Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

For years, one little tulip would bloom in the backyard, between the compost bin and the cat feeding station.

We’ve tried to remember it’s origin. I thought a family funeral, but my blog archives proved otherwise – they were a condolence gift in March 2008 after the death of our beloved dog Mona. She had lymphatic cancer.

Each year, up pops a bud in the spring. Like clockwork.

This year, I noticed five buds. This morning – Easter morning – I found four flowers and the fifth ready to explode.

From the website Bloome and Wild

Where do tulips originate from?

Most people think that tulips originated in the Netherlands with how iconic they are over there. But, they actually came from Central Asia where they grew as a wildflower. And they were first cultivated in Turkey around 1000 AD. The tulip name actually comes from the Turkish word for ‘turban’ for their similar appearances.

Tulips were brought over to Europe in the 16th century by a biologist called Carolus Clusius. And by the 17th century, the popularity of tulips soared. Europeans just couldn’t get enough of the delightful blooms! The Netherlands loved tulips so much a phenomenon named ‘the tulip mania’ came in and caused the price of the flowers to skyrocket, crashing the markets.

In the early 18th century tulips were still taking the world by storm. Turkey even had a whole tulip festival dedicated to them, which is still held today and is an impressive sight to see! And it was a crime that was punishable by exile to either buy or sell tulips outside of the capital, which isn’t still implemented today…thankfully!

Nowadays, tulips represent one of the most popular flowers in the world. Holland is the most well-known place for tulips as they are widely cultivated to blanket fields with incredible colours that can be seen during springtime.

What do tulips symbolise?

Flowers are a great way to express your feelings to someone as each flower will always have its own special meaning. The most common meanings of tulips are:

Perfect or Deep Love

The most known meaning of tulips is perfect and deep love. As tulips are a classic flower that has been loved by many for centuries they have been attached with the meaning of love. They’re ideal to give to someone who you have a deep, unconditional love for, whether it’s your partner, children, parents or siblings.

Rebirth

As tulips bloom at the beginning of spring they also have a profound spiritual meaning of rebirth. If you know someone who is going through some life changes, taking on new adventures and challenges or have welcomed a new addition to the family, a lovely bouquet of tulips would make a wonderful gift.

Charity

Since the Victorian era tulips have also been a symbol of charity. With its cheerful nature and mark of a new season and new beginnings, many charities today still use the beloved tulip flower to represent them.

I found the blooms as I was working on the pet food pantry and Protect Trans Kids tasks, so that resonates.