The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine. Ukrainians weave sunflowers into wreathed crowns to wear during celebrations, embroider them onto fabric and clothes, carve them into wooden furniture, and household items, and paint them as decoration on walls. They are used to protect against evil spirits, bad fortune and illness. Just like the sun they bring warmth and light and are the symbol of energy, life and well-being, for fertility, and unity, and peace.
The Orthodox Church did not ban sunflower oil during Lent so the sunflower became popular. By the early 19th century, Ukrainians planted vast fields of sunflowers since their hot, dry climate and rich soil are ideal for their growth. Sunflowers are also effective for extracting toxins: lead, arsenic and uranium from the soil, so they helped remove toxins after the disaster at the Ukrainian Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
A sunflower bud turns its head as it follows the sun across the sky from east to west and droops its head at sundown- a phenomenon known as heliotropism. At dawn they again nod toward the east where the Sun rises again. Just like the Ukrainian people -- they rise and fight in unity for their country.
(info gathered from numerous sources)
Pastel Painting, 9x5, © Johanna Bohoy, 2009
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