Delhi Spring: Tulips 2022

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“A tulip doesn’t strive to impress anyone. It doesn’t struggle to be different than a rose. It doesn’t have to. It is different. And there’s room in the garden for every flower.”

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Most people think that tulips originated in the Netherlands. They are actually native to Central Asia where they grew as a wildflower and eventually made their way to Turkey. But it was when the flower was first cultivated in the Netherlands that it really came to prominence.

“…Tulips come in many solid colors, but there are striped ones, too and are called “broken tulips” (viral infection) . These unusual tulips were greatly prized and sold for a high price since the 1600s, but in 1931, scientists discovered that the coloring was caused by a virus spread by aphids (sap-sucking insects). Today, this coloring is reproduced artificially. The virus is still used to alter the DNA, but it’s done without aphids….”

What do tulips symbolize? The most known meaning of tulips is perfect and deep love. As tulips bloom at the beginning of spring they also have a meaning of rebirth. They are the 11th wedding anniversary flower.

Tulip petals are edible and can be used to replace onions in many recipes or even to make wine. This was something the Dutch learned during the Hunger Winter famine of 1944. There was one a recipe for bread made from crushed up tulip bulb, flower, salt and water.

The blooms have three petals and three sepals, but since the sepals are almost the same size and shape as the petals, tulips appear to have six petals to a bulb.

The beautiful flowers are actually related to another popular spring flower: the lily. Tulips are a part of the Liliaceae family, which also contains lilies, onions, garlic and asparagus.

There are over 150 species of tulips (75 being wild species) with over 3,000 different varieties. There are even tulips that bloom with up to four different flower heads atop just one stem!

The time period where the flower was so expensive (around 1634 to 1637) is now known as “Tulip Mania” Tulips became a status symbol to the Dutch and contributed to one of the world’s first financial economic bubbles known as “Tulip Mania” where they were so valuable, they could be used to buy a house!

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation uses a tulip as its symbol. The tulip is the national flower of countries like Turkey, Afghanistan & Netherland.

Enjoy this short clip showcasing the beauty of these gorgeous blooms.

Tulip Colors and meaning (Source: Bloom&Wild)
Purple tulips have a meaning of royalty and elegance. Since purple dye was a luxury that only royals, or the super-wealthy, could afford. Purple tulips are perfect for bridal bouquets.
Pink tulips are known for meaning affection, caring, good wishes, and love. Although not as deep or passionate love as red tulips represent. Pink tulips are great to send to friends and family members to show them you care. If you want to congratulate someone on a new job, a promotion or graduation, pink tulips say it best!
Red tulips have a meaning of eternal love and passion. They’re very popular flowers for couples to give each other and to use for weddings too.
Yellow tulips are one of the happiest flowers around and they even have a meaning of cheerfulness and hope! Victorian’s even believe that yellow tulips meant “there’s sunshine in your smile” which is just too adorable. If you plant yellow tulips in your front or back garden it’s known to bring good luck and prosperity to your home.
White tulips have a meaning of forgiveness, respect, purity and honor. Apparently, according to superstition, if you dream about white tulips, it can mean that you’re about to embark on a new journey and a fresh start in life.

The first blooms in Delhi was a small batch in 2020 in different colors, including purple. Here’s the photo post I had shared on it.

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The Soul Is Here For It’s Own Joy!
Monika Ohson | TravelerInMe