Diwali

                                                   The Array of Lamps, the colors of lights. 

                                                   The glitters and the gaiety, the wishes and the prayers.                                                              

                                                   The time when our hearts leap in joy.

                                                   The celebration of goodness' victory.

Diwali or Deepavali, is a five day festival which starts on Dhanteras(Dhantrayodashi). The third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival or 'Festival of lights' on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna paksha (dark fortnight) of the Hindu calendarmonth Ashwin and ends on Bhaubeej, Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival. On this auspicious day, people light up diyas and candles all around their house. Laxmi Puja is performed in the evening and divine blessings sought of The Goddess of Wealth. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls between mid-October and mid-November. Celebrated on second lunar day of Shukla paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu calendar month Kartik, Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji.

The name "Diwali" or "Divali" is a contraction of "Deepavali" (Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvalī), which translates into "row of lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (dīpa in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. These lamps are kept on during the night and one's house is cleaned, both done in order to make the goddess Lakshmi feel welcome. Firecrackersare burst because it is believed that it drives away evil spirits.During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and sharesweets and snacks with family members and friends.

Historically, the origin of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, when it was probably an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to the origin of Diwali or 'Deepawali.' Some believe it to be the celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. Whereas in Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Mother Kali, the dark goddess of strength. Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on this day. In Jainism, Deepawali has an added significance to the great event of Lord Mahavira attaining the eternal bliss of nirvana. Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen year long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.

The festival starts with Dhanteras on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year. The second day of the festival is called the Naraka Chaturdasi. Amavasya, the third day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day of Diwali is known as Kartika Shudda Padyami. The fifth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya also called Bhai Dooj in most parts of India, and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes. While in the North Eastern State of Manipur, Bhai Dooj is celebrated as Ningol Chakouba where daughters of the family are invited by their parents/brothers. (This happens to be the biggest festival of the state.) Each of the five days in the festival of Diwali is separated by a different tradition, but what remains true and constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment and goodness.

*** Diwali is the time when the Mother Goddess blesses us with happiness, joy and prosperity. May the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi be with every single person in this world!! Happy Deepavali to all !!!*** 

*** Diana Raj Kumari ***

Rose, the universal messenger of emotions ♥

                                  

        

The red rose whispers of passion, 

And the white rose breathes of love;

O, the red rose is a falcon, 

And the white rose is a dove.

                                

                                    - John Boyle O'Reilly 

                                                 

For ages, flowers, especially roses, are being used to express and convey the many emotions we have for each other.  Be it Love  or apology, sending roses is the perfect way to give someone a lift as well as send a message that one may be reluctant to express verbally.  The symbolism of rose colors is steeped in tradition. Roses inspired people over thousands of years to develop a language of color. When we choose a color, variety or number of roses for someone, we are personalizing our gift with deeper sentiment. Rose colors may have very a different meaning from what we intend. So where and when did the color meaning of rose originate?  Jack Goody, in his book 'The Culture of Flowers', says that giving meanings to flowers originally came from the East and while meaning can be highly subjective some are universally accepted.  Also called floriography, the art of speaking with flowers originated in Persia where illiterate women of the Ottoman seraglios used flowers to communicate, as written language was forbidden.

The tradition of using flowers as an expression then traveled to Europe and was used to impart feelings of High Society or Ton in Regency England. In today's world, though the exact meanings are lost to us for all the different flowers and colors, we still use the rose to get our emotions across to the recipient. 

Be it red, white or yellow, roses convey so much alone or in a bunch, or matched with other, complementary flowers.  If you learn a bit about the "floriography" of the different colors of roses you can understand their true meaning and the color you choose can add special meaning to your gift. 

"'The rose is the flower of love--the world has acclaimed it so for centuries.  The pink roses are love hopeful and expectant--the white roses are love dead or forsaken--but the red roses--ah, Leslie, what are the red roses?' 'Love triumphant,' said Leslie in a low voice."

                                                                                --Anne's House of Dreams by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Meaning Of Roses (By Color)

# Red Rose: The red rose not only carries more meaning than many other color roses, it is also one of the most universal of all symbols. Red roses, as we think of them today, are the traditional symbol for love and romance. Red roses continue to be the most popular way to say "I love

you" to someone special. They are also given 

to people who you have great respect for, and those who have shown great courage. In short, Red roses are symbolic of Love, Beauty, Courage and Respect,Romantic Love, Congratulations, "I Love You", "Job Well Done", Sincere Love, Respect,Courage & Passion. 

Red Rosebud - Symbolic of purity and loveliness

Red (Dark)    -  Unconscious beauty

Red (Single)  -  I Love You

Deep Burgundy -  Unconscious BeautyRed Rosebud - Symbolic of purity and loveliness. Red and White Given together, these signify unity while Red and Yellow Jovial and Happy Feelings

# Pink: Love, Gratitude, Appreciation, Grace, Elegance, Joyfulness, 

When roses first began to be cultivated, the majority of them existed in various shades of pink. Pink roses carry a connotation of grace and elegance, as well as sweetness and poetic romance. Different shades of pink also carry their own significance. Dark pink roses are symbolic of gratitude and appreciation, and are a traditional way to send a message of thanks. Light pink roses are associated with gentleness and admiration, and can also be used as an expression of sympathy.

Shades of Pink roses..

Soft pink - Sweetness 

Medium  pink - Admiration 

Deep pink - Appreciation, "Thank you", Grace, Perfect Happiness, Admiration, Gentleness, "Please Believe Me"

Dark Pink Appreciation, Gratitude, "Thank You"

Light Pink Admiration, Sympathy, Gentleness, Grace, Gladness, Joy, Sweetness.

# White Rose :  Purity, True love, Innocence, Worthiness, Honor, Reverence, 

Sympathy, Silence, Secrecy, Humility, Youthfulness, "I am worthy of you", Heavenly White (Bridal),Happy love.

With its pristine appearance, the white rose has come to symbolize purity, innocence and secrecy. Bridal bouquets are often comprised of white roses and other white flowers. In this sense, they are a representation of unity, virtue, and the pureness of a new bond of love. White roses are also associated with honor and reverence, which makes them a fitting memorial for a departed loved one. As a symbol of remembrance, the white rose represents heavenliness and is an expression of spiritual love and respect.

White Rosebud  is Symbolic of girlhood. A white rose that has been dried means "death is preferable to Loss of virtue". A withered white rose represents fleeting beauty, or given to show that no impression was made.

# Yellow Rose : Symbol of Joy & Friendship, Delight, Gladness, Welcome, Happiness, Caring, Promise of a new beginning, Welcome Back, Remember Me,  Jealousy, "I care"

A bouquet of yellow roses brings to mind all of the sunny, cheerful feelings of warmth and happiness. In contrast to the romantic meanings attributed to other roses, the yellow rose is purely a symbol for friendship. Yellow roses can send the perfect message of appreciation. They can represent feelings of joy and delight, and are an ideal way to brighten someone's day who may be feeling down. Yellow with Red Tip is symbolic of friendship & falling in love.  In the past, yellow was used to show jealousy and decrease of love. 

# Lavender Rose : Enchantment, Love at First Sight

One of the rarest and most visually stunning rose colors is lavender. Lavender roses have their own special meanings which have evolved over the years of experience. It is often a sign of enchantment and love at first sight, but can also represent wonder and impossibility, with a sense of the magical. The color purple also has a traditional association with royalty, so in this regard, shades of lavender roses can suggest an air of regal majesty and splendor.In addition to love at first sight, and the feelings of mystery and enchanment, a gift of lavender roses can communicate your feelings of majesty and awe. 

# Roses in Hues of OrangeOrange, coral and peach are closely related colors, with orange being the more vivid and coral and peach being subtler, a perfect contrast for emotions that range on both ends of the scale.  Meaning desire and fascination, the various hues of orange, coral and peach lend myriad nuances to the language of flowers.  All make a great gift for a friend to say "Congratulations!" or a lover to show your desire and affection.

** Orange Roses : Desire, Pride, Enthusiasm,  Excitement and Passion

Being a literal mixture of the colors yellow and red, orange roses were often seen as a bridge between the feelings of friendship symbolized by yellow roses, and love associated with red roses. So, orange roses often mean a cross-over between these two emotions.  Orange roses are vibrant, cheerful and express fascination when you give them to someone.  Giving a bouquet of orange roses could be a sign of emerging romantic feelings and the desire to move a relationship beyond the stage of friendship. In addition, they can be an expression of fascination, or a gift to say "I'm proud of you.  Who wouldn't be fascinated with these alluring, fiery blooms?  They come in all the colors of a romantic and enthralling sunset.  Whether it's the brilliant orange of Lambredo, the vermillion orange of the long-stemmed Fire King or the pale apricot of Pareo, orange roses are sure to please anyone who captivates you.

** Coral Roses - Desire, Enthusiasm, HappinessJust as a sunrise varies in intensity, coral is the dusky, subtle orange that graces the sky at first light.  The coral rose still speaks of desire but also of happiness and would be a perfect "thank you" gift, or a great way to remind someone that you still desire him or her.  Some popular coral roses are Sonic, the peach coral mix of Harmony.

** Peach Roses - Appreciation, Sincerity, Gratitude, Modesty• 

Peach roses are often sent as gesture of appreciation or gratitude rather than as a token of love. Their gentle yet pleasing color can also be sent as an expression of sympathy.  These subtle, gorgeous blooms are ideal to say "thanks!" or to show how much you miss a dear friend.  

# Blue Rose - The impossible, The unattainable 

Blue roses exists in fantasy but not in nature as a result of genetic limitations being imposed upon nature variance. So, the blue rose symbolizes the unattainable or impossible which to some does not make it a good choice to give someone you like to maintain a relationship with. But, it is often portrayed in literature and art as a symbol of love and prosperity to those who seek it. Thus the blue rose is of dreams and fantasies, impossible and unattainable in the real world but for those who seek is the enchanting love and prosperity to achieve.

# Black Rose - Death, Farewell, Rebirth, New Begining.

Though true black roses don't exist, blooms that are the darkest red can look black and are known as  'black rose'. Giving someone black roses would mean farewell and the death of a relationship or idea.  However, black roses could symbolize rebirth or the beginning of something new.  If these unique dark blooms interest you or would thrill a loved one, consider choosing the mysterious and beautiful Black Magic rose for your next arrangement.

Like the different colors of roses deliver a different message from you to your loved ones, the same way the number of roses you are giving to any one have different meanings too. Mostly these are considered for red roses as love is commonly expressed by red roses.

Meaning Of Roses (By Number)

1 Rose  -  Love at the first sight; you are the one. On a first date, this can symbolize love at first sight. Given                     throughout   a relationship it says, "I still love you." A single rose of any color depicts utmost devotion.

2 Roses - This shows mutual love and affection when given. Deeply in Love with each other, Mutual Love. Two roses  entwined together communicate "Marry me"

3 Rose  - I love you.. Traditionally a one month anniversary gift, three roses represents a couple and their shared love. 

6 Roses -  I want to be yours.. A bouquet of 6 roses signify a need to be loved or cherished. Shows an infatuation with the recipient, whether in a new relationship or a long standing one.

7 Roses -  I am infatuated with you

9 Roses - "I love you forever" is the message these roses send across.

10 Roses - A number of perfection, 10 symbolize a perfect love. You are perfect

11 Rose  - You are my treasured one; the one I love most in my life

12 Roses - Be my steady.. Nothing says "Be mine" or "I love you" like a traditional dozen roses.

13 Roses- Secret Admirer..Showing that you'll be their friend forever is what this number does best.

15 Roses- Need to say you're sorry? Not to worry. These will do the trick!Truly Sorry, Please Forgive

20 Roses- Letting someone know that your feelings are sincere is a breeze with this bouquet.

21 Roses- "I am devoted to you" Dedication can come in many forms, but here is another wonderful way to show it!

24 Roses- Can’t stop thinking for you round the clock 24 hours every day. Say "I'm yours forever" with these gorgeous roses. What an impression they make!

25 Roses- Sending these is a a great way to say Congratulations for all occasions!

33 Roses -  I Love You (With Great Affection)

36 Roses - "I'm head over heels" is the message coming across when 36 roses are sent. Will always remember our romantic moments

40 Roses - My love for you is genuine Trying to find the words to say "My love is genuine" can be difficult, but the roses say it all.

50 Roses -  Regretless Love

* 50+ Roses- To express a love that knows no boundaries, there are an equally limitless amount of roses to send.

99 Roses - I will love you for as long as i liveLove you till my last breath

100 Roses -   Remain as devoted couple for century

101 Roses - You are my one and only love

108 Roses - Please marry me.

365 Roses - Can't stop thinking about you each and everyday

999 Roses - Everlasting and Eternal love

*** Life is not a bed of roses for sure, but a daily dose of roses definitely make life charming and enchanting.*** - Diana Raj Kumari