Sunflowers often bloom in the summer – which is just in time for the graduation season. Sunflowers are not usually the top choice when it comes to flower bouquets but nowadays, they have become the center of most contemporary bouquets because of their vibrant yellow color that stands out amongst any other colors. Sunflowers have become a trend today not only for their uniqueness but also for the meaning behind them. Here are the main reasons why sunflowers are commonly used in graduation bouquets:
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Uniqueness
Sunflowers are not usually a top pick to include in a bouquet that’s why it looks unique when added to an arrangement. Unlike most flowers, sunflower blooms are huge and take up space in a bouquet. Usually, it goes to the center and is surrounded by filler flowers. This is the best bet for a graduation bouquet simply because it’s unique and it stands out amongst other flowers. If the graduate has fun and perky personality, a sunflower bouquet will definitely suit him/her. Sunflower is all about brightness and outgoingness. Its vibrant color speaks distinctiveness and it attracts many eyes.
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Meaning
Sunflowers are not only beautiful but they also have a deeper meaning. In Chinese tradition, they believe that sunflowers bring good luck – a perfect wish to the graduate who shall move onto his/her next journey. It also means fortune and security that’s why it’s the perfect bloom to place in your graduation bouquet. If you have a friend who will graduate soon, giving him/her a sunflower is also the perfect choice as sunflowers mean friendship and strong bonds. If the graduate shall pursue higher education soon, giving a sunflower bouquet could also mean giving your good luck wishes to more academic challenges coming his/her way. It is a known fact that the seeds found in the sunflower’s bud is edible and has essential oils that can improve focus, brain energy, and nerve flexibility.
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Longevity
The freshness of a sunflower lasts longer than other flowers. Usually, they last for a week and even more when cut and put in a vase with enough water. They also do not wilt too fast which is perfect for a long graduation ceremony. It can last from the moment it was bought until the coming days after. To promote longevity, you can disassemble the bouquet and place the sunflower in a vase with room temperature water. The florist has already cut the sunflower stalk in a way that it should last long without water so there’s no need to trim it anymore.
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Impression
If you want to fill a room with happiness, place a few sunflowers in a vase and place them up front. Sunflowers are indeed happy flowers that give the impression of bliss, brightness, and glee. Sunflowers are usually given during graduation to aid the sad feeling of ending another journey. It will definitely bring a smile to the receiver and also provide a feeling of certainty – that if ever a journey ends, a new one will always begin.
It’s not enough to know why sunflowers are top-selling flowers during graduation. If we dive deep to its vibrant history, you will find out why it is still most loved today and back when it was first discovered. It originated long ago in the Americas during 1000 B.C. and was not intended to be displayed nor be put in a bouquet but as a food source that lasted for many centuries up until today. As the New World came in, Europeans found out about this flower and it has widely spread through many countries around the globe. They have appreciated the sunflower not only as a source of food but as a very vibrant and warm flower that’s meant to be displayed as a décor.
In 1888, world famous painter Vincent Van Gogh created a painting of a vase full of sunflowers as he believed that they communicate gratitude. This painting has become one of his most sought-after and is now displayed in his museum in Amsterdam. Sunflowers are not only a source of inspiration but they are also a source of raw materials including its oil. Each sunflower bud has 40-50% oil content in its seeds. Due to this amount, they have been a good source of vegetable oil in the mid-1980s.
Sunflower seeds are not only a good source of oil. The seed inside the hard covering is edible and is a good source of antioxidants and healthy fats that fights risk of heart problems and diabetes. Knowing these facts about sunflowers, it’s really safe to say that they do not only bring happiness, but they are also great sources of food and raw materials. Sunflower seeds can be eaten fresh and out of the flower’s bud however most people prefer to roast it and buy seeds that are already processed with salt and other flavorings.
Indeed, there are many reasons why sunflowers are very famous in bouquets given to graduates. Their uniqueness stands out among other flowers. Their meaning has depth and really comes across the recipient in many ways than one. Their longevity compared to other flowers is really unparalleled and they can really stand longer times out in the sun. Their impression is really striking and can be told from how its vibrancy stands out even among all the other filler flowers beside it.
If you can’t think of a flower you want to give to a graduate, a sunflower is the safest bet. Whether the graduate is your friend, family member, or special someone, a sunflower will surely make him/her smile. Sunflowers can be found anywhere and is available to almost any florist near you. You may opt for a single bloom with little flowers on the side, or a bouquet full of sunflowers. Graduation is indeed a special time for both the graduate and his/her family members. Make it more special by offering this special bouquet!
