society
A floral symphony. A customer caresses a bouquet of fresh orchids.
FLOWER POWER:
MARRIAGE OF COLOR AND CULTURE WORDS BY CHARLENE GRACE GELOTIN PHOTOS BY DAVE EVANGELISTA
Humans have a natural inclination to beauty. The complexity of human social interaction has revealed people’s knack for all things luxurious and pleasant. People want the best and grandest of things; the most sweet-smelling perfume, the juiciest choice cut of steak, the recently released high-end phone. What else speak volumes of visual beauty other than the mesmerizing, multicolored flowers?
FROM WOMB TO TOMB Through the years, flowers have been a key icon in human interaction. Giving of flowers has marked special occasions from the womb to the tomb. From weddings and baptisms, to birthdays and funerals, flowers are in perfect attendance. One person who can attest to this is Helen Policarpo, a flower vendor down Palanca St., a block from SM City Bacolod. Helen has been in the business for a decade and a half and is no stranger to Bacolod’s love for the colorful blossoms. “For any occasion, people really buy flowers; for weddings, for the dead, for Christmas. The days we are most busy are November 1, February 14, and Mothers’ Day,” Helen shares. For weddings, she says flowers are usually worn by both male and females. For the males, boutonnieres are demanded, which are typically pinned on the suit of the ring bearer, officiant, and ushers, as well as fathers and grandfathers. The boutonnieres are matched by the corsages that the bridesmaids and mothers tie around their wrists. These are, of course, on top of the compact bouquet the bride holds throughout the ceremony and throws afterwards. Tradition promises that the woman
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who catches the flailing set of flowers will be the next wedding’s bride. For grieving families, Helen reveals that customers buy flowers set up with towering stands as a sign of anguish and respect. “Usually, for the dead, we set [flowers] up with a stand because it shows respect to the dead and it comforts the family. The beauty in the flowers remind the family of the beauty of life despite their grief,” she continues. Helen says that the flowers best used in this occasion are simple ones such as roses, lilies, carnations, and sunflowers. CULTURE OF COLOR Philippines is a predominantly Christian country. With most of its populace being Roman Catholics, the celebration of Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan can be over the top. During the yearly catechism of Catholics in their respective communities during Flores de Mayo, their students, mostly between ages 6 to 12, offer flowers to an image of the Virgin Mary. This rite of marching down the aisle to offer a flower at the foot of Mary is done every day. Good thing, there is no shortage of flowers in the country, says Vivian Yulo, 31, another vendor in the block. “During
