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Plants For Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a long weekend marking the beginning of the summer growing season. So this means that it’s time to start and celebrate and set out a warm-weather show for your plant. In commemorating the memories we have with our lost special someone. The memorial day holiday is an ideal time to plant in honor of our veterans and gardens filled with memories. Having memorial plants is considering them as the lost loved ones of who we are fond of. So providing them peace and a place to remember will keep their memories last within us. Planting in someone’s memory is a lasting tribute to their place in your heart. Celebrating memorial day is honoring the loss of special someone.
What is Memorial Day celebrated for?
Memorial Day, is also known as Decoration Day. Celebrating this on the last Monday in May and usually in the United States. So at present, Memorial day will be on May 30 this year 2022. Paying to be a tribute to all military officials who sacrifice their lives while serving the country. The history of Memorial Day is closely tied to the Civil War. When heartbroken Southern women decorate Confederate soldiers’ graves with flowers, Memorial Day evolves into a day to remember all fallen American troops, not just those from the South.
Originally, in 1868, a group of Union veterans honors the memory of the fallen soldiers making this the holiday the memorial day. So this celebration of memorial day is the way how Americans honor the memory of those who sacrifice themselves for serving the country. Originally, this commemoration begins when General John Logan ask a favor for people to decorate the graves of Union soldiers with flowers and flags.
Although its origins are somber, it has become an occasion for memorial bbq or barbecues and other festive activities. Despite changing times, we still place flowers on the graves of those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom on Memorial Day.
Why is Memorial Day Created?
The first Memorial Day was in Waterloo, New York, on May 5, 1866. So on this day, both sides of the Civil War—the Union and Confederacy—decorated the graves of soldiers from their respective armies who had died in battle. Memorial Day was, for the second time in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.
By the late 1800s, Memorial Day celebrations were being held in cities and communities across the United States. While in the early 1900s, several states declare Memorial Day a legal holiday. The holiday grows when passing this on the Congress. A resolution in 1971 giving national recognition to memorial day as the last Monday of May. Since then, Americans celebrate the day with solemn ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., and other cemeteries across the country. May 30 has always been memorial day. Commemorating to honor, remember and lament the sacrifices of the fallen military officials that dedicated their lives to the country.
Difference Between Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Veterans Day is an important U.S. holiday that recognizes the sacrifices of veterans of all wars. This year it falls on November 11th. In 1918, armistices declare World War 1 between Allied nations and Germany the popular “Great War”. It falls on the eleventh day of the eleventh month and the eleventh hour. Until then, Veterans Day becomes generally known in 1966, to honor all veterans who served in the war.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two national holidays. It honors the sacrifice of U.S. military veterans. And also celebrates the people in the country’s armed forces and the values Americans hold dear. Therefore, these two holidays honors the sacrifices of people who serve in U.S Armed forces. But the memorial day is a commemorating tribute to honor the honorific service of those lives that were lost. While Veterans Day celebrates all veterans of the U.S. military operations. Through these holidays, we reflect on those efforts and sacrifices by American patriots who protects and defends the country they cherish.
Relationship Between Plants and Memorial Day
During the memorial day, flowers that you receive usually have certain meanings. For example, red roses symbolize love and white daisies are is a representation of purity. But the practice of giving plants as a gift has been around for a while, but it is not new.
Which flower is worn on and around memorial day?
A Red Poppy symbolizes remembrance for veterans of war since 1914. Playing a big role in the history of Memorial Day. John McCrae has written a poem about these flowers when he sees them growing on a battlefield in Flanders, Belgium, during World War I. The sale of these poppies supports veterans associations and funds many charities.
The red poppy was the first symbol to symbolize remembrance after the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. Therefore, shortly after these wars, which left the land barren, red poppy flowers miraculously grow around the bodies of fallen soldiers. Red poppy became a symbol of hope and peace. With an underlying meaning. Telling soldiers’ sacrifice is necessary for a greater good. Poppies are common flowers that have many symbolic meanings. It is usually used to remember those who have died, and poppies on headstones represent eternal rest. Representing peace, death, and sleep around the world.
Remembering the Dead with Plants on Memorial Day
You can remember special someone with a living plant, also known as a memorial plant. When you grow a plant in memory of someone, it grows to symbolize that person’s life. It’s a way of honoring their memory by emphasizing the cycle of life. And it’s a way to keep your loved ones with you in spirit even after they live in the present world. So when deciding to get a plant, the next step is to find the right place to put your plants.
Some people choose to put their memorial plants outside, while others like to keep them inside. Some examples of popular plants for memorials are roses, daisies, and tulips. People often choose these plants because they have symbolic meanings associated with grief and loss. For instance, rosemary is traditionally associated with remembrance, and forget-me-nots symbolize in memory of someone special due to their name.
Top 5 Best Plants for Memorial Day
Rosary Vine Houseplant
The Rosary vine, or Cordyline fruticosa, is a plant that is used as both an ornamental and religious symbol. It has attractive features like a string of beads on a rosary and heart-shaped leaves. It’s native to Africa and makes an excellent houseplant in USDA zones 10 and above. Otherwise, you can keep it indoors if you prefer. Having this religious reminder and symbol of growth for lost loved ones makes it a good choice for a memorial plant. Especially for those families who are religious.
The growth habit resembles beads on a string and is called a “string of hearts”. It has an association with family members who are still moving forward every day and growing from the sorrow of losing someone special, along with divine intervention as a guide on their journey. It gives off a consoling effect but also has an elegant appearance when displayed in a home or garden
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Evergreen Rosemary
Rosemary is traditionally associated with recollection. As the following rhyme presents: “Rosemary is for remembrance / Between us day and night / Wishing I may always have you in my sight.” We make efforts on Memorial Day in order to keep those special ones close to our hearts. The most common associations with this plant are love, companionship, and nostalgia.
Saint Thomas More considers the herb to be sacred and remembers it. Giving this plant as a gift or using it yourself on Memorial Day will make it all the more special! Aside from its significance on this holiday, this plant also has a gorgeous appearance. Because of the needle-like-leaved perennial with brilliant blue flowers that persist through spring and summer and it smells good as the flowers fill the air with a nice piney fragrance—making it an ideal gift to consider.
Peace Lily Plant
A peace lily can symbolize many different things. It often reminds people of the white flag that represents the sign of a truce, and it can also convey healing or tranquility. It also signifies many positive things when given to someone. Giving a peace lily to someone emphasizes that you are wishing them peace, love, and support on their journey. Which will be really nice to have on a memorial holiday. Peace Lily Plant is the popular choice for offices and homes. Its ease of care makes it a good plant for beginners but growing peace lilies indoors still requires attention to detail.
Orchids
Orchids can be used traditionally as sympathy gift plants because they symbolize peace and serenity. They are also a great choice of plant for a sympathy gift if you want to send someone a potted plant, but there are many varieties available in many different colors which also have their own different emotional representation. Orchids are beautiful and elegant plants that symbolize love and affection for someone dear. It adds a touch of class and beauty to any occasion. May it be for a death ceremony or memorial service-making it more meaningful and special. Having this plant may be perfect for you for it is very easy to care for. But keeping the soil moist and temperature control is a must to properly take care of its and its life.
Philodendron
If you’re looking for a memorial plant gift or a plant that can survive in less-than-ideal conditions and last longer than most living things, try the Philodendron. Philodendrons are one of the easiest houseplants to grow and make great gifts for people who struggle to keep plants alive. It does well even when neglected and can survive quite a long time without water.
Although it’s not ideal for any plant to go through a dry period, the philodendron seems to adjust well, making it an ideal choice for beginners. For people who want a plant for memorial day to remember the fallen loved ones through something that makes their home look beautiful without needing much attention, this is the perfect plant to consider!
Why Can Plants Make Lovely Sympathy Gift For Someone Who Lost Someone Special?
It has been a traditional practice in several countries and cultures across the globe to send sympathy plants to someone. A sympathy plant is a thoughtful and kind expression of love and respect for the dear loss of someone, regardless of whether it is in honor of a funeral or at home.
Plants serve as living tributes for the dead. In addition, cut flowers don’t last as long as plants. But after the initial pangs of grief subside, you can enjoy your gift. Later on, I will be showing you the Top 5 Best Plants for Memorial, so you could start having choices for the upcoming May 30 2022 holiday.
Furthermore, plants are eco-friendly gifts. Houseplants and outdoor plants improve air quality in a home, placing them every 100 square feet or strategically positioned throughout the house. Many types of plants add beauty, freshness, and softness to a home. And as we continue on this matter, I will also be giving you planting tips.
Memorial Day Planting Tips
You can also get started planting Memorial Day plants if you want to grow them out on your own for more sentimental value with these tips.
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Prepare the Soil
Getting the soil ready can start well before the big weekend. It will help to remove weeds and rocks from the garden patch and cultivate it to its full potential. If drainage is a concern, use some sand along with organic compost. Also, you can advance feed your plants by working a slow-release fertilizer (low nitrogen content) into the soil at the top of the foot.
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Buy early
If you hold off until Memorial Day, you’ll be stuck with whatever seedlings nobody else wanted. Go shopping a week in advance. Pick seedlings with good growth, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the biggest. Opt for compact seedlings with strong stems. Leave behind those with spots on their leaves, wilted or discolored leaf edges, or pest holes. Keep them moist and in a cool spot until planting.
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Careful with the roots
When transplanting seedlings, treat the act as a kind of art. Don’t yank the plants out of their containers; slide them out carefully so that you don’t damage the roots or stems. If they won’t budge, try pinching or rolling flexible pots to loosen the root ball. If roots circle on the root ball, make sure to separate or slice through them as needed.
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Nurture the seedlings
On planting day, direct sun can hurt newly planted seedlings even if they do well in full sun. Until they’re planted spray them often and keep them in the shade. Water them well before you plant them. Then put them on the ground early in the morning or late afternoon.
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Plant at the right depth
The general rule about how deep to plant seedlings is simple: plant them at the same depth as they grew in their pots. The exception is tomatoes, which need to be planted deeper than they were in their pots to get sturdy stems and healthier plants.
Hopefully, having mentioned the tips will help you want to grow your plants on your own. You can also share these with your friends and family.
Conclusion
If you’re making a plant for a sympathy gift, we hope these tips will help you decide on the right kind. Try including a note and some instructions on how to care for your plant. It will be surely more appreciated. Having a memorial plant keeps the memory of a lost loved one alive. Does not only saves you from loneliness, but it also gives you life – literally, with the oxygen it releases. In this way, we will always be preserved and remembered the memory of our loved one.
Consider purchasing a plant for the home of a loved one who has recently passed away. A cut flower cannot live forever, but a flowering plant can last for years and can serve as an everlasting memorial to those you lost.
Read More:
Grandma’s African Violets: A Nostalgic Journey into Blooming Memories
