After a very long wedding season, I finally gave birth to my baby girl, Violet Grace on 10/20/10, weighing 8 lbs. 13 ozs. and measuring 20 inches. And yes, of course I named my daughter after a flower! It was between naming her Charlotte (after the red rose with the same name) and Violet through my entire pregnancy. I think the name really suits her sweet “go with the flow” personality.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Violet flowers, they are some of the sweetest you will find. Not only are they delightfully feminine and petite, they are also used to adorn cakes and pastries and for making violet syrup. Violets are used in many French candies, for wine making, and medicinal purposes.
Violets have been cultivated since 500 B.C. or earlier. The Ancient Greeks considered these flowers to be symbols of fertility and love, and used them to concoct love potions.
Violet flowers are considered a symbol of modesty. Both Greek and Roman Mythology tell the tale of one of the Goddess Diana’s nymph friends being chased unrelentingly by Diana’s twin brother Apollo. The nymphs had all sworn to stay maidens, so Diana turned the nymph into a Violet flower to protect her. There are plenty of other myths out there associated with Violets, but I think this one is my favorite.
Violets have religious significance as well. They are associated with Mary and modesty, the religious name Viola Odorata is our Lady’s Modesty. Violets denote spiritual wisdom, humility and faithfulness. These meanings make Violets the ideal flower to give for a 50th Wedding Anniversary.
It is said that when one dreams of Violets, this is a sign of success and moving ahead in life.
HUGE THANKS to everyone for all the encouraging e-mails, thoughtful gifts, and cards through my pregnancy and for our sweet girl’s arrival!!!!
Congratulations Luke and Nancy!!!!