Flower Communion
Through the passage of time, flowers of all types have gained meaning and their significance has ranged from the simple to the profound. A single rose can impart love, a bunch of daisies can show friendship, and a mixed bouquet can express shared sorrow. In the context of a flower communion, however, flowers of all kinds become symbols of community, diversity, and shared esteem. The ritual involved in the flower communion is basic, but the symbolism runs deep. And yet, it can be a part of many different types of celebrations, to commemorate a birthday or season, or be a celebration in and of itself. A flower communion can take place in the height of summer, when flowers are at their richest and most colorful, or even in the autumn, winter, or spring.
In its simplest form, the flower communion is an exchange of flowers. Each member of a gathering brings a single stem with a blossom. The flower may have some significance to the bearer, being a favorite or something from their personal garden. As you arrive to the function, you place your flower in a communal vase, signifying a joining. When every flower has been placed, an individual or the entire group can arrange the diverse blossoms into a bouquet. Once the arrangement is complete, the host of the gathering may feel compelled to say a blessing or a few words about how each flower represents a single individual. No two are alike, as no two people are alike, yet all are able to come together to form a beautiful bouquet. The bouquet formed at any flower communion is unique, and would not be the same without the contribution of each person involved.
At the end of the ritual, each participant is invited to take home a different flower to show their willingness to walk with their fellows. But a flower ritual need not be between members of a group. Two people can recreate the flower communion by thoughtfully arranging a shared bouquet while contemplating humanity's uniqueness. Through the flower communion, people come together to share something of themselves. They leave with a token from the gathering and with the spirit of communion.
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