Significance of Flower offering
Flower offering is a significant ritual in various cultural and religious contexts. In Jainism, it represents romantic gestures and ritual acts between sisters. South Asian traditions showcase flower offerings to deities and as symbolic acts of wealth and success. In Tibetan Buddhism, it signifies devotion through offerings to revered figures, while Vaishnavism emphasizes physical manifestations of love during worship. Additionally, Purana outlines its use as a traditional worship practice, illustrating devotion, purity, and beauty through flowers presented to deities and ancestors across different spiritual practices.
Synonyms: Floral tribute, Floral arrangement
In Dutch: Bloemenoffer; In Finnish: Kukkien tarjoaminen; In Spanish: Ofrenda de flores
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Flower offering'
Flower offering in Buddhism symbolizes devotion and respect, honoring deities and the teachings of the Buddha. It embodies ritualistic acts of generosity and veneration, generating merit and emphasizing spiritual significance through the gesture of giving.
From: Buddhacarita
(1) A symbolic act of respect and veneration, often used in Buddhist practice to honor the teachings of the Buddha.[1]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) Ritualistic offerings made to honor the Buddha and the sutras, seen as a means of generating merit.[2]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A gesture of generosity that symbolizes an entire mandala offering, emphasizing the importance of presenting gifts to the master.[3]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Various types of flowers that were showered on the Exalted One by devotees, symbolizing respect and admiration.[4]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) A symbolic gesture of respect and devotion to the Buddha, representing the generating of immense merit.[5]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Buddhist rituals wherein flowers are offered to deities or revered figures, symbolizing devotion.[6]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Metaphorical representations of actions or awareness, illustrated in the context of using mantras to scatter these offerings in a spiritual practice.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Flower offering'
Flower offering in Hinduism symbolizes respect, beauty, and devotion. It involves presenting various flowers to deities during worship, reflecting a traditional gesture of reverence and a physical manifestation of spiritual devotion, particularly to Shiva.
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The act of presenting flowers to the deity as an expression of devotion.[9] (2) The ritual of presenting flowers to Shiva, especially rare and white flowers, as a symbol of devotion.[10] (3) A traditional practice of presenting flowers to the discourser and during worship as an act of respect.[11] (4) A ritual offering made to Shiva as a part of worship after concluding prayers.[12]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A traditional form of worship in which flowers are presented to deities as a sign of respect and devotion.[13] (2) Decorative gestures in worship involving the presentation of flowers to deities, symbolizing beauty and devotion.[14]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A devotional practice during Jagarana that symbolizes reverence, with specific benefits ascribed to the act.[15] (2) The practice of presenting flowers to deities as a symbol of purity, beauty, and devotion.[16]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Flowers presented as a form of worship, symbolizing devotion and respect towards the deity.[17] (2) Sacred flowers offered to deities as a token of devotion, used extensively throughout the initiation process.[18]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The act of presenting flowers to deities during worship as a symbol of purity, beauty, and devotion.[19]
From: Linga Purana
(1) A common form of ritual offering made to deities during worship ceremonies, symbolizing devotion.[20]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Gifts of flowers presented during rituals as tokens of respect and devotion to the gods and ancestors.[21]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Flowers presented during rituals as symbols of devotion to the deities.[22]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A ritualistic act performed by Parvati to honor and express her love and respect towards Shiva.[23]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The act of presenting flowers to the Lord during worship, where no particular type is considered mandatory.[24] (2) Physical manifestations of devotion presented to the Lord, signifying beauty, love, and reverence.[25]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Flowers offered during worship as a symbol of devotion and respect.[26]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A traditional act of presenting flowers as a gesture of respect or devotion, commonly seen in rituals.[27]
Jain concept of 'Flower offering'
In Jainism, flower offering symbolizes love and respect, often expressed through romantic gestures, reflecting the deeper values of affection and devotion within interpersonal relationships.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Gifts of flowers made as a sign of love and respect within the context of romantic gestures.[28]
The concept of Flower offering in local and regional sources
Flower offering symbolizes respect and beauty through various cultural practices, including rituals by sisters wishing for wealth and success, as well as daily offerings by widows to Buddha, reflecting themes of reverence and impermanence.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A ritual act performed by the elder and younger sisters, where the younger sister wished for wealth and the elder wished for the success in a sinister manner.[29] (2) Ritual offerings made by the widow woman to the statue of Buddha each morning and evening.[30]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) The act of presenting flowers at the altar, symbolizing respect and the themes of beauty and impermanence.[31]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A collection of poems by Prabhakar R. Kaikini reflecting early literary aspirations influenced by Tagore.[32]