Not So Fragile Flowers
Admittedly, I knew nothing of Mimosa, the flower variety, before living in Italy. But I quickly became enamored with these delicate, poofy flowers because they arrive at the end of winter with a massive colorful burst that accentuates the dull rather gloomy landscape. It is as if their bright yellow color is inviting the sun’s return to warm the earth and brighten moods. Some years they are more prolific than others. This year, they have arrived in full force and are offering, what I hope, is a promise of an illuminating Spring.
Turns out, these glorious and defiant flowers are symbolic and carry significant importance. Blooming in late February and early March, this bright yellow flower is widely known to represent the sun, and also shares the meaning of sensitivity and safety. Mimosa seems like a delicate flower, but in fact it is very strong and resistant. The hardy plant with delicate puffy flowers grows even in the harshest of environments. Mimosa is also often used in traditional herbal medicine for its calming properties and its fragrant scent is empowering.
Today, 8 March, is La Festa della Donna, International Women’s Day, and mimosa is everywhere in Italy. An association brought to the occasion by feminists in Italy in the 1940s, the mimosa flower was chosen as a symbol of female strength and sensibility. Giving mimosa flowers on March 8th is not considered a romantic gesture but one of solidarity.
One of Italy’s first women in Italian politics, Teresa Mattei, was responsible for making the mimosa the symbol of Women’s Day in 1946. From a young age, Mattei was an activist. She was suspended from school for criticizing anti-semitic laws of fascist Italy and later in life became the national director of the Italian Women’s Union in addition to other elected roles. She decided on the Mimosa to represent International Women’s Day for Italy noting, “it’s a humble flower and can be found everywhere here in the countryside.” To this day, offering mimosa branches to women is a sign of respect and support.
So to all my strong, brave, resilient women, I gift you mimosa - the seemingly fragile flowers, held up by sturdy branches, that thrives in the hardest landscapes. May this brilliant bouquet lift you in spirit, bring joy and remind you of your superior inner strength. And may the bright yellow warm us all and inspire Spring’s prompt return with life affirming force. Auguri a tutte le donne!
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