~ Flowers Of Shiraz ~
Blog Series On Flowers In Literature
Flowers they say are “love’s truest language”. When we think of flowers we think of the delicacy and sheen of their petals, their varied hues and colours, their many fragrances, the beauty and brightness they add to the environment. “The earth laughs in flowers” said Ralph Waldo Emerson
Flowers symbolise brilliance through their colours, growth and harmony through their existence, and death and decay through their short span of life; Their bloom and sheen represents life in all its vividness, its diverse moods and dispositions. We like to exhibit our affection, care, love, and such human emotions to our loved ones though flowers. Flowers are an expression of love, especially for lovers.
We like to give flowers and get flowers on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries; they have a role in deaths and funerals too.
Ancient scriptures mention favourite flowers of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Due to mythological references flowers are used in religious ceremonies and practices too. In almost all civilizations -- ancient and new, and all religions and faiths that are known to humanity, flowers have a special significance and place. No wonder the glory of blooming flowers and withering leaves has been penned by writers and poets in literatures in all languages.
I recall a famous Hindi poem ‘Pushpa Ki Abhilasha’ penned by Pandit Makhan Lal Chaturvedi wherein the flower expresses its desire as to how it prefers to be used by the gardener:
"Chaah nahi main surbala ke gehnon mein guntha jaaun
Chhah nahi premi maala mein bindh pyari ko lalchaun…
Mujhe tod lena tum banmaali uss path par dena tum phek
Matribhoomi par sheesh chadhane jis path jaaye veer anek."
I"d posted this poem last year; Riverine had attempted translation of the same:
The Yearning of a Flower
Desireth not to be on the young lass’
Tresses…living twice all over,
Desireth not to be in a garland
Binding, enticing young lovers,…
Pick me out, O Gardener!
Strew me on the path that the Brave tread
To sacrifice for Motherland!
Let me, in obeisance, bow my head!
Hindi poets and lyricists, and Urdu shayars have also written many pieces on flowers -- sometimes comparing the glowing dimpled cheeks of the beloved with rose petals or her eyes with that of the lotus.
In English Literature flowers like Daffodils, Lilies, Roses, Violets, Carnations, Tulips and Daisies find a special mention in the works of poets including William Wordsworth, Alfred Tennyson and R W Emerson.
In Hindi literature, most widely referred flowers are gulab, kamal, champa, ketki, palash, rajnighandha, kumud, parijat, amaltash, malati, kanak champa, genda, raat ki raani and juhi; some trees like ashok and kadamb are mentioned in epics
Ramayana and Mahabharatha.
In prose and poetry similes and metaphors were being used to draw comparisons with flowers. Idioms, phrases and proverbs on flowers can also be found in literature.
When our literature if full of references to beautiful and fragrant flowers, film songs wouldn’t be an exception. Lyricists have penned beautiful poetry on flowers. Hindi film songs that immediately come to my mind are ‘Baharon Phool Barsao’ from Suraj and ‘Phir Chidi Raat Baat Phoolon Ki’ from Bazaar. Don’t we all remember the scenes from olden movies where the directors made the flowers dance and kiss on the screen instead of the lovers? 
Though this is the age of rain dances, lovers still prefer to say it with flowers on occasions like Valentine’s Day. ;)
This blog series titled ‘Flowers Of Shiraz’ would cover a variety of flowers, especially referring to their mention in Hindi literature. First in the series would be ‘Rajnigandha’ or Tuberose.
Namita Sachan had given shape to my idea and here we are, announcing this blog series. She has agreed to write most of the blogs for this series. She insisted that I should post the introductory blog. I would try to assist her, as and when possible. There are some technical issues in this blogspace and at times, I am not able to post blogs, comments, images and videos.
Bloggers are welcome to mention references to varied flowers in literature (any Indian language). You are also welcome to share your favourite song on the same theme. We look forward to your valuable inputs to help us compile references to flowers in literature.
Little flower, but if I could understand, what you are, root
and all in all, I should know what God and man is.
- Tennyson
Let us open our leaves like a flower,
and be passive and receptive.
- John Keats
And 't is my faith, that every flower
Enjoys the air it breathes.
- William Wordsworth
It is at the edge of a petal that love waits.
- William Carlos Williams
Click here to read the complete translation of ‘The Yearning Of A Flower’
Translation Courtesy: Riverine
Pictures Courtesy: Websites
Video Courtesy: YouTube
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[P.S. Shiraz is an ancient city located in southwest Iran. It is Persian cultural capital. Shiraz is also known as the 'City of Roses' and 'City of Gardens'. Shiraz, I am told by a friend, is also popular for its wine. My friend 'A' suggested the title. Till we come back, take a look at the flowers around you, smell the fragrant ones and enjoy!]
I thought Shiraz was an Australian red wine *confused* Why O Why couldn't you start a series about that?
I came to rag you, but I liked the "Pushp kee abhilasha" poem so much, that I can't think of any weird stuff to rag you with :))
MU Sweets... now what do I do, while y'all overdose on flowers? :((
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http://swayamprava.sulekha.com/blog/post/2008/07/jasmine.htm
My entry....Hope you will like it....
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MU/ Namita
Here is my blog.
http://nupurroopa.sulekha.com/blog/post/2008/07/champaka-flower-flowers-of-shiraz-for-my-utterances.htm
Tell me
Nupur
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Hey MU,
This was a beautifully compiled blog! Loved it!
Bunty.
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Premsaran
Welcome to this blogspace. Thanks for the appreciation. I give the credit to Namita Ji for preparing me to go ahead with this series. She has searched her diaries for beautiful poems on flowers... and has shared her thoughts in her unique style.
I hope that you would keep encouraging us through your visits and comments. If possible, pen something on flowers. Cheers and Regards.
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Yashasvi2001
I am glad that Namita Ji's write-up brought you here. Welcome to this blogspace.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on flowers. We would look forward to your visits and comments on other blogs of this series. Cheers and Regards.
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Dear Dr Kamath
I know that you had been busy with Guru Purnima functions at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple where you perform regularly. Thanks for sharing your views on flowers. Rose is a favourite with many people. We intend to do a blog on rose.
I came to know of Shiraz through my friend Mr A. He suggested the title for the blog series. Shiraz he told me, is the cultural city of Iran and it is known for wine, flowers and poetry -- all the exotic and toxicating things ;)))
I am glad that you liked the concept/blog. We would look forward to your visits and comments on other blogs of this series. Do share with us your fav song that has reference to flowers. I guess it would be Rafi's 'Baharon Phool Barsaao'. Thanks and Regards.
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Komlet
I had shared the thought with Namit Ji. Credit goes to her for translating that idea into reality and come up with this blog series. I am glad that you liked the concept. We would look forward to your contribution in some way. Cheers and Regards.
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Sue Menon
You are most welcome to join in. I realize that you are tied up with lots of stuff at this moment. Please don't stretch yourself to play the tag game. You may post the blog later some time.. at your convenience. Thanks for your visit and comment. Cheers :))
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Bijaya Ghosh
White flowers look graceful and quiet, elegant and intersting.... like the white rose, tuberose and lilies. Thanks for sharing your fav flowers. If you can, do write a blog on the same. Cheers and Regards.
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