Symbols From Around the World

Autumn History & Traditions

2011-12-14T09:34:00.001-07:00

We refer to most seasons by the names that were commonly used by our ancestors. Winter is from the German word meaning "time of water" (of rain and snow.) Spring refers to the springing forth of life from the earth. The word autumn comes from the original Latin word "autumnus". The alternate term, fall, originated with the Germans but became commonplace with the mid16th century English who typically referred to fall as meaning "the fall of the leaves."

Here's a look at some common symbols and traditions associated with Fall or Autumn.

The Sparrow; A Symbol of Hope and Renewal

2011-10-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

The Sparrow, returning from it's winter home, is the herald of spring, a symbol of the mother goddess, rebirth, and the Resurrection. It is a symbol of hope, fertility, a renewal of life, and represents the love of God for even the "least" among us.

The Sparrow was an attribute and messenger of Aphrodite. The long battle at Troy was forecast when nine sparrows, representing the nine years of war, were eaten by a snake.

In the art of Feng Shui, Birds in general, bring good luck when placed in the South facing side of your room. However the keeping of caged birds is bad Feng Shui, as this represents confinement and the stunting of growth.

The History and Legends of The Coyote

2011-08-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

In southwestern mythology, the Coyote is known as a "Trickster God", and is famous for his adaptability, ego, humor, insight, and mischievous playfulness. The Coyote symbolizes the earth, duality and balance and he has the unique ability to present both sides of an issue.

In difficult times, through his wisdom and protective nature, the Coyote can discover a trap hidden within a foolish situation you may unknowingly be caught in. For example, If you are in a relationship where you think you may be fooling yourself, use the Coyote as a guide to help you see the truth of the matter.

Learn more about this ancient symbol of the trickster here.

Vegetable Myth and Folklore

2010-12-31T16:27:00.001-07:00

Vegetable Myth and Folklore: "Many vegetables are surrounded by a long and colorful history of symbolic meaning and mythical tales. artichokes, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage are found around the world, woven into religious tales, and ancient folklore.

'Vegetables are the food of the earth; fruit seems more the food of the heavens. ~Sepal Felicivant'

If we are from Mother Nature herself, food is valuable, not only because it is capable of bringing us mouthwatering nourishment, but most importantly because they impart upon us the lasting wonder and importance of nature's beauty and magic.

Ancient Egyptian Symbols

2010-12-27T01:01:00.000-07:00

Egyptian symbols are known all over the world because of their magickal quality and the mysteries that they hold. Depicted in hieroglyphs, these symbols were called, "the words of God" and were used mainly by priests.

Commonly seen ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbols include scarabs, the ankh, the eye of Horus, Bast (the Cat-headed Goddess), the crescent moon, the Feather of Maat, the lotus flower, frogs, and the falcon. These symbols were historically used as amulets of protection and to bring luck. They were also frequently used in both religious and magickal rituals for both the living and the dead.

Click to learn more about Egyptian Symbolism

Sources: AncientSymbols.com, EgyptArtSite.com

Christmas Symbols, History and Traditions

2010-11-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holiday's in the world. It is a celebration of love, joy and unity; symbolized by familiar images that are designed to conjure up warm feelings of home and the spirit of peace, birth and giving.

But, did you know that a number of traditions, we now associate so closely with Christmas, actually have their roots in pre-Christian, pagan religious traditions? Here are ten common Christmas images their origins and myths, vote for your favorite at the Top 10 Christmas Symbols from around the world!

Picture: http://www.stampinbuddies.com/

April's Signs and Symbols

2010-04-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

April's birthstone is the Diamond.
Diamond (Stone of Innocence): The traditional symbol of love, since ancient Greece. Symbolizes peace, fidelity, innocence, and serenity. It was once believed that diamonds endowed the wearer with charm and the ability to attract others.

April's birth flowers are the Daisy and Sweet Pea.

- The daisy was said to spring from the tears of Mary Magdalene.
- It was known as 'God's smile' and 'Day's Eye', an Anglo Saxon name, which morphed to the current word daisy. This is because the flower opened and closed with the sun's rays.
- In magic, it would be used in any fair weather spells or rites to honor the Sun.
- The daisy was associated with Venus, commonly used as a lovers' divination, plucking the petals while chanting "s/he loves me, s/he loves me not".
- Medieval knights wore daisy chains made for them by their Ladies when they rode into battle or tournaments, as a sign of their affection and defense of their Ladies' honor.

April's tree's are Walnut, Rowan and Maple
Maple tree symbolism includes balance, promise and practicality.

Easter Symbols and Celebrations

2010-03-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Pre-Christian Easter Origins:
Easter, a Christian festival, embodies many pre-Christian traditions. Easter is thought to originally have been named after "Eostre", the Great Mother Goddess of the Saxon people in Northern Europe, she was the Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility, to whom April was dedicated. Her name derives from "Eastre" which is the ancient word for spring.

Eostre's festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox; traditions associated with the festival survive with the Easter rabbit, a symbol of fertility, and in colored Easter eggs, originally painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring.

Christian Origins of Easter:
The Christian festival of Easter probably embodies a number of religious traditions; most scholars emphasize the original relation of Easter to the Jewish festival of Passover, or "Pesach", from which is derived "Pasch", another name for Easter.

The early Christians, many of whom were of Jewish origin, were brought up in the Hebrew tradition and regarded Easter as a new feature of the Passover festival, a commemoration of the advent of the Messiah as foretold by the prophets.

The Current Christian Easter:
Easter is the annual festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the principal feast of the Christian year. It is celebrated on a Sunday on varying dates between March 22 and April 25 and is therefore called a movable feast.

Connected with the observance of Easter, is the 40-day penitential season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding at midnight on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.

Source: Funk & Wagnalls® New Encyclopedia. © 2005 World Almanac

Common Good Luck Rituals

2010-03-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Luck is defined as a belief in good or bad fortune, caused by accident, chance or divine intervention

Cultural views of luck vary, from perceiving luck as a matter of random chance to attributing luck to explanations of faith or superstition beyond a person's control. Performing "lucky" rituals to insure a favorable outcome dates back to early man. Tribal dancing, and other ceremonies were performed to attract the favor of the Gods; for example, the Romans believed in the embodiment of luck as the Goddess Fortuna. The Emperor Trajan (97-117 CE) dedicated a temple to Fortuna, at which offerings were made to the Goddess on the 1st day of January, at the start of the New Year, probably to ensure good luck and success for the coming year.

Here are some common superstitions and rituals found around the world...

Symbols & Expressions of Love

2010-02-07T00:31:00.001-07:00

This Valentines Day celebrate your love with a few universal signs and symbols that are attached with the expressions of love.

The Apple is a symbol of ecstasy, fertility and abundance as well as love.
~ In early Greek history, the apple figured in courtship as well as the rites and customs of marriage. For example, a happy couple in the seventh century B.C. might share an Apple as a symbol of their marriage and hopes for a fruitful union.
Cupid or "Eros" means desire in Greek.
~ In ancient Greece, Eros (Cupid), was the young son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and Ares. According to Hesiod, Eros was the deity who came from Chaos ("The Yawning Void") and represented the primal forces of desire.
The Harp is a symbol of love in the form of lyrical art, poetry, and music.
"According to legends, the first harp was built by Canola. After a tiff with her love, she wandered through the night and was drawn to some beautiful music, which eventually sent her to sleep. In the morning she discovered the source of the sound - the skeleton of a whale with flesh hanging down, through which the wind had blown and made a unique sound. Inspired by the find, she created the first harp and dedicated it to Daghda, the Celtic god of abundance and protection. Daghda's harp is said to have the ability to create three types of music - sad, joyful and peaceful." ~ Holistic.Shop.Co.Uk
A Heart has become the most famous symbol of love. ~ The Heart was formerly believed that the heart was the seat of all human emotions and that the "vein of love", ran directly from the heart to the tip of the third finger of the left hand, which is where we wear our wedding rings today. Accordingly, the gifting of a heart signified the selfless act of giving everything to someone you love.
Roses are the perfect love symbol because they represent all things sensual, sacred, pure and romantic.
~ In ancient mythology, in Greece and Rome, the first red roses are said to have grown from the blood of Adonis for the love of Aphrodite (Venus); thus, they have become symbolic of love, and often eternal life.
The Dove is also a messenger of deep symbolic love. ~ It was once believed that birds chose their mate for the year on February 14. Since doves and pigeons mate for life, they symbolize loyalty, fidelity and love.
The Swan holds a multitude of representations including love, grace, purity, beauty and sincerity.
~ As an attribute of Aphrodite (Goddess of Love), the Swan also symbolized chastity.

Symbols and Traditions to Ring in The New Year!

2010-01-09T07:24:00.002-07:00

The celebration of the New Year is one of the oldest of all our holidays. it was thought to have first been recognized about 4000 years ago, in ancient Babylon. Most of our current New Year's traditions and superstitious rituals derive from ancient superstitions, ideologies or once popularly held beliefs. They are designed to protect us from malevolent spirits and have played a part in potentially bringing forth good luck and prosperity to our lives each year beginning on New Year's Eve and continuing throughout the next year.

The burning of the yule log, firework displays, New Year's Eve parties, images of Father Time and Baby New Year, and specially designed Fruit platters are just a few of the many traditional symbols associated with the New Year..

The Day of The Dead

2009-10-19T22:48:00.002-07:00

Mexico today is a unique cultural mix of ancient pagan influences, such as the Maya, Aztec and Zapotec, and the Catholic missionary efforts by the Spaniards.

The Mexican people have preserved many of these ancestors' traditions by blending their various rituals and beliefs into the wonderfully colorful festivals and holidays we see celebrated today... One of the most widely recognized Mexican Holiday is "Los Dias de los Muertos" or The Day of The Dead.

Although "Los Dias de los Muertos" literally means "Day of the Dead", it is really a Mexican celebration of both life and death.

This autumn festival, merges Aztec and Catholic practices of the Catholic feasts of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day-November 1 and 2. Celebrants honor the spirits of family ancestors; spirits of children are thought to return on the 1st and adults on the 2nd.

Altars are built, and then covered with food and decorations. Cemeteries are decorated with fresh flowers. Paper mache sculptures depict the dead in an everyday context, such as skeletons, and most are comical in nature. Through music and feasting, everyone embraces the totality of both life and death.

Scare Yourself Silly with these Halloween Symbols

2009-09-12T04:26:00.002-07:00

BOO!!
Halloween is currently celebrated all around the world.

Started by the Celts and celebrated each year on October 31st, there are numerous Halloween symbols that conjure up scary imagery and haunting manifestations of the supernatural.

Symbols for Halloween include bats, gravestones, witches, pumpkins, owls, cats, and skulls.

"When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
'tis near Halloween."
~ Author Unknown

Discover these symbols here..

The Beauty and Symbolism of The Butterfly

2009-08-12T20:13:00.002-07:00

The Butterfly is a Symbol of Change, Resurrection, Transition, Celebration, Lightness, Time, Young Love and The Soul.

~ As a symbol of transformation; it represents everlasting life, this meaning is derived from its three stages of the life- the caterpillar (birth), the chrysalis (death), and the butterfly (resurrection). Because of it's very short life span the butterfly reminds us that life itself is precious and short.

~ In Some Legends The Butterfly Is The Bringer Of Sleep And Dreams, In Others, The Symbol Of Feminine Fertility And The Bringer Of Children. It Also Relates To Love Relationships.

The Chinese Butterfly represents love; specifically young love. Happily flitting flower to flower - it signifies a happy social life for the young and young- at-heart. Chinese legend has it that the Butterfly symbolizes an undying bond between lovers.

All romantics-at-heart would do well to place an image of a Butterfly in their home. A perfect gift for a new couple is this design embroidered on towels for the couple's home. Representative of the Yang energy, this symbol can energize you or a loved one - particularly when embroidered on clothing - it reminds us of the energy of love.

Colors of the United States

2009-07-21T00:54:00.002-07:00

The official national colors of the United States are red, white, and blue and seen on our flag and our national seal.

Red is a symbol of valor and bravery
White symbolizes purity and innocence
Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice

According to legend, George Washington interpreted the elements of the flag this way: the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country. However, there is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag.

Currently the stars are considered a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.

Cuckoo for Kokopellis

2009-06-28T06:35:00.002-07:00

Traditional art and icons of the Native American culture are quite common in the American Southwest and have come to symbolize a unique southwestern style of decorating.The flute playing Kokopelli, figure is one such icon and dates back 3,000 years to petroglyphs and pottery found throughout the Southwestern United States.

Usually depicted as a humpbacked dancing figure playing a flute, the Kokopelli often carries a large bag on his back and has an insect-like antennae. The Kokopelli is a kachina, or spirit, found in the mythology of the both the Zuni, and Anasazi tribes and he is also known as a Hopi fertility god. He has been called the prankster, hunter, healer, musician, dancer and the story-teller.

The word Kokopelli comes from 2 Hopi words, koko for wood and pilau for hump.

Learn more here.

The Art and Magic of Hex Signs

2009-06-15T14:56:00.001-07:00

Hex Signs were first seen painted on the sides of barns, stables and houses of the Pennsylvania Dutch in the 18th century. The custom of using these signs was derived from the Old World, brought from Germany and Switzerland by German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania.

The name "Hex", is taken from the German, "die hexe"; meaning Witch. The colorful Hex Signs are filled with geometric shapes and elaborate symbols full of meaning and Old World history. They were magical designs of protection created by a "hex-master" or "hexen-meister" to ward off evil, "heverei" (Witchcraft), and to bring good fortune.

Learn more at Hex Signs.

The History, Legends and Symbolism of The Horse

2009-05-20T00:21:00.003-07:00

The Horse symbolizes success, freedom, travel, strength, power, nobility, wisdom and loyalty. It is also a symbol of life and death, grace and beauty.

The Horse represents courage, speed and endurance. It is said that a horse can bring career success and good reputation. As a symbol of loyalty, devotion, and unquestioning love and faith in his human companion; The Horse is also your warrior spirit - the brave fighter who brings you safely home in your journeys.

As a Celtic symbol the Horse was associated with war and fertility. With war, comes victory, domination, long life, and the wealth that comes with the triumph in battle. All of these aspects of valor and victory were associated with the Horse in Celtic symbolism.

The Horse- Goddess, Epona was a protector of horses, donkeys, and mules. In Celtic tradition she governs the life cycle of birth, death, the afterlife, and rebirth; thus, Horse medicine is often associated with these aspects.

The Greco-Romans also associated the Horse with the spoils of war and attributed the qualities of power, victory, honor, domination and virility with this potent animal symbol.

In Greco-Roman myth, the Horse is said to be created by Poseidon (Neptune) and is devoted to Hades (Pluto) and Ares (Mars).

Romans also believed the Horse to be a symbol of the continuity of life, and would sacrifice a horse to the god Mars every October, keeping its tail through the winter as a sign of fertility and rebirth.

The Horse is a Chinese Zodiac Symbol, it is equated with the Gemini. It represents: strength and power; usually vanity (if a woman), war and chivalry (if a male) practicality, love, endurance, devotion and stability.

As a Native American Symbol, Shamans are often pictured flying on mythical horses, and Horses represent coping through adversity.

The color of a Horse is very important in determining its symbolic meaning.
White Horses The winged or white Horse is a symbol of light, life and spiritual illumination. Most sacred Horses are White.

During the Middle Ages, virgin heroes, saints, and Christ were depicted riding upon White Horses. At the end of the age, Christ and His heavenly armies arrive, mounted on White Horses (Rev 19:11-15).

In Buddhism, a White winged horse is often depicted carrying the Book of Law. The Buddha is said to have left this physical plane riding a sacred White Horse.

The Cosmic Horse is also white and is an incarnation of Quan Yin

In Hindu, the Horse is linked to Varuna and as such, is equated to the cosmos. Additionally, a white horse is believed to be the last incarnation of Vishnu.

However, to dream of a White Horse is considered an omen of death.

A Black Horse, indicates impending death, destruction, Satan, and evil influences. Traitors, magicians, and the devil are often disguised as knights riding on Black Horses.

A White Horse teamed with a Black Horse symbolizes life and death. The Greeks represented the dueling aspects of the soul with a chariot pulled by a team of Horses. One of the horses is patient and sensible (White) while the other horse is impulsive and disobedient (Black). The rebellious horse attempts to thwart the driver and hinder his teammate on their journey towards heaven or "perfection".

Sources: whatsyoursign.com, www.princtonal.com

6 Common Kitchen Herbal Aphrodisiacs

2009-05-06T23:45:00.003-07:00

Over the years, spices and herbs have offered delightful tastes, alluring aromas and have often been included in potions and recipes for improving sexual desire and arousal.

You don't even need a prescription for these natural aphrodisiacs. As a matter of fact, six of the most time honored "love herbs" are probably sitting in your kitchen spice rack right now: Cloves, Saffron, Pepper, Vanilla, Nutmeg, and Ginger are thought to be among the most potent aphrodisiacs.

Other popular herbs and spices that have been reported to have aphrodisiacal properties, include garlic, mint, rosemary, sage and thyme. All these allegedly erotically stimulating agents have been used in various cooking, incense, oils and aromatherapy to stimulate sexual feelings.

Learn more about these aphrodisiacs here

How To Spring Clean The Feng Shui Way

2009-04-28T17:14:00.004-07:00

Some people may groan at the fact that spring cleaning time is here again (myself included), but it does you a world of good in all aspects of your life.

When we clear out the clutter from our daily lives, we are in fact saying to the Universe, "Yes, I can let go of my past baggage and I am ready for new opportunities and new experiences".

Springtime is a time for new beginnings, let this be the year that you begin renewed and ready for anything!

Here are some simple Feng Shui spring cleaning tips to get you started...

Career Energy: If your desk is a dumping ground, you will lack the energy, motivation and concentration needed to do well in any job.

A clear desk will increase your productivity, creativity and job satisfaction. Choose to start practicing the habit of always leaving your desk clear whenever you finish working.

If you work on a computer, go through and delete any unnecessary files. This will help you feel empowered and in control of your career.

Place your desk in the furthest corner from the door, but where you can still easily see the door (this is a power spot).

Relationship Energy: To enhance any relationship, pay special attention to clutter in your bedroom. Bedroom clutter will clog the energy of both you and your partner.

With the change of seasons, it is a good time to work on closets and drawers. Store or toss winter clothing. Sort through your spring and summer clothes, eliminating anything that no longer fits, can't be repaired, or you just don't like anymore.

Take anything that needs cleaning to the dry cleaners or wash at home. Then fill the room with any of these scents: rose (encourages warm, loving feelings), lavender (calms), jasmine (enhances harmony and desire).

Past Energy: (Baggage)Sometimes we get so caught up in the main parts of our house, that we forget about the basement. In Feng Shui, the basement represents our past, our buried feelings and our "baggage".

Spring is an ideal time to tackle the 'stuff' you have piled there, to deal with "later". Take a few hours to sort through your belongings and see if there are items that you don't use, are broken, out of date, or bring up unpleasant memories. Once this chore is done, you will sleep better at night and feel lighter knowing the past is free and clear.

To Learn More Go To Feng Shui Spring Cleaning

The Divinity and Wisdom Behind The Birds

2009-04-14T15:42:00.001-07:00

Since ancient times, because of the Birds connection to the sky, they have been thought of as a supernatural link between the heavens and the earth.

Middle Eastern and Asian cultures often speak of birds as symbols of immortality. In East Indian myth, every bird in the world represents a departed soul, and in Christian art, birds often appear as saved souls.

The Crane is a symbol of long life and immortality. The Eagle typifies power, resurrection and generosity. The Falcon signifies, "A Light that Shines in the Darkness". The Nightingale suggests love and longing. The Owl is synonymous with death and darkness; yet it can also bring wisdom, insight and virtue. The Peacock heralds spring, birth, new growth, longevity, and love. And the tiny Sparrow, represents the love of God for even the "least" among us.

Celebrations and Symbols of The Sacred Mother

2009-04-05T20:28:00.001-07:00

"For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world."

- William Ross Wallace

Mother's Day celebrations date back to ancient Greek spring festivals dedicated to the Mother Goddess, Rhea, and gifts the Romans made to their "Great Mother of All The Gods", Cybele.

In honor of The Virgin Mary, mother of Christ, Christians began celebrating the tradition of honoring your mother on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

It was in England that the holiday, called "Mothering Sunday", was expanded to include all mothers.

How to Speak Through Flowers

2009-04-01T12:36:00.005-07:00

Flowers speak to us in many different ways and people have been communicating through flowers since time immemorial. We express thoughts and emotions through the beauty of flowers.

Floriography- The language of flowers. A Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. ~ Text from Wikipedia

Aside from having a symbolic meaning, such as romance, sympathy or affection, flowers have their own timeless place in ancient legend and lore....

Learn about flowers, their meanings and the lore at "To Speak With The Flowers"

Symbols and Origins of Protection from The Evil Eye

2009-03-27T15:22:00.004-07:00

The Evil Eye is one of the oldest, worldwide superstitions, dating back even before civilizations such as the Egyptians and the Mesopotamians.

It was widely believed by the Ancients that certain evil or spiteful people could cause sickness and death merely by casting their Eye on another person.

Ancient Amulets and Talisman:

Arrow
Wear an arrow head amulet on a silver chain For protection from illness and guard against the evil eye. In ancient times it was believed sleeping with an arrow pulled from a human body worked as a love charm. The native American Cheyenne warriors revered the "sacred medicine arrows" as symbols of male power.

Italian Horn or Unicorn's Horn and Leprechaun's Staff
Introduced by the Druids; It is associated with good luck and good fortune. It is also used to ward off "Maluka" or the Evil Eye.

Cat's Eye
Removes hurdles and hindrances from your life, and wards off all evil influences like Black Magic or Witchcraft, the Evil Eye, and Spirits.

Hands
In just about every Mediterranean country, charms in the shape of human hands have been powerful symbols of good luck.

The ancient Etruscans and the Greeks wore lucky amulets representing a fist with the thumb tucked beneath the fingers. Similar charms with the index finger extended were believed to have power to ward off the evil eye.

The "Hamsa" or Hand of Fatima
Depicts an eye centered on an open, five fingered hand and encourages good luck or helps ward off bad luck.

In Muslim countries, the hand is made in honor of Fatima, the favorite daughter of the prophet Mohammad. Fatima was one of only three women worthy of entering heaven.
The thumb represents the prophet himself,
the first finger represents Fatima,
the middle finger her husband,
and the others her two sons.

The "Devil's Horn"
In many countries, but especially in Italy, the evil eye is thwarted with the so-called "devil's horn," the fist clenched with the index and little fingers outstretched.

Horseshoe
Some claim, a horseshoe pointing up for is for protection against sorcery, bad luck and the evil eye.

Onyx
Wear or carry to protect from dangers, misfortune, brings courage and strength. Increases spiritual wisdom and dispels negative energy also used for a charm against the evil eye and to control passionate desires.

The Eye of Horus or "All Seeing Eye"
An ancient symbol associated with the occult, used in modern witchcraft for wisdom, prosperity, spiritual protection, good health, to increase clairvoyant powers, protect against thieves, and the evil eye.

Sapphire
Use for harmony, peace, and to bring contentment. Protects the wearer from misfortune, fraud, enemies, violence, the evil eye, and psychic attacks.

Seal of Solomon or The Star of David
Use for protection against enemies, the evil eye, and spirits. Brings good luck in all aspects of life. This symbol dates back to the bronze age. Before becoming a prominent symbol of Judaism, the six pointed star was used by alchemists and was said to have been used by Druid priests as protection against evil ghosts.

Snake
Wear a rattlesnake's rattle to increase wisdom and sexual power, also protects against the evil eye.

Info from the Wicca Spellbook, by Gerina Dunwich

Learn More at Amulets and Symbols of Protection on Squidoo!

The Symbols of Friendship

2009-03-24T23:29:00.003-07:00

The Jade Plant or "Friendship Tree"
Some people mistake the Jade Plant to be the money plant. This plant has pink and white flowers and it's succulent green leaves, signify the joy and energy between two friends. The plant is said to have the capacity to spread joy, positive energy and add happiness in any environment. It is an ideal gift to be given to a friend.

Ivy is Symbolic of Connections and Friendships
Ivy has a propensity to interweave in growth. Ever furrowing and intertwining, the ivy is an example of the twists and turns our friendships often take - but it is also a testimony to the long-lasting connections and bonds we form with our friends over the years.

Another tribute to friendship, as well as the test of time, is the ivy's ability to grow in challenging environments. The ivy is incredibly durable and can withstand harsh conditions. This is symbolic of our ability to stick by our friends no matter what.

Yellow or Pink Rose
The Yellow Rose is the symbol of Friendship. However the Pink Rose often takes the place of the yellow rose these days, as the pink rose denotes the warmth, care and closeness of true Friendship.

Chrysanthemums Friendship Box
This a friendship symbol that comes from the Japanese Culture. In Japan chrysanthemums called "kikus" are exchanged between friends as a symbol of the virtue and incomparable value of their friendship.

They were featured on the imperial crest of Japan and beloved by emperors, who ruled from chrysanthemum thrones. One can present this friendship box to their friends for storing small valuable things.

Pineapples are Age-old Symbols of Friendship, Hospitality and Commitment
In times past, in larger, well-to-do homes, dining room doors were kept closed to heighten visitors' suspense about the dinner table being readied on the other side. At the appointed moment, the doors were flung open to reveal the evening's main event. Visitors confronted with pineapple-topped food displays felt particularly honored by a hostess who obviously spared no expense to ensure her guests' dining pleasure.

This was how the pineapple, came to symbolize welcoming friendship, good cheer, human warmth and the family affection that was inherent to such gatherings. Pineapples are still a treasured housewarming gift for friends and family.