the flower so much, they named it after themselves. This variation of the rose is commonly used in teas.

red rose by Jörg Kanngießer (CC BY-NC)

  • Year it became official: 1899
  • How to find it: The Oregon grape is a bushel of tiny yellow bulbs arranged like grapes.

Oregon Grape by Meggar (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1933
  • How to find it: Mountain Laurels are petticoat-shaped flowers with a star-shaped pattern in a reddish-pink color on the inside. They puff out like an umbrella.

Mountain Laurel by Tim Singer (CC BY-NC-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1968
  • How to find it: You can find violets across the state, as they are common throughout the northern hemisphere.

violet by Dendroica cerulea (CC BY-NC-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1924
  • How to find it: This is another delicate but bold flower. The yellow jessamine grows wildly in the state.

Yellow Jessamine by John ‘K’ (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1903
  • How to find it: Look for oval-shaped purple petals with a yellow-gold middle.

American Pasque by Hillarie (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1933
  • How to find it: Irises have a purple-blue petal with a yellow middle where the two petals combine.

Iris by Fred (CC BY)

  • Year it became official: 1901
  • How to find it: Bonnets are small blue buds or redbuds that climb upward, forming the shape of a bonnet.

bluebonnet by Stephanie (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1911
  • How to find it: This lily has three oval petals and three triangular ones. It’s most commonly found in white.

Sego Lily by C.Maylett (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1894
  • How to find it: This flower forms a large bulb out of smaller bulbs. It’s commonly found in red or purple.

Red Clover by Tim Tonjes (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1918
  • How to find it: This flower can be found on dogwood branches. Look for small white flowers, although in winter the flower can develop redbuds as well.

dogwood by laura.bell (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official: 1959
  • How to find it: Look for pastel reds and pinks stained on a white flower. They naturally grow in the shape of a bouquet.

Rhododendron by Arx Fortis (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1903
  • How to find it: The rhododendron has a series of small cream flowers bunched in a bouquet formation. They have light green seeds in their middles.

Rhododendron by Arx Fortis (CC BY-SA)

  • Year it became official: 1909
  • How to find it: Wisconsin is one of the many other Midwest states that chose the violet as their flower. The wood violet can be found across Wisconsin.

violet by Maia C (CC BY-NC-ND)

  • Year it became official:1917
  • How to find it: This flower has a tall stem with flowers budding up and down it. It’s called a paintbrush because the red flowers bloom randomly on the stem, making it look like specks of paint on a brush.

This article originally appeared on and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

Indian Paintbrush by rumolay (CC BY-NC-ND)

 

DepositPhotos.com

 

Featured Image Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / IMDB.

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