The information on this site is intended to increase your appreciation and enjoyment of art in general as well as to give you a better understanding of the philosophy and purpose behind the artwork offered by Living Arts Originals. The following are summaries of each article on this site. Click on the link to read the complete article.
General Articles
Illustrated Flower Symbolism Guide
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Flowers are a part of every significant event in our life from birth to death. In the Victorian era, flower symbolism became a complete language.
The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
The practice of embuing flowers with symbolic meaning crosses all cultural boundaries. This practice began as early as recorded history and continues to spark the imagination of mankind today. See our most extensive alphabetical flower list of the symbolic meaning of flowers.
Alphabetical Flower List
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Flower symbolism is a fascinating practice that crosses all cultural boundaries. Our extensive alphabetical flower list below links to images for selected flowers, information about the flower meanings of the flowers and unique artwork and gifts based on the flower.
Garden Flower Symbolism and Flower Facts
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Read about the flower symbolism and fascinating facts about popular garden flowers including bluebells, foxglove, impatiens, lupines, marigolds, poppies, tulips, sunflowers and sweet peas. Your garden flowers will take on a whole new level of meaning!
Flower Symbolism and Mary Gardens
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
In the late Middle Ages, depictions of the Virgin Mary in an idealized garden were common in Flemish and German paintings. Some churches began creating actual gardens devoted to Mother Mary for worshippers to visit for meditation and prayer. Learn more about flower symbolism and Mary Gardens.
All About Western Wildflowers
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Western wildflowers have a fascinating history. Read about the uses and ecology of western wildflowers including bitterroot wildflowers, snowberry wildflowers, owl-clover wildflowers, indian paintbrush wildflowers and the yucca wildflower.
History of Flower Art
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Explore the fascinating history of flower art beginning in the ancient Egyptian and Roman times and moving forwards to the modern age. Read about key flower artists including Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, Henry Matisse and Georgia O'Keefe.
Apple and Apple Blossom Symbolism and Legends
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
The history and meaning of apples, apple blossoms, apple mythology, and the legend of Johnny Appleseed.
Blue Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Covers the connections between the color blue and health, personality, language, spirituality, interior design, nature, art and the mind.
Color Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Color symbolism affects nearly every area of life: clothing, interior design, graphic design, computer interface design, fine art, consumer product development and packaging, food choices and corporate identity.
Forest and Tree Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Forests have always had deep-rooted symbolic meaning in virtually every culture on earth. Forests are the abode of the nature spirits. Forests are a refuge from danger as well as a source of dangerous wild animals. Forests are mysterious and constantly changing. Individual trees also have specific symbolic meanings.
Western Wildflowers
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Western wildflowers have a fascinating history. Read about the uses and ecology of western wildflowers including bitterroot wildflowers, snowberry wildflowers, owl-clover wildflowers, indian paintbrush wildflowers and the yucca wildflower.
Caring for Your Art
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Information about the proper care of original art including how to handle issues of sunlight, artificial light, heat and humidity, dirt and dust, storage and damage repair.
Articles About Individual Flowers
Bamboo Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
The bamboo is the most popular plant in China. Every village in Southern China is surrounded by bamboo groves. To be Chinese is to feel at home with bamboo.
Camellia Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
The symmetrical beauty and long-lasting quality of the flowe have long been appreciated by young lovers as the token for expressing devotion to each other. In the eyes of the Chinese, the petals reflect the spirit of a lady, and the holder of the petals (the calyx) represents the young man entrusted by the lady as her protector.
Day Lily Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
The day lily has many names in China. When it has a cheerful position, the flower is called "Wong Yu," meaning "Forgetting Worries." Since the flower is worn by many mothers, the Chinese also venerate the day lily as a symbol of filial devotion to one's mother.
Calla Lily Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
The flower symbolism associated with the calla lily is magnificent beauty. Calla lilies are native to southern Africa. The calla lily is visible in many of Diego Rivera's works of art. Georgia OKeefe's sensual flowers redefined the flower as a pure, almost geometric form.
Cyclamen Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
The flower symbolism associated with cyclamen flowers is resignation and goodbye. This symbolism makes cyclamen especially appropriate for gifts for friends who are retiring or relocating.
Day Lily Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
The day lily is aptly named due to the the fact that their flowers open at sunrise and wither at sunset. Day lilies are popular worldwide, with over 60,000 cultivars. Some species of the day lily are edible and are eaten in dishes in China including soup and stir-fry dishes.
Iris Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
Blessed with the colors of the rainbow, the iris has been recognized as the dancing spirit of early summer. Its soft, fluttering petals remind the Chinese people of butterfly wings, flapping gently in the breeze.
Lupine Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Lupines are symbolic of imagination. The name lupinus actually means of wolves due to the mistaken belief that ancient peoples had that lupines robbed the soil of nutrients. See our lupine notecards and flower art gifts!
Morning Glory Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
The star-shaped morning glory, which opens in the morning and withers quickly before dusk, is symbolic of a single day each year in which the Chinese lovers, Chien Niu and Chih Neu, are allowed to meet.
Orchid Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
The grass orchid is admired for its subtle beauty. Its fragrance is intimately enticing but never overpowering. It usually chooses its hermitage in the most spiritual places in nature, where the nountian is embraced by mists or rocks by the roaring streams. To sit with the orchid is a scholarly pursuit with a long tradition. It inspires purity and simplicity.
Poinsettia Flowers Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
The ancient Aztecs considered the poinsettia to be a symbol of purity. Today, poinsettias are the most easily recognized flower symbolic of Christmas. Poinsettias originally came from Mexico and Central America.
Poppy Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
Poppies represent the loyalty and faith between lovers. Acording to Chinese legend, a beautiful and courageous woman, Lady Yee, was married to Hsiang Yu, a warrior with Herculean strength. When Hsiang led his troops into battle, Lady Yee chose to follow him and stood by his side in every battle.
Rose Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
The rose has been in cultivation since the beginning of Chinese history. Ladies carried rose petals in their purses and gentlemen made wine and herbal medicine with the petals. Along with the name Orchid, Rose is one of the most popular names for girls in China.
Sunflower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Sunflowers are symbolic of adoration. Sunflowers turn their heads to the sun, which is the origin of their common name. Sunflowers belong to the genus helianthus, a reference to Helios, the sun god.
Tulip Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
Tulips are generally symbolic of fame and perfect love. The symbolic meanings also change with the color of the tulips. Tulips are the foremost national symbol of Holland, rivaling wooden shoes and windmills!
Wisteria Flower Symbolism
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA and Ning Yeh, Ph.D.
The wisteria is called "Purple Vine" in China. In one cluster, the petals shade harmoniously from the strong, dark purple tip to the soft, light pink at the open base. Among all plants, vines are the most vivid examples of nature's playful spontaneity.
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