Symbolism of Holocaust Memorial Day Flowers
Holocaust Memorial Day began in Israel in 1951. It is only an official holiday in Israel and is not an official religious holiday for Jews. Although there is no formal symbolism for flowers on Holocaust Memorial Day, flowers are used to express various sentiments.
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Participation
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Both Jews and non-Jews observe Holocaust Memorial Day, also called the Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust and Heroism (Israel), Yom Hashoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day, to honor the millions who perished. In Israel and among Jews, the date is the 27th day of Nisan on the Jewish calendar. Some countries have a Holocaust memorial day on other dates.
Graves
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Although Jews traditionally place stones at graves on Holocaust Memorial Day, many non-Jews place flowers in honor of those lost.
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Rituals
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Because this is a new holiday, the rituals for it vary. Some pray, read poems or read the names of family members lost in the Holocaust. One memorial by Sonoma State University survivors used white calla lilies and pink daises to symbolize hope.
Symbolic Acts
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Some ceremonies include dropping flower petals into the water to symbolize those lost. In some places yellow candles are lit to remember the yellow stars Jews were forced to wear.
Planting Flowers
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Flowers can be used symbolically. For example, some plant flowers to symbolize rebirth. The Holocaust Education Trust of Ireland program provides yellow crocus bulbs to plant in remembrance using the yellow, like the yellow candles, to symbolize the yellow Star of David.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of James Emery
