Lily of the Valley – photo by H. Zell
This week’s MotD theme: For Whom the Bell Toll
H. Zell posted this simply beautiful photo of these delightful bell-like flowers from Karlsruhe, Germany on wikipedia’s Lily of the Valley page. Check out how these cute little blossoms start out as little white mandala-like orbs. Against the bright green leaves, the petite bells really stand out.
From Herbs2000.com about this spring-time flower:
The lily of the valley is a native flower of the European continent, where it has been the subject of many traditional legends and herbal superstitions. The flowers of the lily of the valley become symbolic of the Virgin Mary, the white flowers suggestive of chastity and purity, the flowers are commonly called Our Lady’s tears, and they are a common theme in many paintings of the Virgin done in Europe during the renaissance and later. The name ladder to heaven was given to the plant by medieval monks who saw the even step like arrangement of the flowers along the stalk as symbolic of steps to heaven. Birds like the nightingales are said to be attracted to the fragrance of the flowers.
Inspiration for Today
For some, the Lily of the Valley is seen as a good luck charm and a bringer of happiness. As we go about our day today, find delightfully easy ways to bring happiness to others. And while we’re at it let’s include some happiness for ourselves.
Happy Coloring!
If you would want your mandala or your idea for a mandala to be considered for the “Mandala of the Day”, read about how on the Participate page. It’s easy! Or recommend one you’ve seen via my Contact page.
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