Flower Children

Flowers as a symbol of peace and revolution

The children of flowers believed that flowers could express what words couldn't. Flowers visually represented their inner attitude to life the desire for a world free of war, violence and materialism. The famous photo, where a young woman inserts a flower into the barrel of a military rifle, has become one of the most iconic commemorations of this era. Thus, flowers in their hands represented a peaceful alternative to violence. At demonstrations, hippies wore floral ornaments, such as wreaths and flower bracelets.

Favorite flowers of flower children

The flowers that the flower children chose always had a certain symbolic meaning. What did the most popular ones express?

• Sunflowers — a symbol of joy, life energy and an optimistic worldview. Sunflowers resemble the sun's glow, which flower children perceived as a source of positive energy and strength.
• Daisies — these unobtrusive but beautiful flowers embodied innocence, purity and simplicity. Daisies were often woven into their hair or made into tiaras and wreaths.
• Poppies — a flower with historical significance, symbolized both rest and revolutionary change. For flower children, the poppy was a symbol of defiance against conservative values, which at the same time stood out for beauty in its fragility.
• Tulips — as flowers that signified love and friendship were often handed out at protests and festivals. Their different colors also carried different messages - from affectionate red to spiritual white.
• Rose — an inherent symbol of love and passion. Red roses represented deep love and yellow roses represented friendship. They used to be present at joint meetings as an expression of strong emotions.

How flower children decorated themselves with flowers

Hippie style was a sign of freedom. Everyone could wear what suited them and what they felt best in. Characteristic was the loose and comfortable cut of the clothes, which was often decorated with floral motifs. As popular accessories were flower headbands or wreaths which were made from fresh flowers. These reflected spontaneity and a natural approach to life. Flowers have simply become an integral part of the everyday look of flower children.

Men and women also wore flowers pinned to clothes or instead of jewelry. Floral jewelry was not only an aesthetic accessory, but symbolized the desire for harmony and peace. At some protest events, flower children handed out flowers to passers-by or laid them on military weapons as a sign of resistance to violence and war.

Flowers as a message

The whole hippie movement had tremendous symbolism and significance. Like-minded people who longed for freedom, liberty, and disapproved of America's war campaigns moved together to San Francisco, where they began their community life. They performed at uprisings and nationwide events where in colorful outfits and with flowers they presented their view of the world. Each flower that the flower children wore or handed out carried their message. Wildflowers represented tranquility, quiet revolution and a return to nature. Their color diversity symbolized unity in diversity. Flower children wanted to show through flowers that love and peace are stronger than weapons and wars.

One of the most moving gestures was the handing out of flowers at protests against the Vietnam War. This act of nonviolence had a powerful symbolic charge: a flower instead of a gun. At a time when the world seemed full of conflict, flower children believed that a simple symbol of a flower could bring about change.

The legacy of flower children persists to this day

Although the hippie movement has subsided, their ideals and love of flowers survive to this day. Flower children left a legacy for the world that continues to be the inspiration for today's peaceful protests, environmental movements and lifestyle trends. For today's generation that flowers are still a symbol of harmony and hope for a better world.

So when choosing a flower for any occasion, remember that a flower is more than just a plant — it is a message and a symbol of peace and love.