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Description: |
The thistle represents overcoming
adversity and difficult situations. It’s a symbol of
resilience. In Celtic regions, the thistle represents
devotion, bravery, determination, and strength. Throughout
history, many cultures have adopted the flower as a positive
emblem, cultivating unique stories that tell the tales of
past heritages.
For instance, Scotland has used
this flower as their national emblem since the 13th century.
Without any natural enemies, it flourishes in the
highlands, islands, and lowlands of Scotland. It attracts
goldfinches, bumble bees and many varieties of butterflies.
In the Basque region of France, the thistle is called
the flower of the sun as it always stands proudly to face
the light, therefore, they consider this sturdy plant an
icon that the sun sent down to protect others from harm and
evil. Even today, as a symbol of protection, you can see
pots of thistles by the front doors of many homes in this
region.
My inspiration
for Flower of the Sun derives from the description of
the meanings for the thistle in the Language of Flowers
dictionary published by Joseph Hammer-Purgstall in 1809. The
words, overcoming adversity, and determination, came to mind
because of COVID and how our lives all changed in an
instant. The words, devotion, and bravery to all of those
that we have lost and to those that have saved so many. The
word, strength, and how we will make it through this, in the
end, if we stay strong and work together. We lift our faces
to the sun and hold fast!
A
three-dimensional thistle, created from a peyote stitch
armature, is embellished with baby magatamas, and variations
of spikes and branch-like fringe to create the center
component for this design. Spiky leaves are wrapping around
the necklace core of tubular peyote stitch. The necklace
comes to an end in a toggle and a unique way of making the
loop.
Necklace length: 17 ½” long for my samples
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