Tag: carnations

What Symbols Speak To You?

by Mershon Niesner

Symbols are the imaginative signposts of life. Margot Asquith, author

Pink carnations have always been special to me because they were the flowers on my mother’s casket and one of the few memories I have of the months following her death. I think they were randomly chosen but, perhaps, my dad chose them for their meaning. I’ll never know.

In the Dictionary of Flowers at the end of the book, The Language of Flowers, pink carnations (Dianthus Caryophyllus) mean I will never forget you. According to Mr. Google, it’s believed that pink carnations first appeared on earth from the Virgin Mary’s tears, making them the symbol of a mother’s undying love. It’s no wonder they have always held a special place in my heart. 

Affirmation: I honor the symbols in my life.

Coaching questions: What symbols do you hold dear? What do they mean to you and why? How do they help you keep your memories alive?

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I Will Never Forget You

by Mershon Niesner

Symbols are the imaginative signposts of life. Margot Asquith, Countess of Oxford and Asquith, socialite, author and wit.

Pink carnations have always been special to me because they were the flower spray selected by my dad to cover my mother’s casket.  I think they were randomly chosen perhaps because they are feminine or inexpensive. I doubt if my dad had any idea of their meaning.

As I finished reading The Language of Flowers, I discovered in the author’s Dictionary of Flowers at the end of the book, that pink carnations (Dianthus Caryophyllus) mean I will never forget you. I learned this just today after sixty four years of holding pink carnations precious just for that reason. In fact, the photo  below is me holding a pink carnation on Mother’s Day 2018.

Flowers and other symbols, colors, smells, songs…all of these things and more are sensory reminders that keep our memories and love alive.

Affirmation: I honor the symbols in my life.

Coaching questions: What symbols do you hold dear? What do they mean to you and why? How do you keep your memories alive?

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