35 Flower Meanings You Must Get Right The Language of Flowers

35 Flower Meanings You Must Get Right The Language of Flowers SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Most everyone knows that the rose is associated with love. But did you know that the marigold represents grief, pansies represent thoughtful remembrance, and the sweet pea symbolizes lasting pleasure? There’s an entire language of flowers, in which different blooms carry different meanings. So if you're selecting flowers for a particular occasion, it’s useful to know more about flower meanings and symbolism. Bouquets and blooms are frequently involved in events like graduations, performances, funerals, anniversaries, and perhaps most notably, weddings. What floral choices are the most appropriate or meaningful for what occasions? In this article, we’ll provide a brief introduction to the concept of flower meanings. Then we’ll give a guide to flower symbolism for thirty-five popular flowers. We’ll also discuss their cost, seasonal availability, and what flowers may be most appropriate for a particular event or circumstance. We’ll close out with a handy index so you can find flowers by price, season, birthday month, and anniversary year. Table of Contents The Language of Flowers: An Introduction A Note On Price Flower Meanings A-E Flower Meanings F-K Flower Meanings L-Q Flower Meanings R-Z Index The Language of Flowers: An Introduction The concept of a symbolic flower language has existed since ancient times in various cultures throughout the world. However, the significance of flower meanings peaked in the Western world during the Victorian era. The practice of sending coded bouquets was supposedly inspired by an elaborate Turkish custom that involved members of harems sending secret messages to each other through objects. It’s hard to say exactly how much truth there is to this backstory, but flower language took Victorian England- and the rest of Europe- by storm. The first Western flower dictionary was written by Frenchwoman Charlotte de Latour in 1819 and called â€Å"le language des fleurs.† (That’s â€Å"The Language of Flowers,† for those of you who don’t speak French.) It was a runaway success and spawned countless copycats, translations, new editions, and so on. Flower dictionary authors grabbed the meaning of flowers from myth, legend, other cultures, religion, the emblems of royal houses and lineages, each other, and so on. As you might imagine, this meant that different flower dictionaries could posit very different ideas of what the same flower meant based on whatever source material the author consulted. Thus, the answer to the question â€Å"What do flowers symbolize?† is not as simple as people might imagine. This is because different cultures and sources can have wildly different flower meanings! In this guide, we’ve presented major interpretive discrepancies in the language of flowers where they exist and provided guidance as to how to navigate these discrepancies. Furthermore, the same flowers can have different meanings based on their colors! Some colors are fairly consistent across flowers. For example, most guides have yellow flowers meaning friendship and cheer. Similarly, most sources have purple flowers meaning royalty. We will give guidance to different colors in the entries for given flowers where needed. With our help, you can get a grasp on flowers and what they mean. We’ll equip you to send meaningful, heartfelt bouquets with extra-special significance. A Note on Price Before the Flower Dictionary In this article, I’ve used $ signs to indicate price instead of giving a more specific number. It can be hard to know the exact price of flowers per stem due to availability and variability. Here’s the key: $ = 3 dollars per stem $$ = 3-8 dollars per stem $$$ = 8+ dollars per stem It’s also worth considering that you aren’t just paying for flower rarity, but size. Baby’s breath may be cheap on a per-stem basis, but you’ll need lots of it to fill out a bouquet or arrangement. By contrast, you may only need a few stems of the more expensive hydrangea because the blooms are so profuse. Flower Meanings A-E Note that flowers are called by their common name as opposed to their scientific one. (These are sometimes, but not always, the same.) Alstroemeria Genus: Alstroemeria Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Most colors except true blues About This Flower: Also known as the Peruvian Lily or the lily of the Incas, alstroemeria is native to South America. It’s a popular bouquet flower that can last up to two weeks when cut. Resembling a miniature lily, the alstroemeria comes in a rainbow of colors. While not as toxic as typical lilies (which can be deadly to pets and even people), alstroemeria can make cats and dogs sick, so this flower may not be the best choice for a pet owner! Symbolism: The alstroemeria represents devoted friendship. Furthermore, it represents wealth and prosperity. Appropriate Occasions: A bouquet of these blooms is a great choice to express true friendship or to congratulate someone for a new promotion or job opportunity. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Aster Genus: Aster Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round; fall peak Colors: Pink, white, purple, and blue About This Flower: From the Greek and Latin words for â€Å"star,† this little flower is another popular choice in floral arrangements. Symbolism: Also known as the â€Å"herb of Venus,† this plant has long been thought to have magical and healing powers. Ancient Greek legend says the goddess Astraea looked down on earth from the sky and wept when she saw that there were no stars on earth. Her tears became the Aster flower. This flower represents daintiness, elegance, and small beginnings in the language of flowers. It’s also a love talisman. Appropriate Occasions: Aster is a solid component of a romantic bouquet, or to celebrate any new beginning. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The Aster is the birth month flower for September and the 20th wedding anniversary flower. Baby’s Breath Genus: Gypsophila Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Summer, fall Colors: White, pink (much less common) About This Flower: The summer-blooming baby’s breath is a popular â€Å"filler† flower in bouquets and arrangements. Baby’s breath is a fairly budget-friendly flower and frequently used as an accent flower in rose bouquets. Symbolism: This delicate spray of typically white blooms symbolizes purity and innocence as well as everlasting love. And, of course, it’s a symbol of babies- especially newborns! Appropriate Occasions: It’s a good choice as a component of any romantic bouquet, and a great choice for a flower girl or bridesmaid. Baby’s breath is sometimes sent to new parents. Lastly, it’s frequently used in funeral arrangements, where its symbolic meanings of innocence and everlasting love have particular poignancy. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Bird of Paradise Genus: Strelitzia Cost Range (Per Stem): $$ Colors: Orange and blue combination Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring (tropical climates) About This Flower: The exotic and striking Bird of Paradise is named for the tropical bird that it resembles. This bloom is native to South Africa. As the Bird of Paradise thrives in heat and humidity, they can be somewhat expensive outside of those climes, but are frequently grown as houseplants in hospitable climates. Note that this flower is poisonous to pets. Symbolism: This showy flower signifies the wonderfully unexpected, magnificence, paradise, royalty, and joyfulness. Appropriate Occasions: As an exuberant and opulent flower, it’s a good choice to commemorate a happy occasion with anyone who has bold and unconventional tastes. Birthdays and Anniversaries: This bright flower is traditionally associated with the ninth wedding anniversary. Carnations Species: Dianthus caryophyllus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Most colors except blue About This Flower: The carnation, or dianthus, is an extremely popular and affordable bouquet flower that can last up to three weeks when cut. It’s thought to be native to the Mediterranean region. Symbolism: In general, the carnation is associated with love and marriage. Betrothed couples were often depicted holding a carnation in Renaissance-era paintings. However, carnations can communicate very different messages based on their color. A red carnation has a meaning of intense love and admiration. White carnations signify pure love and innocence. The pink carnation is a symbol of mother’s day. Christian legend holds that the pink carnation sprang from the tears of Mary as she walked to the cross. Additionally, the pink carnation communicates gratitude. Purple carnations symbolize whimsy and capriciousness. In France, they are the traditional flower of condolence after someone has lost a loved one. Not all carnations have positive meanings in the language of flowers. The yellow carnation communicates rejection. (But if you send a bouquet of yellow carnations to a significant other, you might still want to break up with them verbally.) Striped signifies a refusal, especially a refusal of someone’s romantic advances. (But again, you probably still need to communicate with words. It’s not the Victorian era anymore!) Appropriate Occasions: The best occasion for carnations depends a lot on their color. Red carnations are good for a romantic bouquet, especially mixed with white carnations. White carnations are a good choice for weddings. Pink carnations are an excellent mother’s day gift. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The carnation is the birth flower for January and the first wedding anniversary flower. Cherry Blossoms Subgenus: Prunus Cerasus Cost Range (Per Stem): n/a; not generally purchased for bouquets Seasonal Availability: Spring Colors: White and pink About This Flower: The fragile, flowering blooms of the cherry tree don’t often appear in bouquets. They briefly bloom in gorgeous profusion in the early spring, only to fade and fall several weeks later. Symbolism: The brief life of cherry blossoms makes them a symbol of the bittersweet beauty of the impermanent and transient. In China, cherry blossoms are a symbol of a good education and the flower of April. In Japan, cherry blossoms represent wealth and prosperity. They are also the flower of March and the national flower of Japan. Appropriate Occasions: You likely won’t be sending anyone cherry blossoms in a bouquet, but a cherry blossom motif will communicate a meaning that you are aware of a poignant sweetness that may not last. Birthdays and anniversaries: N/A Chrysanthemum Genus: Chrysanthemum Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round; late summer/fall peak Colors: Various About This Flower: The chrysanthemum (or mum) originated in China, and typically blooms in the fall. Symbolism: In China, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn. In many countries the chrysanthemum is a mourning flower and primarily used for funerals. In the United States, however, it symbolizes hope in dark times and optimism and cheer. In Victorian times, white chrysanthemums symbolized truth. A wedding bouquet of white chrysanthemums represented the honest and faithful nature of the bride. Appropriate Occasions: The mum is a good choice to send to those in mourning. Additionally, it can be used for get-well-soon bouquets or sent to anyone who needs a lift. Finally, for a wedding bouquet with traditional significance, consider white mums. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The chrysanthemum is the November birthday flower and the thirteenth wedding anniversary flower. Daffodil Genus: Narcissus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Yellow About This Flower: The perennial daffodil, which blooms in late winter and early spring, is a variety of the genus narcissus. It’s a popular bouquet flower. Be warned that the daffodil is poisonous to pets! Symbolism: In Victorian England, the daffodil represented chivalry. A cheerful early bloomer, the daffodil now symbolizes new beginnings and new life. As such, it’s become a flower emblematic of both Easter and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. (The Annunciation is when Mary was informed by the angel Gabriel that she would bear Jesus, for those who aren’t as familiar with the Christian canon). In Wales, daffodils were traditionally placed on the graves of loved ones on Palm Sunday. Appropriate Occasions: The daffodil is appropriate to celebrate a new baby, a new job, or anything else new in life! Birthdays and Anniversaries: The daffodil is the birth flower for March and the tenth wedding anniversary flower. Dahlia Genus: Dahlia Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$ Seasonal Availability: Summer, fall Colors: Various About This Flower: The bright dahlia is native to Mexico. Dahlias come in a huge variety of shapes and colors. Painter Frida Kahlo frequently wore the blooms in her hair. Symbolism: The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico. Because it is hard to cultivate successfully in Europe’s harsher climes, the Victorians believed it symbolized instability. However, it now carries a message of dignity and regality. Appropriate Occasions: The dahlia is a versatile flower appropriate for many occasions, including to express gratitude, best wishes, or admiration. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Daisy Genus: Bellis Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer, fall Colors: White About This Flower: The classic, cheerful daisy is a well-loved flower. The name â€Å"Daisy† is thought to come from the Old English version of â€Å"day’s eye,† because the flowers open with the sunrise and close at night. Symbolism: The daisy symbolizes innocence, gentleness, and purity. The flower was associated with Aphrodite (and her Roman counterpart, Venus) in ancient times. However, the flower now most strongly signals a youthful, inexperienced innocence and purity. Appropriate Occasions: The daisy is an appropriate floral gift for girls and young women. It can be a charming flower to adorn flower girls at weddings. Birthdays and Anniversaries: They daisy is associated with April birthdays and fifth wedding anniversaries. Flower Meanings F-K Read on for flowers and meanings from F-K! Forget-Me-Not Genus: Mysotis Cost Range (Per Stem): Not commonly sold; consult with florist Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer Colors: Blue About This Flower: The little forget-me-not is a spring-blooming wildflower that naturally grows along riverbanks and streams. The forget-me-not is more likely to be grown in a garden or found in the wild than it is to appear in a typical store-bought bouquet. Symbolism: As you might imagine from its name, the â€Å"forget-me-not† symbolizes remembrance, particularly remembering a loved one when they are apart from you. There are several legends about how the forget-me-not got its name. One posits that a knight leaving on campaign crouched by the riverbank and picked some for his lady love, admonishing her not to forget him. A Christian legend supposes that when the Lord named all of the flowers, he reached the end of the plants. Then a little, overlooked flower said, â€Å"What about me?† And so the lord named it the â€Å"forget-me-not.† A German folktale holds that the flower got its name when a man bent down to pick the flowers from the riverbanks for his fiancee. He lost his footing and fell in. As the river carried him away, he threw the flowers to his love with a cry of â€Å"forget me not!† (The Germans can be a little morbid with their folktales.) Appropriate Occasions: Because of their message of faithful love, forget-me-nots are a perfect flower for spring weddings and romantic bouquets. Furthermore, because they symbolize remembrance, they are appropriate for funerals and for honoring the dead more generally. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Freesia Genus: Freesia Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Various About This Flower: The beautiful, spring-blooming freesia is considered one of the most fragrant flowers out there. It’s known for its pleasant, citrusy smell. The freesia is a fairly popular bouquet flower that comes in a variety of colors. Symbolism: The freesia primarily signifies innocence, trust, and friendship. It can also signify a love that is careful and slow, as opposed to one that is rushed and passionate. Appropriate Occasions: While its meaning may not seem as explicitly romantic as some other flowers, it’s nonetheless a popular wedding flower. In addition to weddings, the freesia is a particularly appropriate gift to honor a close friendship. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The freesia is the traditional seventh wedding anniversary flower. Gardenia Genus: Gardenia Cost Range (Per Stem): $$-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: White and yellow About This Flower: The pale gardenia, part of the coffee family, blooms on small evergreen trees and shrubs in warm climates. Because they come from a shrub, gardenias are not particularly common in store-bought bouquets. On a cut branch, gardenias can last multiple weeks. Otherwise, the cut blooms last only a few days. Symbolism: In the Chinese tradition, these beautiful flowers are a paean to feminine elegance and creativity. Similarly, in the Western canon, the gardenia signifies refinement and loveliness. They can indicate a secret love. In the American South, where gardenias are common, they have a particular connection to Southern hospitality. Appropriate Occasions: Gardenias can be a beautiful and unusual wedding flower, although the cut flower will need to be affixed to artificial stems by a florist so that they can be included in a bouquet. Otherwise, you may not have much occasion to gift gardenia blooms unless you give a plant wholesale- only a good idea if you know the recipient likes to garden! Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Gerbera Daisy Genus: Gerbera Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Every color but blue and green About This Flower: The gerbera daisy (also known as the African or Transvaal daisy) is a bright and cheerful flower that blooms in a huge variety of bright colors. Because they are hardy and last well over a week when cut, they are a common bouquet flower at all times of the year. They are readily available for purchase and fairly affordable. Symbolism: The gerbera daisy symbolizes cheerfulness, joy, and innocence. Appropriate Occasions: The gerbera daisy is a great flower for anyone who needs a pick-me-up. Additionally, gerberas are appropriate to celebrate an accomplishment like a new job, graduation, or housewarming. Birthdays and Anniversaries: As the Gerbera is a daisy type, it’s appropriate for April birthdays. Gladiolus Genus: Gladiolus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round, summer peak Colors: Various About This Flower: Native to South Africa, the summer-blooming gladiolus is another popular cutting and bouquet flower. Be aware that the gladiolus is poisonous to pets. Symbolism: Some think that the flower, also known as the â€Å"sword lily,† may be the â€Å"lily of the field† to which Jesus referred in Matthew 6:28. With its bladelike sheaf of blooms, the gladiolus indicated to the Victorians that the receiver had pierced the sender’s heart. Now the flower symbolizes grace, fidelity, honor, and a strong character. Appropriate Occasions: Gladiolus is an excellent flower to express admiration- romantic or otherwise. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The gladiolus is an August birthday flower and the 40th wedding anniversary flower. Hyacinth Genus: Hyacinthus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Purple, blue, white About This Flower: The beautiful hyacinth blooms in the late winter and spring. The bulbs are highly poisonous to pets, so if you have a dog who likes to dig, you may not want to plant this in your garden! Symbolism: Hyacinth symbolizes young love. In 19th-century France, the flower communicated a kind of desperate, all-consuming love; the English connotation was more flirtatious and playful. The hyacinth gets its name from a Greek myth. Hyacinth was the young lover of Apollo, but Zephyr also admired Hyacinth. In his jealousy, he caused Apollo’s discus to strike Hyacinth, killing him. Grief-stricken, Apollo transformed Hyacinth’s spilled blood into the hyacinth flower. As such, the hyacinth was dedicated to Apollo. In Victorian parlance, the different hyacinth colors had different connotations. Blue signified constancy, purple asked for forgiveness, and white symbolized beauty. Appropriate Occasions: As a symbol of young love, hyacinths are particularly well-suited for a romantic spring bouquet or spring wedding. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Hydrangea Genus: Hydrangea Cost Range (Per Stem): $$-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Summer, fall Colors: Blue, purple, pink, green, white About This Flower: Hydrangeas have a long blooming season, beginning in early spring and stretching out to late autumn. They bloom on shrubs or climbing vines. Interestingly, the color of hydrangea blooms is based on soil pH. If you wish to give someone hydrangea flowers, you can get them in a cut bouquet or give hydrangea as a houseplant. Note that this plant is poisonous to pets. Symbolism: To the Victorians, the profusely blooming hydrangea signified boastfulness, because its magnificent blooms don’t lead to fruit. Today, the hydrangea has a somewhat contradictory meaning. Some hold that it symbolizes emotional coldness, while others purport that it signifies gratitude. But the ambiguity (and general lack of romantic symbolism) hasn’t stopped the hydrangea from being included in many weddings! Appropriate Occasions: In general, most people who receive flowers associate them with positive meanings. So you can safely gift hydrangea as a thank-you flower without worrying that you’ll be giving an insult! Birthdays and Anniversaries: Hydrangea is the fourth wedding anniversary flower. Iris Genus: Iris Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round; spring peak Colors: Various About This Flower: The vibrant, multicolored iris is very popular in both gardens and bouquets. Depending on the specific species, garden irises bloom from the spring to the late fall. Some varieties bloom multiple times in a season. With its many varieties and long blooming season, the iris is readily available and affordable as a bouquet flower. Like several other flowers flagged in this list, the iris is poisonous to pets. Symbolism: This flower is named after the Greek messenger goddess, whose emblem was the rainbow. Because of its association with this goddess, the iris flower symbolizes a message, particularly one of hope or of mourning. It’s also associated with eloquence, faith, courage, and wisdom. In medieval iconography, the iris was associated with the Annunciation. (The iris represented the message from the angel Gabriel that Mary was to be the mother of Jesus). A stylized version of the iris became the fleur-de-lis, the emblem of French royalty. Appropriate Occasions: The iris is a good choice to someone who has just completed an important speaking engagement. You can also send the iris as a message of courage in difficult times. Furthermore, with its message of hope and faith, the iris is a common funeral and mourning flower. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The iris is the birth flower of February and the 25th wedding anniversary flower. Flower Meanings L-Q Flowers L-Q covered in the following section! Lilac Genus: Syringa Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer Colors: Purple, Pink, Blue, White, Yellow About This Flower: Blooming at the end of spring and early summer, the lilac shrub is a prized for its fragrant, delicate flowers. People once believed its strong smell could ward off the Black Death! While lilacs are not very common bouquet flowers, perhaps due to their short season, they are found in many cutting gardens. (A cutting garden is a household garden that is maintained for the purpose of being able to cut home-grown bouquets.) Symbolism: To the Victorians, this flower represented the first emotions of love. This symbolism still holds today, as the lilac represents the early blush of love and the beginning of summer. Some say that the lilac also represents the bittersweet sadness of new lovers when they are forced to part for even a moment. Appropriate Occasions: If you are lucky enough to have access to lilacs for cutting, a bouquet of fresh-cut lilac is a stunning gift for a new paramour- or anyone else who loves the sweet and soothing smell of lilac. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The lilac is the eighth wedding anniversary flower. Lily Genus: Lilium Cost Range (Per Stem): $$-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Various About This Flower: Few flowers are more popular or have more cultural significance than the lily. The lilium genus has incredible variation in color and notably sizable blooms. But the lily is extremely poisonous to cats and can be deadly! Symbolism: The lily has been a sacred flower since ancient times. Hence, lily flower meaning is a dense topic. In the ancient near east it was associated with Ishtar, the goddess of love and fertility. In Greece the lily was a symbol of Hera; in Rome, a symbol of Venus. In Semitic legend, the lily sprang from the tears of Eve when she was cast out of the Garden of Eden. As Christianity overtook older traditions, the lily came to be associated with the Virgin Mary. This held particularly true of the white lily, also called the Madonna lily. The white lily has also come to symbolize Easter and the resurrection of Christ within the Christian tradition. In the Victorian era, it was the highest flattery to compare a woman to the Virgin Mary. As such, comparing a woman to a lily, Mary’s emblem, was to pay her high honor indeed. The white lily symbolized purity, chastity, innocence, and modesty. While the connotations of purity still persist somewhat, lilies have also come to signify perfection, majesty, and excellence. Appropriate Occasions: It is a high compliment to gift someone lilies; many consider lilies to be an incredibly romantic flower. Lilies are frequently used in weddings. However, because of its connection with the resurrection of Christ, the lily is also often used in funerals and sent in sympathy bouquets in Western countries. Overall, lilies are a versatile flower; when sending flowers is appropriate, it’s hard to go wrong with a lily bouquet. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The lily is the birth flower for May and the 30th wedding anniversary flower. The calla lily (not a true lily, though many think it is) is the sixth wedding anniversary flower. Lily of the Valley Species: Convallaria majalis Cost Range (Per Stem): $$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round, spring peak Colors: White About This Flower: The perennial lily of the valley is the true lily’s humbler wildflower cousin. It blooms in late spring, and smells sweet but is highly poisonous- so don’t eat it! It’s not a true lily, the lily of the valley is still poisonous to pets. It’s not a particularly common cutting flower in your average bouquet. Symbolism: This flower is the emblem of the Norse goddess of the dawn, Ostara. In Christian lore, the lily of the valley sprang from the tears of Mary as she wept at the cross. This flower is also a symbol of May Day in France. The lily of the valley represents purity, sweetness, and a renewal of happiness. Appropriate Occasions: Lily of the valley is a popular choice for bridal bouquets and decorations for spring weddings. Furthermore, it’s a good choice to celebrate a birth, a baptism, or any other joyful event or rite of passage. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The lily of the valley the second wedding anniversary flower. Marigold Genus: Calendula Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Year-round, summer and fall peak Colors: Yellow, orange About This Flower: Brightly colored marigolds bloom all summer, lasting until the ground frosts over. The marigold is poisonous to cats. Symbolism: While they may look cheerful, marigolds actually represent grief and sadness in the language of flowers. Appropriate Occasions: Marigold is best suited to funeral and condolence bouquets. You can temper the message of sadness with other blooms, perhaps baby’s breath (everlasting love) or or rosemary (remembrance). Birthdays and Anniversaries: The warm-toned marigold is one of the October birthday flowers. Narcissus Genus: Narcissus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: White, white and yellow, yellow, orange, and pink About This Flower: Narcissus flowers bloom early, in late winter and early spring. The most famous variety of the narcissus genus is the cheerful daffodil, but the flower also comes in other colors. Symbolism: Narcissus actually has a fairly negative connotation in the language of flowers. They symbolize narcissism and egotism. Greek legend holds that the narcissus flower was created when a young man named Narcissus was so besotted with the sight of his own reflection in a pond that knelt down there for days until he eventually turned into the beautiful flower that bears his name. An exception to this negative connotation is the cherry yellow daffodil, which is a type of narcissus with its own positive meaning. Appropriate Occasions: It’s true that most people don't associate a bouquet of flowers with an insult, no matter how subtle. Narcissus flowers really aren’t the best choice for a symbolic, meaningful bouquet, unless you’re sending daffodils or a December birthday bouquet. Birthdays and Anniversaries: Narcissus is a December birthday flower. Orange Blossom Species: Citrus Sinensis Cost Range (Per Stem): Not a typical bouquet flower; discuss with a florist Seasonal Availability: Spring Colors: White About This Flower: When the orange tree blooms- usually in April- it bears beautiful, fragrant white flowers. Orange blossom fragrance is a key element of many perfumes, and orange blossom water is an element in French and Middle Eastern cooking. Orange blossom honey has a citrus flavor and is one of the best-loved honey varieties. Symbolism: The orange blossom is closely associated with weddings in many cultures. The flowers are often used in bridal headpieces and bouquets. It’s said that the crusaders brought the practice back to Europe from the Middle East, where the Saracen brides wore the blossoms as a symbol of fecundity. In Victorian England they came to signify a bride’s purity. In Japan, orange blossoms symbolize chastity and eternal love. The blossoms have remained symbolic of a fruitful marriage, loveliness, and innocence. Appropriate Occasions: For wedding flowers that are steeped in tradition, orange blossoms are a lovely option. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Orchid Family: Orchidaceae Cost Range (Per Stem): $$-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Various About This Flower: The tropical orchid family is among the most prized and exquisite of flowers. There are over 28,000 orchid species, displaying an astonishing variety of color, shape, size, and scent. Vanilla comes from the vanilla orchid. Many orchid varieties are used to scent perfume. The cultivation and collection of orchids in greenhouses became such a popular pastime in Victorian-era England that the term â€Å"orchidelirium† was termed for the frenzy. Orchid are expensive and delicate flower. Symbolism: The orchid symbolizes the exotic, the ecstatic, and the luxurious. Its flower meaning also relates to mature elegance, beauty, and refinement. Appropriate Occasions: If money’s no object, orchids can be a beautiful wedding flower. For gifts, it is more common to give an orchid as a potted houseplant than as part of a bouquet. It’s a very romantic flower that sends the message that the receiver is highly prized. However, only give a potted plant as a gift if you know the recipient will actually enjoy taking care of the orchid! Birthdays and Anniversaries: The fourteenth wedding anniversary is typically associated with the orchid. Pansy Species: Viola Tricolor Cost Range (Per Stem): Typically a garden flower; discuss with florist Seasonal Availability: Spring, fall Colors: Various color combinations About This Flower: The spring-blooming pansy is a type of multicolored violet, created by hybridizing several subspecies. Pansies are popular garden flowers but less common in arranged bouquets. Symbolism: It’s said that the pansy is named for the French word for thought (â€Å"pensà ©e†). The flower was thought to have telepathic magic such that if you picked one, you could hear your lover’s thoughts at that moment. To the Victorians, who loved the pansy, the flower symbolized a â€Å"woman’s heart† and its supposedly inherent qualities of sweetness and compassion. It was a popular gift between lovers and friends alike. Now, the pansy symbolizes thoughtful remembrance and asks the recipient to think of the giver. Appropriate Occasions: Though they aren’t common bouquet flowers, a potted pansy may be an appropriate gift for a friend or loved one- particularly before parting. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Poppy Subfamily: Papaveroideae Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer About This Flower: The brightly colored poppy blooms in the late spring. The sap of the plant has a sedative effect and is used to make morphine, codeine, and opium. It can sedate pets. The poppy is not a typical bouquet flower and as such you may not have an easy time finding it at the florist. However, it is grown in cutting gardens and may be available from specialty or wholesale florists on request. Symbolism: Because of its sedative properties, the poppy has signified rest, sleep, dreams, and death since the time of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. The poem â€Å"In Flanders Fields,† written in 1915 by John McCrae about WWI, also popularized the poppy as a symbol to honor the wartime fallen. In Britain, poppies are worn on Remembrance Day, when veterans are honored. By contrast, in Chinese and Japanese traditions, the poppy means love, beauty, and success. Appropriate Occasions: Due to its association with death and rest, the poppy is an appropriate funeral flower. Because of its connection to imagination and dreams, it would also be an appropriate floral gift for someone engaged in creative endeavors. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Flower Meanings R-Z Flowers and meanings from R to the end of the alphabet follow. Rosemary Species: Rosmarinus officinalis Cost Range (Per Stem): Not typically sold for bouquets; consult with a florist. Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer Colors: Blue, purple, white, pink About This Flower: Native to the Mediterranean, rosemary isn’t just a delicious evergreen herb. It also has delicate flowers that emerge in spring and summer in temperate climates. Rosemary is a popular element in many soaps and perfumed products. Symbolism: Rosemary’s primary symbolic association is with remembrance. Rosemary is thought to be a natural remedy against memory loss and forgetfulness. In Hamlet Ophelia says, â€Å"there’s rosemary, for remembrance.† Rosemary symbolizes faithful love and devotion. In the medieval era it was associated with weddings and both the bride and groom often incorporated rosemary into their wedding ensembles. In the Victorian Era, it was common for mourners to toss rosemary into the grave to signify their enduring memory of the deceased. Appropriate Occasions: Rosemary is a thoughtful element to include in funeral flowers or a condolence bouquet. Additionally, rosemary serves as a symbol of devotion and fidelity in wedding bouquets- perhaps a sprig in the groom’s boutonniere as well. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Roses Genus: Rosa Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$$ Seasonal Availability: Year-round Colors: Almost all except blue About This Flower: Roses are one of the most popular- if not the most popular- flowers for garden cultivation and professional floristry. With its lush spray of petals, sweet scent, and sharp thorns, the rose has inspired more myth, legend, poetry, and art than perhaps any other flower. There are species native to Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. They come in a rainbow of colors. There are climbing roses and shrub roses of all shapes and sizes. With so much variety betweens species, the blooming season can span from spring through fall. Roses are also used for perfumes and in teas and potpourris. Rose water is even sometimes deployed in cooking and baking. Symbolism: Roses are associated with love and romance in general and Valentine’s day in particular. In ancient Greece, the rose (especially the red rose) was associated with Aphrodite, goddess of love. In Rome it was associated with her counterpart, Venus. In the Christian era the rose came to be associated with the Virgin Mary- the white rose in particular. The rose has also been associated with secrecy and silence. In both the Roman and medieval eras, roses were sometimes rendered or literally hung from ceilings in council chambers and rooms where private proceedings took place. The phrase â€Å"sub rosa†- Latin for â€Å"under the rose†- signaled that what was discussed under the rose should remain secret. Roses were sometimes depicted on church confessionals to similarly signal that all would remain confidential. Roses have been used for crests, emblems, and decoration for millennia. Notable examples include the white rose of York, the red rose of Lancaster, and the red-and-white Tudor Rose. To the Victorians, the rose signified love, and the deeper the love, the deeper the color. White roses, then, would be appropriate for a very young woman. Red roses meant passionate love. Today, the rose is still primarily associated with love and beauty. Red roses in particular carry the signal of passion, desire, and romantic love. Appropriate Occasions: Roses are frequently deployed as wedding flowers, on prom corsages and boutonnieres, and generally for almost any occasion where flowers are appropriate. If you wish to send a truly unmistakable message of romantic love, red roses are an excellent choice. Red roses are also sometimes given to congratulate for a major accomplishment, particularly an artistic performance. Other rose colors carry their own meanings. White roses connote purity and are often used for funerals and weddings. Yellow roses send a message of platonic friendship- so don’t send those as a romantic gift! Pink roses signal affection and gratitude- the perfect thank-you. For more on rose color meanings, see our complete article. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The rose is one of the birth flowers for June, and the fifteenth wedding anniversary flower. Snapdragon Genus: Antirrhinum Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$ Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer, fall Colors: Various About This Flower: The snapdragon is so named because the blooms are fancifully said to resemble a snapping dragon when the bloom is squeezed. These annual plants thrive in cooler temperatures and typically bloom in spring. Snapdragons are a common element in bouquets and are easily found even in the floral departments of supermarkets. Symbolism: In the Victorian era, these flowers were an invitation to impetuousness. Now, they carry a dual meaning. On one hand, they signify graciousness and strength because they thrive in rocky areas. On the other, they may also present the receiver with an accusation of deception. Appropriate Occasions: Most people take a floral gift as a compliment, so for the purposes of assembling a bouquet, you can focus on the positive message. With its message of graciousness and strength, the snapdragon is a versatile flower symbol. It’s appropriate to express admiration or gratitude. It would be a good choice to someone who is recovering from a long illness or other difficulty. Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Sunflower Genus: Helianthus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Summer, fall Colors: Warm colors (yellows, reds, oranges) and sometimes white About This Flower: Most species of the summer-blooming sunflower are native to North America. As they are fairly hardy, sunflowers are a well-liked garden flower. They are readily available from commercial florists. Sunflowers are also cultivated commercially for their seeds and oil. Symbolism: Unsurprisingly, the sunflower is a symbol of the sun and its attributes: heat, power, and sustenance. To the Incans, the sunflower was a sacred symbol of their sun god. In China, the sunflower connotes longevity. Appropriate Occasions: Sunflowers are a good choice for any time you want to communicate warmth and cheer. They are particularly appropriate to mark a happy occasion! Birthdays and Anniversaries: The sunflower is also the third wedding anniversary flower. Sweet Pea Species: Lathyrus odoratus Cost Range (Per Stem): $ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Various About This Flower: The sweet pea is native to the Mediterranean, although it is now grown in many places. This climbing flower emits a sweet honeyed scent when it blooms. The natural blooming time is early spring, but could be almost any season depending on your climate. With its profusion of blooms, it’s a well-loved choice for cutting gardens, although it’s somewhat harder to find at the florists’. The sweet pea is mildly poisonous to pets. Symbolism: The sweet pea was a hugely popular flower during the Victorian era, when it symbolized lasting pleasure and easy luxury. It still symbolizes pleasure and bliss. Appropriate Occasions: The sweet pea makes a beautiful choice for a wedding bouquet or any romantic occasion. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The sweet pea is an April birth flower. Tulip Genus: Tulipa Cost Range (Per Stem): $-$$ Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Various About This Flower: Originally native to the mountains and steppes of central Asia, the perennial tulip has become one of the most popular flowers worldwide for both gardens and commercial bouquets. They’ve become an almost universal symbol of spring. They come in nearly every color of the rainbow except true blue- including in a purple so dark it’s nearly black! Tulip bulbs are poisonous to pets. Symbolism: The tulip is a romantic flower, whose strongest symbolic associations are with love and creativity. Tulip flower meaning is also strongly influenced by flower color. In Persia, a red tulip in particular is a love declaration. The red of the petals represents the suitor on fire with love, and the black center is the suitor’s heart burned to coal by the strength and heat of their love. Other tulip colors have other connotations. Yellow tulips send a message of cheerfulness and joy. White tulips communicate either an apology or forgiveness. Pink tulips signal good wishes and affection- a less overtly romantic message than the red tulip. Purple tulips signify royalty. Appropriate Occasions: Different colors of tulip are appropriate for different occasions. Red tulips are ideal for a romantic springtime bouquet. Pink tulips make excellent bridesmaid bouquets or a congratulations gifts. Yellow tulips send a â€Å"congratulations† or â€Å"get well soon† message, while white tulips ask for or grant forgiveness. Purple tulips are for a truly unique and special person. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The tulip is the th wedding anniversary flower. Violet Genus: Viola Cost Range (Per Stem): Not typically sold as cut flowers; consult with florist. Seasonal Availability: Winter, spring Colors: Various About This Flower: The violet flowers in late winter and early spring. In spite of the name, not all violets are purple. There are also yellow, blue, white, and ivory varieties- some even multicolored! While they are not common in commercial bouquets, they are very popular garden flowers. The violet has long been valued for its edible and medicinal properties. The blooms and greens are edible. The Greeks and Romans brewed violet wine. Chefs sometimes us syrup made from violet blossoms to flavor desserts. Violet blossoms, often in tea form, are a natural laxative remedy. The flower is also used to scent some perfumes. Symbolism: The violet has symbolic significance as well. Per the Greeks, Persephone may have been picking violets when she was abducted by Hades and taken into the underworld. The violets became a symbol of Bonapartists in post-Napoleonic France. The violet flower meaning also relates to modesty and faithfulness. With its heart-shaped flowers, it's unsurprising that the violet also communicates a message of returned love. Appropriate Occasions: If you have some in your cutting garden, violets can make a beautiful gift to a loved one to communicate your love and fidelity. You could also try your hand at using violets in your cooking! Birthdays and Anniversaries: N/A Water Lily Family: Nymphaeaceae Cost Range (Per Stem): Not typically sold as cut flowers; consult with florist Seasonal Availability: Spring, summer, fall About This Flower: The aquatic water lily can flower from May to September, covering ponds and pools for the whole summer. They improve water quality. Unfortunately, the flowers don’t last very long out of the water- perhaps 12 hours. Symbolism: Also known as the lotus, the water lily had sacred significance in ancient Egypt, where it symbolized death and rebirth. In Buddhist tradition the lotus is a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual transcendence. In Hinduism, the lotus is a very significant symbol with many meanings. It signifies the heart, beauty, fertility, spiritual purity and growth, and prosperity. It’s also associated with many divinities. The god Brahma emerged from a lotus. The goddess Lakshmi is often depicted seated on a lotus. The water lily is the national flower of Bangladesh and also of Sri Lanka. Appropriate Occasions: Some brides do use water lilies in their bridal bouquets, though this is not particularly common. Overall it’s unlikely that you’ll be giving anyone water lilies in a bouquet. But if you’re landscaping your yard and you want to bring a symbol of beauty, rebirth, and spiritual peace to your pond, consider introducing water lilies. Birthdays and Anniversaries: The water lily is a birth flower for July. Flower Meanings Index Below find several charts with handy reference information to help you find the right flower quickly. We have charts for birth month flowers, anniversary flowers, flower seasonality, and flower cost. Birth Month Flowers Month Flower January Carnation February Iris March Daffodil April Daisy, Gerbera Daisy, Sweet Pea May Lily June Roses July Water Lily August Gladiolus September Aster October Marigold November Chrysanthemum December Narcissus Anniversary Flowers Anniversary Flower 1st Carnation 2nd Lily of the valley 3rd Sunflower 4th Hydrangea 5th Daisy 6th Calla Lily 7th Freesia 8th Lilac 9th Bird of Paradise 10th Daffodil th Tulip 12th Peony 13th Chrysanthemum 14th Orchid 15th Roses 20th Aster 25th Iris 30th Lily 40th Gladiolus 50th Yellow Roses Violets Flowers By Season Flowers will be listed by those that are available all year, and then by season. Available Year-Round Alstroemeria Aster (fall peak) Carnations (late summer/fall peak) Chrysanthemum Freesia Gardenia Gerbera daisy Gladiolus (summer peak) Iris (spring peak) Lily Lily of the Valley (spring peak) Marigold (summer/fall peak) Orchid Roses Winter Bird of Paradise (tropical climates) Daffodil Hyacinth Narcissus Sweet pea Tulip Violet Spring Bird of Paradise (tropical climates) Cherry Blossoms Daffodil Daisy Forget-me-not Hyacinth Lilac Narcissus Orange Blossoms Pansy Poppy Rosemary Snapdragon Sweet Pea Tulip Violet Water lily Summer Baby's breath Dahlia Daisy Forget-me-not Hydrangea Lilac Poppy Rosemary Snapdragon Sunflower Water lily Fall Baby's breath Dahlia Daisy Hydrangea Pansy Snapdragon Sunflower Water lily Flowers By Cost Remember, $ means 3 dollars per stem, $$ means 8 dollars per stem, and $$$ means 8+ dollars per stem! Lowest Cost: $ Alstromeria Aster Baby's breath Carnations Chrysanthemum Daffodil Daisy Freesia Gerbera daisy Gladiolus Hyacinth Iris Lilac Marigold Narcissus Poppy Sunflower Sweet pea Low Cost: $-$$ Dahlia Roses Snapdragon Tulip Medium Cost: $$ Bird of Paradise Lily of the Valley High Cost: $$-$$$ Gardenia Hydrangea Lily Orchid Roses

Life-Changing Things to Do in Puerto Rico Top 10 List

Life-Changing Things to Do in Puerto Rico Top 10 List SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Puerto Rico tops my list of favorite Caribbean destinations. Not only does it have beautiful beaches and sunshine, but it’s also full of fascinating history, art, and architecture. Combine all this with great food and the chance to practice Spanish, and you’ve got a place that appeals to any traveler. Did I mention that U.S. travelers don’t need to bring a passport or exchange money? You can forego the usual hassles of leaving the mainland while still getting an incredible international experience. If you’re planning your trip or just curious about the â€Å"Island of Enchantment,† read on for 10 unforgettable things to do in Puerto Rico! #1: Admire the Architecture in Old San Juan The blue, cobblestoned streets of old San Juan, Puerto Rico wind through pastel buildings from the 16th and 17th century. As you stroll past cafes, shops, and historic plazas, you’ll find a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture with a distinctly Spanish feel. As a National Historic Landmark, the area looks much the same as it did 400 years ago. Where to Go: Meander through the streets of old San Juan and soak up history, culture, and color. The entire historic area will have you taking photographs left and right, but there are a few stops you shouldn’t miss: Calle del Cristo (Cristo Street): Cristo Street is one of the oldest and best preserved streets in old San Juan. You’ll find a mix of old churches, tree-shaded parks, and lively shops and restaurants. San Juan Cathedral: San Juan Cathedral, built in 1540, sits at one end of Calle del Cristo. Once inside, you’ll find the tomb of Ponce de Leon, the mummy of St. Pio, and rich stained glass windows. San Jose Church: This church, first built in 1532, is the oldest in San Juan, as well as one of the oldest examples of Spanish Gothic architecture in the Western Hemisphere. La Fortaleza: This residence of the governor of Puerto Rico has been in continuous use since the mid-1500s. It remains the official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old San Juan is a small, walkable area of criss-crossing streets. How to Get There: Old San Juan is an island linked to the mainland by three bridges. You might take a taxi, bus, or rent a car and drive. Taxis from San Luis Munoz Airport should have a set fare around $20, with an additional dollar or two for luggage. Buses are typically less than $1.00, but they don’t go direct; you’ll have to change lines to make it into old San Juan. If you opt to rent a car and drive, you may look for parking lots off Recinto Sur and Norzagaray Street, as well as La Puntilla lot. Parking rates are reasonable at less than $5 for five hours and 50 cents for each additional hour. If the lots are full, though, then you may have a hard time finding parking on the narrow streets. What to Know: Old San Juan is just an eight to ten block area, but you can easily spend at least a day exploring its nooks and crannies on your own or with a guided walking tour. Surrounded by stone walls, the historic district is known as The Walled City, or La Ciudad Amurallada. The area is very walkable, but it’s also hilly and hot. Wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. If you get tired, you can hop on the free trolley service that drives throughout the city! #2: Time Travel in 17th Century Forts Old San Juan is surrounded by fortifications and old stone walls that protected the city from invasions between the 16th and 19th centuries. These massive structures encircle the historic city and offer gorgeous views over the blue waters of the Atlantic. As UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they’re well preserved today. Where to Go: Castillo de San Felipe del Morro: This 16th century citadel sits grandly on the northwest coast of old San Juan. Once you get in, you can explore the cliff-side barracks, turrets, and dungeons with a tour group or on your own. Castillo de San Cristobal: This fortification is located on the northeast side of old San Juan, a 17-minute walk or 9-minute drive from San Felipe del Morro. It’s larger, slightly less crowded, and offers panoramic views across the coastline of Puerto Rico. Fortà ­n San Juan de la Cruz (El Caà ±uelo): This fort, also known as El Caà ±uelo, is a stout, square fortification that sits at the entrance of San Juan Harbor on Isla de Cabras (Goat Island). Unlike the other forts, it’s a half hour drive from old San Juan. How to Get There: If you’re in old San Juan, Puerto Rico, you can easily walk to both Castillo de San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal. The free trolley also stops at both forts, or you can take a taxi. To get to El Caà ±uelo, you’d need to drive 20 to 30 minutes from old San Juan along Route 22. A lot of travelers leave this small fort off their itinerary, but it could be worth a stop if you’re visiting the nearby Bacardi Factory in the same day. What to Know: The fortifications that surround old San Juan are impressive examples of 16th century Spanish military architecture. Over the years, the fortifications helped ward off attacks from the British, the Dutch, and the U.S. You can buy a pass to explore all of these National Historic Sites for just $5. Kids under the age of 15 are free. The forts are open everyday from 9 AM to 6 PM. #3: Relax on World-Renowned Beaches If Puerto Rico’s gorgeous white sand beaches are your top priority, you won’t be disappointed. Several of its more than 300 beaches have been named Blue Flag Beaches, which are the best beaches in the world. I’ve picked out the top three, but there are so many more. Where to Go: Flamenco Beach, Culebra: My personal favorite, Flamenco Beach, is your quintessential, perfect Caribbean Beach. With its white sand and turquoise waters, you can easily spend the day switching between sunbathing and swimming. One weird/cool feature: there are washed up U.S. tanks from WWII on one end of the beach (now decorated with colorful graffiti). Luquillo Beach: Like Flamenco Beach, Luquillo is classified as a Blue Flag Beach. On Puerto Rico’s east coast, Luquillo has a long shoreline, calm waters, lots of water activities, and an abundance of food kiosks for mid-day seafood or ice cream. El Escambrà ³n, San Juan: If you’re staying around San Juan, then you should head to El Escambrà ³n for your beach day. You can rest in the shade of palm trees, float in the calm waters, and hang out with locals. Finding your perfect beach could take you all over the island of Puerto Rico and beyond. How to Get There: The easiest way to access Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches is by car. You can rent a car for about $40 a day, and the roads are easy to navigate. To get to Culebra (with Flamenco Beach) or other islands, you’ll need to hop on a ferry. Small buses will be waiting when you land to take you to the beach. Ferries are $4.50 round trip; the shuttle is $2. Just make sure you arrive well ahead of time so you don’t get stuck! What to Know: With over 300 beaches, you can find whatever you’re looking for- long shorelines, secret swimming spots, family friendly destinations, or posh areas surrounded by resorts. The northern beaches touch the Atlantic, while southern beaches border the Caribbean Sea. Depending on where you’re traveling in Puerto Rico, some other top beaches are La Playuela (especially good for hiking), Blue Beach, La Posita, and Sandy Beach. If you’re looking to surf, head to the northwest coast; Rincon is the place for big waves. #4: Kayak in a Bioluminescent Bay David Resz/Flickr If it’s not already, kayaking in a bioluminescent bay should definitely go on your bucket list. Drifting along a lake at night while sparkly phytoplankton trails from your fingers is a surreal experience. Puerto Rico’s bays have some of the most striking bioluminescence on earth. Where to Go: Mosquito Bay in Vieques: Mosquito Bay is on the south shore of the island of Vieques. Don’t be scared off by the name, but do remember to wear bug spray. Many consider Mosquito Bay to be Puerto Rico’s best and brightest bio bay. Laguna Grande in Fajardo: I chose to kayak in Laguna Grande, as it’s easily accessible by car from San Juan with a drive of a little over an hour. The bio bay was other-worldly. I went on a cloudy night, so it looked like the stars had disappeared overhead and gotten captured in the sparkling water below my kayak. La Parguera: This bay is on the southern shore of Puerto Rico. You’ll find several tours, but La Parguera hasn’t been as well preserved as the other two. It’s a good option if you’re in the area, but if you’re not limited by location, then I’d suggest Mosquito Bay or Laguna Grande. How to Get There: To get to Vieques, you can fly or take a ferry. The ferry takes off from Fajardo, which is about an hour’s drive south of San Juan. The ferry typically departs around three or four times a day and costs only $2.00 each way. You can also book a bio bay tour that includes ferry, bus, and a meal. Driving is the best way to get to Fajardo and La Parguera. Starting from San Juan, it’s about an hour and 15 minutes to Fajardo and two hours and 15 minutes to La Parguera. What to Know: Bioluminescence is the light emitted by microorganisms when they move. You can’t swim in the bays, as the ecosystems are protected. All three of the bio bays are popular and offer eco-friendly night kayak tours for around $45 to $70 per person. Some of the best tour groups are Island Adventures and Abe’s Biobay Tours in Mosquito Bay; Kayaking Puerto Rico and Yokahu Kayaks in Laguna Grande; and Aleli Tours and Rincon Vacations in La Parguera. You’ll likely go in double kayaks and paddle through narrow channels lined by mangroves to get to the open bay. The darker it is, the better you can see the bioluminescence, so the best time to go is during the new moon. #5: Enjoy the Local Cuisine As someone who travels on her stomach, I almost considered putting Puerto Rican cuisine at the top of this list! You’ll find a great diversity of delicious food with Caribbean, Spanish, African, U.S., and indigenous Taà ­no influences. Your trip may take you all over the island, but since most people spend some time in San Juan, I’ve narrowed my top picks to the capital city. Where to Go: El Jibarito: Located in the heart of old San Juan, El Jibarito has a large menu with Puerto Rican mainstays, like mofongo (mashed plantains with meat, shrimp, or vegetables), alcapurrà ­as (meat or yucca-stuffed fritters), seafood, and local cervezas at reasonable prices. Marmalade: For those looking for a fancy night out, Marmalade is considered one of San Juan’s best restaurants. The frequently changing menu plays with new fusions and traditional Puerto Rican flavors. Entrees range between $20 and $35, and it’s definitely advisable to make a reservation. Cafe Manolà ­n: This cafe’s a great stop in old San Juan if you’re looking for a quick lunch or breakfast. It has yummy omelettes, fresh fruit juices, and an array of traditional Puerto Rican dishes, like mofongo, shrimp in garlic, and fried plantains, all at reasonable prices. Farmer's Market at Park La Ventana al Mar: If you’re willing to travel to the neighborhood of Condado, just over the bridge from old San Juan, then you’ll find an awesome outdoor market full of artisanal food and products. Beyond the fresh, locally produced coffee, honey, fruits, vegetables, and sangria, you’ll see food carts with delicious snacks and meals. The market’s open from 9 to 5 on the first Sunday of every month. How to Get There: There’s no shortage of great Puerto Rican restaurants in old San Juan; El Jibarito, Marmalade, and Cafe Manolin are just three of many. Since the historic center is only an eight block area, all of the restaurants can be reached by walking. You could also take advantage of the free trolley service that goes around the city. To get to the farmer’s market at Condado, you could drive, take a taxi for $10 to $15, or take a bus from old San Juan for less than a dollar. What to Know: Seafood, pork, rice, garlic, and plantains are all key ingredients in Puerto Rican cuisine. You should definitely try mofongo, mashed plantains that are typically combined with chicharron, or pork cracklings, and covered in broth. You might also enjoy plenty of spicy rice and beans with a side of pasteles, meat wrapped in vegetable dough and boiled in banana leaves. Many restaurants will make their own hot sauce, or pique, for you to add to dishes. This vinegar and red pepper sauce can range from mildly spicy to life-threatening, so proceed with caution (and no, that wasn’t meant to be a challenge!). #6: Drink Rum and Coffee + Get Behind the Scenes Whether you want to wake up with caffeine or relax with a pià ±a colada, Puerto Rico’s got you covered. Beyond the old-timey bars and cafes, you can get behind the scenes to see how some of the best rum and coffee in the world is made. If you’d rather skip the tour and go straight to the bar or cafe, I’ve got a couple suggestions for those stops, too. Where to Go For Rum: Casa Bacardà ­: If you’re a fan of rum, then you should definitely set aside an afternoon to spend at the Bacardi Factory. You can learn about the history of the company, tour the distillery, take a mixology class, and sample different rums. After the tour, relax on the open-air pavilion with a cocktail or two and enjoy a panoramic view of old San Juan. Cost of tours: $15 for historical tour; $45 for rum tasting and mixology tours. Barrachina: There are plenty of bustling spots for nightlife in San Juan, but Barrachina has one particular claim to fame: it claims to have served the first ever pià ±a colada in 1963. Stop here at the beginning of your night so you can forever say that you’ve tasted the first rum, coconut, and pineapple cocktail. Caribe Hilton: While Barrachina invented the pià ±a colada in 1963, Caribe Hilton invented it in 1954. Wait, what? As it turns out, both bars claim credit for the invention of this tropical cocktail. You may not find the true origin story, but you can sample both while in Puerto Rico and see which you like better! Where to Go for Coffee: Hacienda Pomarrosa: At the top of curvy mountain roads stands Hacienda Pomarrosa, known for its gourmet coffee and conservation work. Make a reservation to take a tour and learn how coffee is grown and roasted. You can also stay overnight in the cottages and enjoy great local food and sweeping views over the Puerto Rican countryside. Hacienda Buena Vista: This fully functioning, 19th century coffee plantation was restored by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. You’ll learn about the history of the 87-acre farm, its conservation efforts, and the hydro-power that runs all the machinery on tours available in both Spanish and English. Caficultura: This artsy cafe in old San Juan serves excellent coffee in all different varieties. You can also enjoy local foods, fresh fruit juices, and homemade crepes as you sip your cafe con leche outdoors or inside under the glass chandelier. Cafà © Don Ruiz Coffee Shop: Don Ruiz cafe, tucked in a plaza across from Castillo del Morro in old San Juan, serves rich and flavorful coffee grown on the owners’ farm. It also has a collection of photos and antiques to teach you about coffee production and the history of the Don Ruiz plantation. How to Get There: As with most destinations outside of San Juan, the easiest way to arrive at Casa Bacardà ­ or the coffee plantations is by car. You can follow the route on Google Maps, plus check the websites for detailed directions. Casa Bacardi is less than half an hour from San Juan, while the coffee plantations are an hour and a half to two hours southwest of the capital city. Some of the roads are windy with steep drop-offs, which can be a little nerve-wracking, but they do offer gorgeous views of the jungle scenery. What to Know: Puerto Rico is famous for its locally-produced rum and coffee, both of which are some of the best in the world. Enjoy pià ±a coladas and cappuccinos at the artisan cafes in San Juan, or go straight to the source for a tour of Casa Bacardi or a coffee plantation in the mountains. The drinking age in Puerto Rico, by the way, is 18. #7: Hike the Trails of El Yunque In the northeast corner of Puerto Rico sprawls the tropical rainforest, El Yunque. The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, El Yunque has miles of hiking trails. It’s the perfect day trip to get outdoors while taking a break from the sun under the cool, dense canopy. Where to Go: Hiking trails: There are several hiking trails in El Yunque, ranging from easy to difficult. A few short hikes are Angelito Trail, Caimitillo Trail, and El Portal Trail. The hikes to the waterfalls are a little longer and can get crowded. More challenging hikes take you up the mountains: Mt. Britton, La Roca, Los Picachos, and El Yunque Peak, which is the tallest at 3,496 feet. Visitor Center: Stop at the Visitor Center for a map and information on El Yunque’s flora and fauna. I was glad to learn there were no bears or poisonous snakes, just lots of frogs and birds. La Coca and La Mina Waterfalls: Do go chasing waterfalls! Hike 0.7 km to get to La Mina Falls or 1.8 miles to get to the less popular La Coca Falls. Once there, you can swim beneath the falls, but a word of caution- the water can be crazy cold. Yokahu Observation Tower: This tower, built in 1936, is easy to access, as it’s just about 30 feet from a parking lot. After climbing a little over 90 stairs, you can enjoy 360 views over the lush green forest and mountains. How to Get There: El Yunque is about a one-hour drive from San Juan along highway 26. You can drive right into the park; entrance and parking are both free. What to Know: The park is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM everyday. It's home to over 50 species of birds, 11 species of bats, and 13 species of coquà ­, or tree frogs. You’ll hear the coquà ­s â€Å"singing† in the morning and evening. There aren’t any accommodations in El Yunque, but you can get a permit to camp in the forest if you want to rough it. The trails can be challenging and muddy, so make sure to bring good sneakers, as well as a towel and change of clothes if you want to swim. #8: Adventure in the Great Outdoors Are you looking for outdoor adventure? With its diverse ecosystems, from beach to jungle to misty mountain- Puerto Rico has a huge outdoor adventure industry. In addition to all the hiking you can do in El Yunque, you can also find climbing, ziplining, rapelling, caving, snorkeling, hang gliding, and kite boarding. Where to Go: Acampa Nature Adventure Tours: Acampa’s tours will have you ziplining over the jungle, rappelling into caves, and climbing up waterfalls. Along with the adrenaline rush, you’ll get a side of historical and environmental education. Rocaliza Adventure Tours: Rocaliza is a great tour for climbers, as they take you to the best spots for top roping, lead climbing, and bouldering. You’ll climb up-river, rappel down a waterfall and into a canyon, and go zip lining over the jungle. Rincon Surf School: The oldest surfing school in the area, Rincon Surf School offers solo and group lessons, along with guided adventures. It caters to beginners and advanced surfers. 15 Knots: Kite-boarding, or kite-surfing, has you riding the waves with the help of a kite catching the wind. 15 Knots teaches people of all levels how to catch the wind and learn this unique water sport. There’s no shortage of outdoor adventure companies in Puerto Rico. Some other highly rated groups are Aventuras Tierra Adentro, Toro Verde, Campo Rico Ziplining Adventure, Ecoquest Adventures Tours, and Batey Zipline Adventures. How to Get There: There are adventure tours all over the island; some of the most popular ones take you to El Yunque, the Camuy Caves, Rincon, Culebra, or Vieques. Most of the adventure tours will pick you up bright and early from your hotel if you’re staying in or around San Juan. What to Know: All of these tours are open to complete beginners, so you don’t have to be an experienced climber or outdoor enthusiast to sign up. Most outdoor adventure tours pack a full itinerary of hiking, climbing, rappelling, swimming, and climbing into a day tour, plus they include transportation and lunch. Make sure to make reservations in advance, wear good sneakers, and pack a change of clothes, bug spray, and sunscreen. #9: Spend the Day Shopping for Caribbean Clothes and Crafts The Puerto Rico shopping scene includes everything from traditional handicrafts to high-end luxury brands. You can find authentic souvenirs in the shops and markets of old San Juan or head to familiar stores at the Caribbean’s largest shopping mall. Plus, you can easily find some of the world’s best rum, coffee beans, and hand-rolled cigars. Where to Go: Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts: This large shop is full of handmade jewelry, traditional carvings, native foods, ceramics, sculptures, paintings, and silkscreens. Located in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts rests in a restored Spanish colonial building. Address: 204 Calle de la Fortaleza, Old San Juan. Ole Curiosidades: If you’re looking for a hat to shade your face from the sun, then you should head to Ole Curiosidades. It’s known for its Panama hats and attentive merchants who will help you find the perfect fit. The shop also has Puerto Rican and Latin American art and antiques. Address: 105 Calle de la Fortaleza, Old San Juan. Caribbean Trading Company: This multi-room store is packed full with local souvenirs, including clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, hot sauces, and rum cake. It lands firmly on the touristy side of things, but it has good prices and is a nice stop if you’re going to or leaving the rainforest, El Yunque. Address: 4 Calle Principal, Rio Grande. The Poet’s Passage: This artsy spot in old San Juan is a shop, gallery, and cafe all in one that hosts frequent poetry readings. You can enjoy the coffee, browse paintings by local artists, and order personalized crafts, like a colorful â€Å"Door of San Juan.† Address: 203 Calle de la Cruz, Old San Juan. Plaza Las Americas: If you’re looking for some serious shopping, then you should head to Plaza las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean. It has over 300 stores, (the usuals, like Macy’s, Ann Taylor, Zara, etc.), plus a big local artisan section on the third floor. It’s also packed full of restaurants and a movie theater, Caribbean Cinemas. Address: 525 Roosevelt Avenue, Hato Rey, San Juan. How to Get There: Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts, Ole Curiosidades, and The Poet’s Passage are all located in old San Juan. As you now know, walking or hopping on the free trolley is the best way to get around the historic district. Caribbean Trading Company is just a few minutes from El Yunque, so it’s a great stop on your way to the jungle or after your hiking trip. Finally, Plaza de las Americas is about a 15-minute drive from San Juan at the intersection of Routes 18 and 22. What to Know: Since Puerto Rico is a transportation hub and popular stop for cruise ships, it has a big shopping scene. You can find lots of authentic handicrafts and artisanal products, as well as big brand department stores, like Macy’s, or luxury stores, like Louis Vuitton. Two traditional handicrafts that you’ll find are caretas, masks for Carnival, and santos, carvings of patron saints in wood, stone, or gold. Puerto Rico is also known for its handmade lace, or mundillo. On my trip, I got a wood carving of a coquà ­ (tree frog) that now hangs on my wall at home. #10: Road Trip on the Panoramic Route Winding 167 miles across the island, Puerto Rico’s Panoramic Route leads you into rural Puerto Rico. This one of a kind road trip will take you past roadside barbecues, sprawling coffee plantations, and cascading waterfalls. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and find some spectacular views, then you’ll enjoy this scenic route from east to west and back again. Where to Go: Carite Forest Reserve: Carite is the first of four forest reserves along the Panoramic Route, and it’s a beautiful stop to stretch your legs under the palm trees. Just five minutes along the main trail is Charco Azul, a natural, bright blue creek pool that’s great for swimming. Aibonito: The highest village in Puerto Rico at 2,500 feet, Aibonito is known for its flowers. In fact, it’s nicknamed the City of Flowers and has a flower festival every June. From here, you can also explore the cliffs and waterfalls of San Cristobal Canyon. Maricao: The mountain town of Maricao will be your last stop on the Panoramic Route. Surrounded by huge coffee plantations, Maricao is known as La Ciudad del Cafà ©, or the City of Coffee. After you’ve reenergized with caffeine, you can go hiking in the nearby Monte del Estado Forest, Puerto Rico’s largest state forest. How to Get There: The Panoramic Route slices east to west across Puerto Rico, starting in Mayaguez and ending in Maunabo. It’s made up of Routes 105, 143, and 182 and takes you over mountains and through valleys. You can start in San Juan and move west, perhaps staying overnight in the mountain town of Jayuya. Since there’s a tangle of numbered roads along the way, it’s often better to follow the sign for a town than for the route itself. More importantly, bring a map and pre-loaded GPS or Google Maps directions. If you’re driving the Panoramic Route, GPS will be your friend. What to Know: The Panoramic Route takes you into the heart of rural Puerto Rico. Some of the roads are narrow and winding, so take it slow and honk when turning blind corners. Because of the twisting, hilly roads, this trip might not be a favorite for those prone to motion sickness. For anyone who wants to go deeply into the Puerto Rican countryside, this road trip will dazzle you with misty mountains, dense rainforest, and patchworks of coffee farms. Since you’ll be venturing off the beaten path, you may benefit from brushing up on a few Spanish phrases! So there you have it- the top 10 unforgettable things to do in Puerto Rico and the 41 best places to do them! As you can see, there’s a huge number of places to see and experiences to have in Puerto Rico. To help you put it all together, consider this brief itinerary for a week on the Island of Enchantment. 1 Week in Puerto Rico: Your Itinerary Now that you have a sense of the top things to do in Puerto Rico, how can you make a plan that includes all your favorites? That all depends on how much time you have, but here’s one suggested itinerary for travelers who are in Puerto Rico for about a week. Day 1: Fly into San Luis Muà ±oz Marà ­n International Airport. Pick up your rental car, and drive into old San Juan. Spend the afternoon strolling around the historic district, eating Puerto Rican food, and shaking off any jet lag or traveling fatigue. Day 2: Explore old San Juan. Admire the colorful buildings, go shopping, and take a tour of Castillo de San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de Cristobal. Punctuate your day with good coffee, food, and the world’s best pià ±a coladas. Day 3: Beach day! Head to a beach in San Juan, like El Escambrà ³n, or road trip down to Fajardo and take a ferry to Culebra. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, repeat. If you stick close to San Juan, then head to Casa Bacardi and sample rum in the afternoon. Day 4: Go hiking. Drive to El Yunque in the morning and spend the day hiking the trails and swimming under waterfalls. You might stop at the Caribbean Trading Company to buy souvenirs for yourself, friends, and family. If you want more of an outdoor adventure experience, go on a ziplining and caving tour. Day 3 or 4 are also good times to go kayaking in a bioluminescent bay. Tours usually depart at 6 or 8 PM. Day 5: Road trip. Set out bright and early on the Panoramic Route. Go hiking in a national forest, walk around the City of Flowers, and explore the San Cristobal Canyon. Alternate plans: go on an outdoor adventure tour, visit a new beach or coffee plantation, or spend the day shopping. Day 6: Road trip, part 2. Continue west to explore the rural Puerto Rican countryside and coffee plantations along the Ruta Panoramica. If the Panoramic Route isn’t your thing, you could also spend the day hiking, snorkeling, and swimming at a beach or visiting art museums. Day 7: Take any last-minute photos of the Spanish colonial architecture or massive stone forts. Enjoy your last delicious cup of coffee in an outdoor plaza while watching the passersby. Finally, figure out when you can get yourself back to Puerto Rico. Of course, you could also throw the itinerary out the window and spent your days relaxing on the beach with a bottomless pià ±a colada in hand. Or you might eschew schedules altogether and just see where your adventure takes you! Planning Your Puerto Rico Vacation Whether you want to adventure in the great outdoors, spend your days at the beach, or admire art and architecture, Puerto Rico has got you covered. Its beaches are world-renowned, and its centuries-old plazas and fortresses transport you to a Spanish colonial past. While Puerto Rico’s now a commonwealth of the U.S., it has its own cultural identity shaped by Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Taà ­no influences. The streets of old San Juan feel Caribbean and European at once, and you don’t even have to bring a passport or exchange money. Learning a few Spanish phrases, if you don’t know them already, could be helpful, although you’ll find that lots of people speak excellent English. Depending on what you’re looking for, your trip can feel as familiar or as exotic as you want it to. Puerto Rico allows travelers to find their perfect balance of beach holiday, cultural excursion, and outdoor adventure. Its versatility, combined with delicious food and sunshine, makes Puerto Rico a destination that you’ll never forget.

Trauma experience Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Trauma experience - Assignment Example The bereaved adult will also have poor communication and social skills, especially when dealing with his peers. Moreover, the young adult may lack motivation for academic and occupational success. The loss of parental advice is not replaceable and there is a need for continuous guidance and counseling as well as encouragement from friends and the society in general. The loss of a parent, especially when this parent was a responsible breadwinner of the family may cascade into an increased burden especially on the elderly children. Such elderly bereaved young adults have a higher risk of diverse psychological problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. As a result, the elderly bereaved young adults may fail to handle such situations resulting in drug abuse and unhealthy behaviors. According to numerous researches on developmental psychology, the effects of family adversities and risks on the elderly bereaved young adults has grown beyond psychological problems perspective to include other consequences from broader indicators of adaptive strategies. They include the consequences of adversity for the achievement of developmental tasks in the education and career sectors, as well as policies in the improvement of interpersonal relationship. In my case, the loss of my father in an accident three months ago has affected my entire family. My mother and my sister cannot talk to anyone. This is because no one ever thought that our bread provider could suddenly leave us. Additionally, the bereavement has left me with a huge responsibility of taking care of my family. As a result of the complication, I ended up feeling very stressed all the time. I also felt that the society has not only neglected me, but also that careless driver should be awarded death penalty. As a result of the trauma, I decided to interview both my sister ad my mother in order to understand more on how to handle the bereavement and unite my family. Prior to conducting

REPORT ON FREIGHT TRAIN OPTIMIZATION AND SIMULATION Essay

REPORT ON FREIGHT TRAIN OPTIMIZATION AND SIMULATION - Essay Example This however, is rare as it presents challenges in terms of cost and implementation to the stakeholders. On the same note, the current train system is operating at its optimal with which come numerous challenges and safety concerns (Ballis et al, 2004). This calls for a more efficient and effecting freight train optimisation and simulation capable of mitigating the emerging concerns, and even proceed further to predict possible future concerns. Factors considered in the rail freight transport were crew scheduling and train scheduling. This is because, unlike passenger train schedules which can be planned and allocated a slot well in advance, Freight trains are dynamic and require a shorter planning period. Freight train systems vary depending on availability of goods and distance required to be covered. This paper provides an overview of freight transport and the possible effects optimization of the rail system will cause. Problem Statement In any environment and or country that have a considerable amount of shipment rail transport is always the centre of focus. Freight train has faced an increased attention due to problems related with road congestion and safety concerns. Furthermore, large container shipments are always a problem at major ports. A good organisation and prioritisation of freight flows and validating an expedition and efficient freight train systems will go a long way in ensuring speedy processing and clearing of these shipment containers. Motivation/Applications Railway transports system is uniquely designed to deliver efficiency and reliability as it allows for massive freight transport at low and affordable rates. This reliance and steady growth on rail transport however, cannot be fully matched by an equal growth pace of the rail system and network. The increased traffic therefore relies on a nearly out-dated system that requires urgent revision. The hampered growth pace is caused by several factors the most obvious being the high costs inv olved in such an investment (Rizzoli, 2002). Additionally, due to the bulk of both the locomotive trains and its related infrastructure, expansion space required is also a concern especially when it comes to residential and ragged terrain surroundings. Railway companies therefore, are left out with limited options the most significant of which is exploitation of the available resources. This can be done through the implementation of better systems that will facilitate better more efficient time management. Furthermore, additional test environments can be developed to study and understand the various challenges involved on the ground during freight train movement to mitigate risks involved. Objectives The objective of this report is to provide an in depth understanding of the freight train optimization and simulation system. Current conditions will be exploited with the objective of coming up with an optimal train scheduling and optimization technique under an array of realistic and probable conditions. These conditions include; infrastructure I place, optimal average speed done by each train, and the inflow of freight goods. In addition, this report seeks to alleviate the efficiency of freight train transportation by highlighting all the impacts it has on the transport system, and further proposing ways to better improve and handle safety measures already in place. These will

How Does the Writer of This Text Use Language and Grammar Essay Example for Free

How Does the Writer of This Text Use Language and Grammar Essay The author uses jargon, puns and compound sentences to shape his readers response. This is done by paying attention to his audience which is the readers of the Metro, which are public transport users. Also to his purpose which is to entertain his audience. Puns are used to give a light-hearted effect to entertain his audience. This is evident where the author says â€Å"A new musical talent spreads his wings†. This provides entertainment to his readers in the form of comedy. Additionally the words he uses acts as a metaphor, yet in this case the phrase is quite literal as he is talking about a fly. This quite an effective pun. The use of puns provides amusement to his audience and by placing this pun at the beginning of this article it makes the reader intrigued to read on. Furthermore puns are used throughout the article to keep the reader engaged. Jargon is used also as a way to present his readers with photography knowledge. He uses a quote from the photographer which says â€Å"†¦to give a refreshing view on insect marco-photography†. By using this the author gives the public a small insight to what technology goes into taking these photos. This uses of jargon also presents another purpose as it shows the photographer of these fly photos to be a professional within this business. Also that it makes it easier for people who know about the subject to follow, as specialized terms can be used without losing information. This is useful as he has a very wide audience and some may understand these terms. The use of compound sentences adds more detail and information. The author says â€Å"Nearly all the photographs of Mr Fly, whose first name was Gerald, were taken in Mr Hendrickx’s bedroom, using mostly natural light and a small eight megapixel camera.† By saying this the author adds more richness to the sentence and therefore by doing so adds more information to his readers. By adding more information the author can entertain his audience which are on the public transport on their journeys. Furthermore that by using compound  sentences it is more effective in creating a balance between two important pieces of information, thereby leaving the reader with a better understanding of the article. To conclude by using all this techniques the author of the text can keep his audience engaged and entertained while reading his article and furthermore provide them with information which they may not of known prior.

Dark Stars and Mythological Planets :: essays research papers

Dark Stars and Mythological Planets One of the most interesting and controversial discussions among the astronomical community today is the possible existence of a brown dwarf star just beyond our solar system that might have large planetary bodies in elliptical orbits around our sun and the brown dwarf star. If such a celestial body exists many anomalies in our local solar system could possibly be explained, also if such a body exists there could be planets with elliptical orbits in our solar system that could take thousands of years to complete. This could possibly explain the major planetary changes that have occurred at long intervals throughout the geological history of our planet. This new discovery by the astronomical community has spawned numerous groups of people that are linking this brown dwarf sun hypothesis to ancient human texts in an effort to explain current global weather changes and possibly an impending catastrophe following a planetary body that will pass close to the earth in the next few years . I believe it is very plausible that we my share our solar system with many celestial objects that still remain undetected but personally do not agree with these radical groups and their attempts to link ancient texts to modern scientific discoveries. Recently NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has discovered a 10th object beyond Pluto with a highly elliptical orbit, ?The most intriguing idea is that there might be another world as big as Earth, a gravitational bully lurking in some unexplored corner of the solar system. Here's the problem: Scientists can't figure out how Sedna, which is about three-fourths as big as Pluto, came to have such a strange orbit around the Sun. Sedna's path is highly elliptic. It ranges from 76 astronomical units (AU) when it is closest to the Sun to 1,000 AU when it is farthest. One AU is the distance from Earth to the Sun. "How on Earth could anything get into an orbit like that," wonders astronomer Brian Marsden. He suggests another sort of Earth might have had something to do with putting Sedna on its current, odd course.? (?Sedna, space.com?) ?The new planet, which is yet to be formally named, is at least as big as Pluto and about three times farther away from the Sun than P luto. It is very cold and dark. The planet was discovered by the Samuel Oschin Telescope at the Palomar Observatory near San Diego, Calif.

Employment and Trade Unions Essay

Throughout the study I have tried with the best of my capacity to accommodate as much information and relevant issues as possible and tried to follow the instructions as you have suggested. I tried my best to make this report as much informative as possible. I sincerely believe that it will satisfy your requirements. I however sincerely believe that this report will serve the purpose of my course (Industrial Relation). I am grateful to you for your guidance and kind co-operation at every step of my endeavor on this report. My effort will be reworded only if it adds value to the research literature. Introduction One of the major functions of human resource management is to maintain smooth industrial relations (IR). It is also treated as one of the oldest functions of HRM. It is basically allied with the relations between the employer and the workers in the industry (Singh & Kumar, 2011: 3). According to Weeratunga (2003:5) â€Å"Industrial Relations or Labor Relations, the terms used interchangeably, can be viewed as the interaction between the various interested parties involved in employment. The employer and the employee are obvious parties. The state, in ensuring a level playing field for both sides, provides the legal framework within which such relations may take place†. In industrial relations, workers are generally represented by their trade unions formed under chapter 13 of Bangladesh Labor Act–2006 whereas employers are represented by their associations such as Bangladesh Employers Federation. HR managers mediate the relationships between workers and employers though they are appointed by the representatives of employers. Another related term is ‘Employee Relations’. Though both the terms industrial relations and employee relations are structurally similar (Decenzo& Robbins, 1999: 18), employee relations includes, in addition to industrial relations, such aspects as participative management, employee wellbeing, employee development, employee compensation, employee protection and health, and the like (Aswathappa, 2008:534). Generally industrial relations cover the areas such as trade unions, collective bargaining, settlement of industrial disputes, grievance handling procedure, role of government, labor laws, courts and tribunals and role of employers. In the context of developing countries, industrial relations has been influenced by features such as high exploitation of workers, low level of worker participation in decision making, government and political interferences, high rate of illiteracy of workers, low level of employment, low level of awareness among the laborers regarding rights, laws, and trade unionism, and low labor productivity (Khan &Taher, 2008: 222-23). Industrial relations plays an important role in establishing and maintaining industrial democracy (Monappa, 2004: 9) and it is the key to improve productivity in industrial enterprises (Aswathappa, 2004: 534). Human resource management can play vital roles in enhancing cooperative and friendly industrial relations. In Bangladesh, collective bargaining on pay between employer and workmen is prohibited in the public sector enterprises as the government designs uniform pay and benefits for the employees of all public sector enterprises (Mahmood, 2008). The limited scope of collective bargaining in the public sector of Bangladesh influences the trade unions to develop network with government, political parties and other powerful bodies in organizing their activities. It hinders effective interactions between the representatives of employers and workers at enterprise level. Though performance based pay is considered to have significant impact on employee performance (Dessler&Varkkey, 2010: 15), it is not at all practiced by the public sector enterprises in Bangladesh. As a result, public sector enterprises in Bangladesh have been incurring huge losses. On the other hand, all types of collective bargaining takes place at enterprise level in case of private sector enterprises (Khan, 1996). Mahmood (2008) mentioned that the industrial relations process in the private sector was often disturbed by links between private and public sector unions. Objectives: a) To explore the differences between public and private sector industrial enterprises of Bangladesh with respect to overall status of IR. b) To put forward policy implications of overall improvement in IR of Bangladesh. Industrial Relations Studies in Bangladesh Khan (1986) studied industrial relations in Bangladesh with special emphasis on trade unionism. †¦ Trade Unions Trade Union is an organization of workers who have banded together to achieve common goals such as protecting the integrity of its trade, achieving higher pay, increasing the number of employees an employer hires, and better working conditions. An organized association of workers in a trade, group of trades, or profession, formed to protect and further their rights and interests. – A group of employees in a particular sector, whose aim is to negotiate with employees over pay, job security, working hours, etc. using the collective power of the members. The most common purpose of these associations or unions is â€Å"maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment†. Causes of organizing trade unions Provision of benefits to members: professional training, legal advice and representation for members is still an important benefit of trade union membership. Industrial action: Trade unions may enforce strikes or resistance to lockouts in furtherance of particular goals. Political activity: Trade unions may promote legislation favourable to the interests of their members or workers as a whole. To this end they may pursue campaigns, undertake lobbying, or financially support individual candidates or parties. Conditions of employment and any grievances — are settled through trade unions. Bargaining rights: Trade unions bargain and ensure the status, rights, wages and demands of workers of the modern world of industry. Contribution in economical growth: Trade unions are growing rapidly in an economy because of the expansion of business and economical growth. Objectives Trade unions are the only way to manage, compliant, and control the labour force. Lots of objectives are there to organize trade unions. . To defend or improve the wages and working conditions of workers and to bring about a change in the economic order. 2. To strengthen their (labour) bargaining power collectively to establish and achieve all their rights. 3. To dully protect all other interest of the workers . And from the management’s point of view the objectives as written: a) To reduce the number of negotiation. b) To specify work rules, disagreements and grievances to give the better solution to workers claim. c) To establish the efficient communication between the employers and management to enforce the predictable standards. ) To enhance the overall organizational effectiveness workers can also be sometimes inspired to form and organize trade union. In fact, objectives of a trade union are not defined; rather these are changing according to the need of the economy and overall industry. When these objectives are not settled then the rivals are started History of Trade Unions The Pakistan Period (1947-71) -The East Pakistan Trade Unions Act, 1965 was enacted repealing the Trade Unions Act, 1926. -The Labor Disputes Act, 1965 was enacted. -Industrial Relations Ordinance, 1969 was enacted integrating the above two Acts. Bangladesh Period (1971-onwards) -Government of Bangladesh declared a labor policy in 1972. The right to strike and collective bargaining in the nationalized industries was prohibited for six months by Presidential order no. 55 in May 1972. -In 1973, the right to strike and lockout, as granted by IRO, 1969 was withdrawn. -In 1974 Act completely suspended the democratic rights of workers by prohibiting trade union activities such as strikes, lock-outs, collective bargaining. -The military regime of 1975 imposed restrictions on the rights of collective bargaining. The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Ordinance, 1977 liberalized the Rights of Freedom of Association -The Labor Policy of 1980 restored the right to freedom of association to a considerable extent -In 1982 the military regime banned trade union activities, strikes, and right of freedom of association. Limitations In Bangladesh Trade Unions have a lot of unavoidable problems: 1. Lack of consciousness: Trade union are not actu ally completely aware about employees legal rights and duties. 2. Lack of Unity: In Bangladesh trade unions are separated for political influence. 3. Lack of knowledge: The workers of Bangladesh don’t have enough knowledge about their rights and duties. 4. Political influence: In Bangladesh, trade unions work a part of political parties not as a free right saving association. 5. Division of trade union: Bangladesh is a country where every organization has more trade unions in name only. The overall productivity got down. Suggestions Strengthening bilateral collective bargaining for solving problems quickly and effectively. Multiplicity of trade union creates the rivals in a union. So it must be reduced. Political involvement must be reduced. Organization must support financially as trade unions support the worker. Training programs under trade union should be helpful to develop the skills of the workers. Trade union’s function should be increased and widened throughout the organization. Union leader must be given importance and encourage the members. If trust between workers and management increases, productivity increases. Management must help and guide trade unions to settle industrial clashes and crisis. Trade unions always should demand reasonable thing to the management. . What is a dispute? Academically speaking, industrial dispute refers to any conflict between employees and employers, between employers and employers and between employers and employees. †¢ But in reality, dispute is understood as the conflict between employees and employers. There are three types of Disputes : †¢ Disciplinary disputes †¢ Grievance disputes †¢ Industrial disputes †¢ According to Industrial Dispute Act, 1947, Industrial dispute means any dispute or difference between employers and employers, or between employers and workmen, or between workmen and workmen, which is connected with the mployment or non-employment or terms of employment or with the conditions of labour of any person. Causes of Industrial Disputes: Some of the prominent causes of industrial disputes may be listed thus: Employment: The list here includes disputes over wages, allowances, bonus, benefits, working, condition, unjust dismissals, retrenchment of workers, methods of job evaluation, changes in methods of production, non-implement of awards of tribunals, etc. The National Commission on Labor remarked â€Å"though on majority of occasions industrial disputes were based on claims pertaining to the terms and condition of employment, sometimes economic issues of a general character dominated and, on occasion, purely motives†. The causes of industrial disputes can be broadly classified into two categories: economic and non-economic causes. The economic causes will include issues relating to compensation like wages, bonus, allowances, and conditions for work, working hours, leave and holidays without pay, unjust layoffs and retrenchments. The non economic factors will include victimization of workers, ill treatment by staff members, sympathetic strikes, political factors, indiscipline etc. Wages and allowances:  Since the cost of living index is increasing, workers generally bargain for higher wages to meet the rising cost of living index and to increase their standards of living. In 2002, 21. 4% of disputes were caused by demand of higher wages and allowances. This percentage was 20. 4% during 2003 and during 2004 increased up to 26. 2%. In 2005, wages and allowances accounted for 21. % of disputes. Personnel and retrenchment:  The personnel and retrenchment have also been an important factor which accounted for disputes. During the year 2002, disputes caused by personnel were 14. 1% while those caused by retrenchment and layoffs were 2. 2% and 0. 4% respectively. In 2003, a similar trend could be seen, wherein 11. 2% of the disputes were caused by personnel, while 2. 4% and 0. 6% of disputes were caused by retrenchment and layoffs. In year 2005, only 9. 6% of the disputes were caused by personnel, and only 0. 4% were caused by retrenchment. Indiscipline and violence:  From the given table, it is evident that the number of disputes caused by indiscipline has shown an increasing trend. In 2002, 29. 9% of disputes were caused because of indiscipline, which rose up to 36. 9% in 2003. Similarly in 2004 and 2005, 40. 4% and 41. 6% of disputes were caused due to indiscipline respectively. During the year 2003, indiscipline accounted for the highest percentage (36. 9%) of the total time-loss of all disputes, followed by cause-groups wage and allowance and personnel with 20. 4% and11. % respectively. A similar trend was observed in 2004 where indiscipline accounted for 40. 4% of disputes. Bonus:  Bonus has always been an important factor in industrial disputes. 6. 7% of the disputes were because of bonus in 2002 and 2003 as compared to 3. 5% and 3. 6% in 2004 and 2005 respectively. Leave and working hours: Leaves and working hours have not been so important causes of industrial disputes. During 2002, 0. 5% of the disputes were because of leave and hours of work while this percentage increased to 1% in 2003. During 2004, only 0. % of the disputes were because of leaves and working hours. ? Miscellaneous:  The miscellaneous factors include –  Ã‚   Inter/Intra Union Rivalry –  Ã‚   Charter of Demands –  Ã‚   Work Load –  Ã‚   Standing orders/rules/service conditions/safety measures   Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚  Ã‚   Non-implementation of agreements and awards etc. Collective Bargaining Collective bargaining includes not only negotiations between the emp loyers and unions but also includes the process of resolving labor-management conflicts. Thus, collective bargaining is, essentially, a recognized way of creating a system of industrial jurisprudence. It acts as a method of introducing civil rights in the industry, that is, the management should be conducted by rules rather than arbitrary decision making. It establishes rules which define and restrict the traditional authority exercised by the management. Importance to employees ? Collective bar aining develops a sense of self respect and responsibility among the employees. It increases the strength of the workforce, thereby, increasing their bargaining capacity as a group. Collective bargaining increases the morale and productivity of employees. It restricts management’s freedom for arbitrary action against the employees. Moreover, unilateral actions by the employer are also discouraged. Effective collective bargaining machinery strengthens the trade unions movement. The workers feel motivated as they can approach the management on various matters and bargain for higher benefits. It helps in securing a prompt and fair settlement of grievances. It provides a flexible means for the adjustment of wages and employment conditions to economic and technological changes in the industry, as a result of which the chances for conflicts are reduced. Importance to employers 1. It becomes easier for the management to resolve issues at the bargaining level rather than taking up complaints of individual workers. 2. Collective bargaining tends to promote a sense of job security among employees and thereby tends to reduce the cost of labor turnover to management. 3. Collective bargaining opens up the channel of communication between the workers and the management and increases worker participation in decision making. 4. Collective bargaining plays a vital role in settling and preventing industrial disputes. Importance to society: 1. Collective bargaining leads to industrial peace in the country 2. It results in establishment of a harmonious industrial climate which supports which helps the pace of a nation’s efforts towards economic and social development since the obstacles to such a development can be reduced considerably. 3. The discrimination and exploitation of workers is constantly being checked. 4. It provides a method or the regulation of the conditions of employment of those who are directly concerned about them.