Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Oh, the Symbolism

A couple of weeks ago I bought an amaryllis bulb and planted it with my toddler. It was a fun little project, and it's been exciting to watch it grow. What I didn't expect was how symbolic this little living thing would become.

For me this bulb represents both tradition and the passage of time. My mom had an amaryllis that grew in our yard each year at our home in Houston, and I always loved watching it shoot from the ground and grow into a beautiful winter flower. Now it reminds me of the coming holiday and my *much needed* break from school.

For my daughter, this plant represents responsibility. When we planted it we talked about how things grow, and specifically about how plants need soil, water, and light. It's so dark when we get home in the evenings, that she becomes concerned about there being no sunlight for the flower. So she sits there a while each night, helping it out a bit.


It seems to be working because the amaryllis is growing quickly.


Very
quickly, in fact.


Which brings me to the plant's final meaning. You see, each time my hubby looks at this innocent little bulb he gets spooked. It seems to be growing right before our eyes. If you look away and look back, it's taller. So to my hubby, this seemingly harmless amaryllis represents....well, FEAR.

1 comment:

  1. When I read the final part, I just had to comment. You see, Brian gets a little spooked by plants, too. He says all that constant growth without any consciousness is "sort of creepy." I think he's loony, but at least now I know why he "forgets" to water the plants...
    Love that she "helps" the plant get enough light - too cute!

    ReplyDelete

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