Flowers in health care and its philately

Index Home

Yesterday, I was struggling to find a theme for a fresh blog. My daughter exclaimed “Why don’t you write about flowers ?” Initially that was a weird thought, health care does not really gel with flowers. Hospitals are a rather dull place, replete with people in distress, health workers in action, with many instruments and machines.

Many hospitals do-not allow visitors to bring in flowers, especially where the most sick patients are carted for. Hospitals are surrounded by an economy of pharmacy shops, ambulances, eateries, fruit shops, but hardly a florist. Is healthcare at odds with flowers ? A philately survey from my collection was quite an eyeopener. I found only a few rare ones, where a patient has flowers in her room. However, use of flowers for symbolism is more frequent.

Flowers at the bedside

I could find only two postage stamps, where flowers were at the bedside. One stamp shows a maternity ward, and another a community hospital. Both these stamps show happy patients, apparently on their way to recovery.

Giving flowers is an expression of joy, and is an ancient tradition. Flowers also convey an emotional connection, and hence at times are also an expression of sorrow. This tradition, transcends cultures and civilisations. Florists have used its colours, to convey love, romance, enmity, and even death. Yet flowers in a hospital are quite a taboo. Flower bouquets are considered as breeding grounds for bacteria, mosquitoes and insects. Flowers have been banned in most hospitals also because their water gets contaminated with bacteria. Another reason are allergies, but a more practical reason is space. Plethora of medical equipments, medicines, and paperwork occupy space, and flowers are more of an unnecessary addition.

Flowers as a symbol of care

Flower symbolises tender loving care. There is nothing more soft than a petal. This symbolism is used in some stamps, especially those involving children. Flower is also a beginning of new life. This symbol of care and life stays on, despite the fact that flowers have a short life, and all those that bloom, will wither away.

Flowers also mean purity in life

This symbolism is frequent in de-addiction stamps. Flowers provide hope, that bodies will soon be free of toxins. All those who have shunned drugs of abuse, or those on the road to recovery, are symbolised with a flower. It is quite a paradox that poppy flowers are bright red and beautiful, while its pod and resin is a source of opium.

Blooming flowers as a symbol of life

Flowers in full bloom, signify vitality of life. This vitality may be amidst our struggles to survive or adversity.

Flowers bloom when environment is clean

Cleanliness makes us healthy, and prevents diseases. If flowers bloom, our surroundings are indeed clean. Hence flowers seem to be an integral part of clean environment.

A tribute for health and wellness

While “Get Well” flowers are more suited for homes, rather than a hospital, yet they symbolise wellness. Flowers mean a tribute to wellness, a freshness that takes away disease.

Despite its symbolism and usage for health and wellness, depiction of flowers in health care philately is limited. Probably, it is a reflection of their limited use in health facilities. We still do-not know, if flowers or its scent will perpetuate disease. On the contrary, they do brighten up the mood. With a push towards more accommodating and holistic healthcare, maybe we will find a safe way to have them close to the bedside, and brighten up the ailing. It is all about getting the scent back, where it belongs !!