History and origin
The gladiolus originated in the cooler regions of South Africa. In the 17th century, the gladiolus was brought to Europe by the Indiamen from England and the Netherlands, which stopped at the Cape of Good Hope on their journeys. In the mid-19th century, the cultivation of gladioli was developed.
Gladiolus means sword in Latin. It refers to gladiator fights and the characteristic sword-shaped leaves. That also explains its other name: sword lily.
Symbolism
Given its leaves and name, the gladiolus has been considered for centuries the ideal flower to symbolise victory. It stands for perseverance, pride and conquest. The meaning originated in Roman times, when gladiators literally fought to the death, or for gladioli, in the arena.
According to legend, a gladiator who won the fight would be showered with gladioli. In the last few decades, the gladiolus is being more commonly used to award winners of sporting events.
Flower Agenda
There are 15 flowers displayed in the Flower Calendar 2016, arranged according to the season in which they are available and when the consumer is particularly aware of them. The calendar provides inspiration for bouquets by drawing attention to other flowers that combine well into many possible uses. It tells the story of the flower and provides inspiration and pictures.
A sample of the planned commercial activities:
- Gladioli are on display through September in the '100 years of Four-Day Marches' exhibition in the Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen. During the exhibition the vases in the museum will be kept filled with lovely gladioli.
- The people who complete the Nijmegen Four-Day March are traditionally greeted with gladioli. (The Nijmegen Four-Day March is a unique 200-km-long walking tour, which is being held for the 100th time this year. Each year 40,000 participants are greeted and showered with gladioli just before the finish at St. Annastraat, which is rechristened the Via Gladiola for the occasion)
- PurE Seasonal Flowers provides not only inspiration but also background information about the gladiolus on its website www.pureseasonalflowers.nl, under the tab 'from the field'. Gladiolus is also highlighted in depth on its Facebook page.
- PurE Seasonal Flowers is issuing '365 days of flowers', its magazine full of information about its growers and their flowers.
- Flower Council Holland and VBW are tempting consumers with information about the gladiolus, via www.mooiwatbloemendoen.nl and the communication channels of 'My Florist'.
- The VBW is paying extra attention to the gladiolus in its communication with florists, and in 'My Florist'.
Source: Royal FloraHolland
