Nov 1st and 2nd is usually celebrated as the Day of the Dead in Mexico and we wondered about the cultural significance that plants hold and how they bring people together. Here is what we found about the use of plants in various cultures:
Lotus: In many Eastern cultures, they represent purity and enlightenment.
Rose: In Western cultures, they are a symbol of love and beauty.
Olive tree: In ancient Greece and Rome, they represented peace and reconciliation.
Tulsi (Holy basil): In Hinduism, it is a sacred plant that symbolises devotion to God. It is believed to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mental clarity.
Ginseng: Highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its believed healing properties to help the body adapt to stress and improve overall mental and physical health.
Cherry blossoms: In Japan, these trees are celebrated during Hanami, a festival marking the arrival of spring.
Marigolds: To honor the deceased loved one. In various cultures, they are linked to the sun and regarded sacred.
Yucca and Agave: Native American cultures use these natural plant fibers to create baskets and textiles.
The significance of plants in culture is so fascinating. These cultural associations with plants often enrich and inform our understanding of the natural world and our place within it. Do you have a plant used in your culture that we have not mentioned here? How are they used? Tell us.
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