The Carnation is placed at either end of the bouquet for it is the flower
emblem for Mother's Day. Ancient legend tells of the first appearance of the carnation. It appeared on earth the year the mother of Christ bore her Son. Another fable relates that the flower sprang from tears shed by His mother
as Christ was led to be crucified. You give a gift of good luck when you give
a woman a carnation.

The Coltsfoot, Wood Anenome, and Periwinkle symbolize the maternal care, love and devotion of a mother. These sentiments create the happy memories represented by the periwinkle.

The Grape Hyacinth is included in the bouquet to represent the comfort of a mother's love and also the playfulness and joyousness she gives. Poets tell us that the hyacinth is "Worthy to feed the soul". A mother's comfort may
indeed fill one's soul with joyousness.

The Mallow brings maternal tenderness to the bouquet. There are many
species of the mallow and reportedly one can find one to "charm the eye,
heal the sick, please the palate, or clothe the body". Similar abilities are
in a mother's realm.

The Cinquefoil translates to mean "Beloved Daughter" and in another
source conveys maternal affection. Legend records cinquefoil as the symbol
of a beloved daughter because the leaves bend over when it begins to rain.
The leaves protect the flower as a mother might protect a beloved daughter
(or a son).

The final flower in our bouquet adds much to it.

Virgin's bower translates to mean love and support for a child. It also
conveys "a mother's song". It is a mother's song of love that can provide
the support when others will not. But the virgin's bower also brings
another sentiment, one that seems so fitting today when we find ourselves
distant from the ones we love. It also provides a simple timeless message.

I cross-stitched this picture for my mother many, many years ago and wrote
the legend on the back of the frame. After she passed away, I got it back
and thought I would share it with you. I'm sorry to say that I did not
put down where I got the picture and legend so I cannot at this time give
due credit. However if anyone does know the author, I would greatfully
add the name here. Please email me the information if you have it.