Beautiful, harmonious and very unpretentious orchids not only adorn the front gardens of royal palaces and presidential reception halls in a number of countries, where this role of the flower is spelled out even in the protocols, but is also a symbol of a very specific country - Panama.
A symbol of peace
There is a wide variety of orchids. There are over 35,000 species of tropical beauties. The dove orchid (one of the orchid varieties) is a symbol of Panama, in this country alone there are over 1300 subspecies of this plant. The dove orchid is very poetically called the "orchid of the holy spirit"; this subspecies is not only a symbol of Panama, but also a symbol of peace. However, Panamanians love all types of orchids, which are widespread throughout almost the entire territory of the republic and grow in any front garden like a weed. Orchids of northern and southern latitudes differ significantly: simple, discreet flowers grow in the north, but with a surprisingly attractive smell, but in the south, in tropical latitudes, especially in mountain forests, orchids of amazing beauty grow. Thanks to the delightful beauty of these flowers, the places where they grow become simply fabulous.
By the way, Panamanians do not skimp on the assignment of symbols. So, they consider golden frogs, trees with a square crown and … predatory harpies to be their "own". And besides that, of course, the Panama Canal. It is the images of these flowers, animals and architectural structures that are abundantly present on magnets and plates brought by tourists from a small country. This attitude towards symbols is quite understandable: Panamanians are anxious about their republic and its history, they do not strive for globalization, they avoid the Internet and mobile communications (only every fifth inhabitant has a cell phone).
Orchid contenders
Curiously, a number of other countries, for example, Venezuela, Guatemala and Costa Rica, claim the right to call the orchid their symbol, where it is considered a symbol of wisdom and aristocracy.
In Venezuela, the flower embodies the feminine principle, love, harmony and family hearth. Each shade of the flower symbolizes something special. For example, a white orchid means innocence, and a multi-colored one means passion. The pink orchid symbolizes strong affection. Very often they like to give orchids in a bouquet, as it is a symbol of true devoted love and strong family ties, the hair of the bride in Venezuela is certainly decorated with live orchids.
In addition to the variety of colors, the orchid is distinguished by the variety of its forms. Nature, creating this beautiful flower, did not spare her strength and imagination. There are orchids in the form of butterflies, lizards, jellyfish, spiders and even beautiful swans. The orchid is traditionally considered the flower of successful people, conquerors and conquerors, as well as the flower of feminine beauty.
