FLOWER POWER:

A floral symphony. A customer caresses a bouquet of fresh orchids.

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

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

For any season. Malaysian mums are highly regarded as one of the bestselling flowers because of their affordable price and suitability in any occasion.

May, it is one of the seasons to grow flowers, so there is no shortage. Anyway, these kids do not buy flowers. They just pick it as they go. They even offer flowers such as santan.”

While kids can offer such tiny flowers, the indulgence during the highlight of Flores de Mayo, the Santacruzan, is unparallel. Arches after arches of beautifully arranged flowers as equally beautiful maidens walk underneath them is one of Filipino’s knack for the flowers’ beauty. “For the Santacruzan, it is more like a decoration for the procession but, deep inside, it speaks of the people’s religious devotions and culture,” Vivian, a mother of two daughters who help in organizing Santacruzan yearly in their parish, says.

SHADES OF LOVE

Every color, every hue – flower shops got it for you. There is no shortage of the bright yellow daffodils, inviting purple boat orchids, white-pink ombre Lily of the Incas, and the usual carnations, parung-parung, and gold wonder.

Jay Bee Fernandez, a grade 11 student of the Humanities and Social Sciences Strand of La Consolacion College Bacolod, acknowledges this parade of colors. “Flowers are beautiful because they are pleasing to the eyes. They are warm to the senses. That is why I am attracted to them,” Jay Bee shares.

A day before the World Teachers’ Day on October 5, Jay Bee with his classmates decided to purchase three plump red roses for their class adviser alongside doughnuts and cakes. “We chose to give flowers to show our sincerity. We want to show our adviser that we care for her.”

It is embedded in the Filipino tradition that three roses are an “I love you” without a sound. That’s why, on Valentine’s day and anniversaries, Helen’s and Vivian’s flowers are bestsellers. “Here, we do not arrange bouquets usually. We just sell the flowers and people can buy individually and arrange themselves. That’s how you show love, right? Through effort,” Vivian heartily laughs.

Vivian also adds that her usual buyers are not only those who buy for their romantic partners. Most are children, students, friends who want their parents, teachers, and best buds have a little surprise. “Those who really want to give their girlfriends really buy in flower shops at Lacson but some also buy here. There are many choices for them.”

Flowers carry a different message every time. May it be an “I love you” or “I’m sorry for your loss” or “Congratulations”, there is a perfect message for every occasion. So ,next time you cannot utter a word, let the flowers do the talking.

A handful of romance. Roses are often associated with romantic and passionate love and are in high demand during special occasions.