The participants of the Four Days Marches of Nijmegen received this beauty again this Friday at the Via Gladiola: the gladiolus. And that’s not without reason, this flower is a symbol of victory, admiration, pride and power.
A double treat
The gladiolus is distinctive because the long stems on which the flowers bloom on both sides. Besides that, this flower is available in a wide range of colours: white, red, yellow, pink, purple, orange, cream and multiple colours per flower.
Symbolism
The gladiolus has an extremely heroic meaning. The name comes from the Latin ‘gladius’, which means sword and symbolises strength, victory and pride. That meaning dates all the way back to Roman times, when gladiators in the arena literally fought to the death. When a gladiator won, he was showered in gladioli. Even today, cycle racing has the phrase ‘to the death or to the gladioli’ and participants in walking events are presented with gladioli at the finish line.
A spectacular bouquet with gladioli
These all-conquering flowers enthusiastically point in all directions. They’re tall and require some attention (which they certainly merit!) but they also combine very well with other flowers such as hydrangea, Solidago and Sanguisorba officinalis, which elevate the gladiolus even higher.
Source: funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk
