Sunflower

Morning all ;0)

Early blip, off on nightshift tonight.

My Sunflower Tattoo.

Symbolism of the sunflower: It's said that the natives of the Inca Empire worshipped a giant sunflower, and that Incan priestesses wore large sunflower disks made of gold on their garments. Images of sunflowers were found in the temples of the Andes mountains, and Native American Indians placed bowls of sunflower seeds on the graves of their dead. The Impressionist period of art is famous for its fascination with the sunflower. They were first grown more for their usefulness (providing oil and food) than beauty. And perhaps this unique combination of striking beauty and utility is, in part, why sunflowers have appeared as such revered symbols throughout the ages.

The leaves are used as fodder, the flowers yield a yellow dye, and the seeds have many uses in food, fuel etc. The yellow, sweet oil obtained by compression of the seeds is considered equal to olive oil for table use. The oil is also used in soap and paints and as a lubricant.
Many have found value in its medicinal uses for ulcers, gum disease, sore throats and tonsillitis.

The 3rd wedding anniversary flower and the state flower of Kansas, sunflowers turn to follow the sun. Their open faces symbolize the sun itself, conveying warmth and happiness, adoration and longevity.

Personally, I love sunflowers, I grow sunflowers every year in abundance. Every one smiles when they see sunflowers growing, everything about them just exudes the sun !! They are one of the fastest growing plants in the world and excellant for growing with impatient children who want their results NOW !!

So I got a sunflower tattoo.........and Lenny sings about it !

Have a great dayand a great evening everyone ;0)

TTFN ;0)