Our first camellia budded out yesterday – about ten days later than usual. I know this because my mother almost always gave me a big bouquet of camellias on my birthday, February 28th. On that date this year, the buds were still so tight that not a hint of their bright pink color showed.
But what a difference a week makes. Now they will be coming on like gang-busters, at least the ones by our east door will. Those on the south side of the house, with their smaller blossoms of a lighter, more delicate pink will burst forth a few weeks from now.
Nevertheless, because of my mother’s yearly gift, I consider the camellia my ‘birth flower.’ February birthday people will know that our flower is really said to be the violet or iris but I’m quite happy to be a renegade in this respect. And I’m happy with the symbolism that goes with camellia’s. It seems to suit my situation.
In China, the camellia is considered the flower for young sons and daughters. It symbolizes honest excellence. I don’t know about that second part, but how clever of my mother to intuitively know they were an appropriate gift for me! Never mind that our DNA probably doesn’t contain a trace of Chinese influence.
On the other hand, violets are the symbol of modesty or faithfulness and irises stand for faith, wisdom, and cherished friendship. Those are all lovely traits and I’m sure that all of us February folks aspire to them. But, none of them speak to the mother-daughter devotion like the camellia. Specifically, the camellias that grow by our east porch! Each year when they bloom I can still hear my mom saying, “Happy Birthday, Sydney!”
You will have your lovely house filled with flowers before you know it! I can see it in my mind now. Enjoy!