Summer

Throughout human history, we have always recognised the summer solstice. Ancient civilisations the world over have celebrated it as the longest day or shortest shadow of the year. Described as both midsummer and the start of summer it is widely associated with the fertility of the earth and therefore feminine power.

In ancient China, the summer solstice would celebrate the feminine yin (while the masculine yang gets his moment at the Winter Solstice).
The Sioux people of North America honoured the sun in their rituals at this time of year, including the symbolic connecting earth and heaven by felling and raising a large tree.
Across pagan Europe, people would dance and light ritual bonfires to represent the power of the sun at its peak.

Pagan rituals were largely wiped out by Christianity spreading across Europe. However, in some instances, the practices live on in the Christian traditions of that region. For example, in Scandinavia, St John the Baptist is celebrated on 24th June and includes both traditional midsummer celebrations and Christian symbolism.

Connecting with nature

Today, the solstice – or Litha or Epona – is still widely celebrated and fertility remains a dominant theme. We acknowledge feminine power with Mother Nature in full bloom during the summer months. After all, the land is bountiful and the food is plentiful during the year’s most active growing season.

Through movements such as neo-paganism and New Age ways of thinking, the summer solstice is also about reconnecting with nature. The awareness of our impact on the environment, being outdoors, respecting our environment and each other are all key aspects of modern-day midsummer celebrations. Creativity, community and self-expression, through dancing and music, are as integral to our worship today as they have always been.

And, of course, the most notable celebration of the summer solstice is the large gathering of people at Stonehenge, UK.

Flowers of Summer Solstice Celebrations

Some flowers have particular importance for the summer solstice. Here are some of the key blooms:

Flower garlands

Nothing represents summer like flowers! Any flowers are suitable choices for displays that celebrate the summer. They are popular choices for decorating homes, commercial or communal spaces. Plus flowers are a favourite choice for headdresses by revellers celebrating the solstice.

Secret Garden – Silk Peony Wreath makes the perfect table centrepiece for a summer-time celebration

This long garland can easily adorn a reception desk, the head table at a wedding or above a mantlepiece

These beautiful flower garlands from Floresy are perfect for any summer celebration. You can use them to decorate a table as shown in the images but also on a fire surround or mantle, across the front of a shelf or reception desk – you can even fix the garland to the wall.

Oak Tree

Oak is particularly symbolic. Trees are often the focus of worship and oak represents strength and endurance. It also represents a doorway and so, in the context of the solstice, crossing the threshold into the second part of the year where Summer’s abundance gives way to Winter’s frugality.

Floresy offers a bespoke large tree design service. You can have your very own artificial oak tree tailor-made to fit your requirements.

Mistletoe

More often associated with the Winter Solstice, mistletoe is still important to the summer festival because of its strong potency when found on oak trees. Mistletoe has associations with fertility and when cut from an oak tree, represents the powerful oak tree losing its strength as the seasons begin to wane.

Herbs

Early pagan cultures believed that herbs were at their most potent during the summer hence their association with the summer solstice. This sweet collection of potted artificial herbs from Floresy are a great choice to add a touch of nature to any setting. Herbs represent health and fresh, quality food. A great choice for a spa or restaurant.

Small potted artificial herbs by Floresy. Herbs represent health, traditional remedies and fresh ingredients.

Floresy has over 150 artificial flowers, trees and plant products ready to decorate your business or home. Being artificial means you can easily store them out of season, ready for the next opportunity for display. What not browse our online shop to find your perfect artificial plant solution?

Floresy is proud to present this arrangement which was on display at Millennium Hall during the summer of 2017. The theme for this brief was Holidays and Powerful Colours.

About Millenium Hall

The Millennium Hall is a shopping centre in Rzesow, Poland with over 1.18 million square feet of floor space. More than 250 clothing retailers occupy the units including global brands such as Lacoste, H&M and Nike. Plus many more restaurants, coffee shops and eateries.

The shopping centre is known for its complex ceiling architecture and was designed by Studio 5 Architects. The main challenge was balancing the acoustics and light in such a large and busy space. The mall is divided into multiple passageways, each with varying ceiling types and heights. The result is high-volume walkways with acoustic comfort and various light sources that add texture and interest. Develop Investment Sp. z o.o. completed construction in July 2011.

Floresy in Full Bloom

Floresy’s concept was to meet the challenge head-on with a riot of summertime colour. Pinks, yellows, purples and oranges flood the central stairway within the mall with joy and humour. The dark green foliage defines the bright colours and helps them stand out within this sunlit space.

The vertical height of the shopping centre display area stretches the full four floors. To fill this impressive space, Floresy suspended the arrangements from the ceiling with cables.

The centrepiece of the display is a shop mannequin. Her inclusion reflects those used in the window displays of the retailers in the mall. Her dress has a long, flowing skirt made from flowers, greenery and tulle fabric. She is adorned with a hot pink garland of flowers around her head. Leaves and foliage decorate the cables that suspend her. The overall effect is fun and impressive. She almost looks as if she is swinging from a trapeze or garden swing!

Accompanying the main figure is eight large flower-wreath balls. Each cable again has more foliage decorating it. The hanging decorations mimic vines and creeping plants spilling down into the stairwell.

The complete shopping centre display uses over 400 flower buds and blooms in both the centrepiece and the eight flower-wreath-balls. The spring and summer flowers are from our collection and include peonies, gypsophila and carnations. The unique design creates a buzz. As the shoppers pass by on their way between floors, the beautiful colours catch their eye. And they are sure to feel a summery sensation.

Floresy Design for Big Spaces

When designing artificial plant schemes for large spaces such as this shopping centre display, it is important to be bold. Bright colours and large eye-catching designs will have a greater effect than something more subtle. Designing solutions for spaces like a shopping centre make it necessary to also consider the practical use of the space. And so when done properly, any communal area, such as this staircase, or other areas with a high foot-fall can be included in a design.

Using real flowers in a display such as this would result in a product that was impossible to maintain. Because of our extensive range of artificial flowers and plants, Floresy has the right solution for large-scale displays. Furthermore, our expert planning services mean we can design a display to meet with our customer’s visions.

If you’re thinking of having your space decorated with artificial flowers, you’ve come to the right place! Get in touch to discuss your project as we’re always happy to advise.

Tag Archive for: Summer

Summer Solstice – Connecting with nature