PARADISE MEADOW

Paradise Meadow, acrylic on canvas, 2023. 54" X 17"

The Strelitzia or bird of paradise flower is a symbol of various aspects including freedom, identity, glamour, faithfulness, joy, and paradise. Native to South Africa and now a popular flower in tropical places around the world, the Strelitzia is associated with many positive qualities and some spiritual meanings.

The bird of paradise flower is sometimes called a crane flower because it resembles an elegant, long-necked bird. Its long stem and colorful blossoms resemble a bird with a long beak and tuft of colorful feathers on its head. These flowers, analogous to the crest of colorful feathers, grow in bunches that resemble a flock of vibrant tropical birds who are ready to take flight. Hence, the bird of paradise flower is a symbol of freedom.

In addition, this native plant of South Africa also symbolizes opportunity. A land where one group of people once ruled over another (in colonialism and later, apartheid), South Africa has thankfully undergone a social metamorphosis since the early 1990s. Now, freedom and new opportunities are more available than ever. Thus, the bird of paradise represents new freedoms and the opportunity to find good fortune. This flower is also featured on the reverse of the 50-cent coin of the South African rand.

Some bird of paradise species can reach heights of 20 feet (6 meters). As they tower above most other flowers with their unusual blossoms, the bird of paradise also symbolizes uniqueness and individual identity. This special flower embodies the confidence that it takes to stand out from the crowd. Thus, they make wonderful gifts for a person who is finding their unique path and individual identity as a person.

The bird of paradise flower seems to state that the truest beauty is in being your authentic self. It is no surprise that the bird of paradise is the city flower of Los Angeles, California. 

Most birds in the animal kingdom are monogamous (one mating partner for life), including birds-of-paradise. So, it’s fitting that a flower named for a beautiful bird is a symbol of faithfulness in love. Furthermore, the bird of paradise is a traditional gift for couples who are celebrating their ninth anniversary.

Its vibrant colors and natural habitat in bright sunshine are why of the bird of paradise also symbolizes a joyful and active spirit. This is a flower that seems to have been created to life a person’s spirits. In addition, as a tropical flower, the bird of paradise reminds us to remember to enjoy some fun, rest, and relaxation, like taking a tropical vacation. As its name implies, this exquisite flower also symbolizes paradise. The bird of paradise reminds us that we have paradise here on Earth. In addition, it reminds us that paradise is a state of mind that we can create in our own lives.

On a spiritual level, the bird of paradise represents aspiring to a higher spiritual, or more heavenly, state. The flower’s long stem is representative of spiritual ascension and reaching for spiritual enlightenment. In addition, the bird of paradise represents paradise on Earth. So, on a spiritual level, this flower reminds us that our experience here on the material plane matters – what we do on Earth matters.

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