F - Provence - Field with summer flowers

In a country with a reputation for being devoid of vegetation, the traveller is sometimes surprised, especially after a rain, to discover the vivid hue of some strange flower. For example, this delicate and virginal star of a Liliacee ( Androfymbium gramineum McBride) in Mauritania. - 1970

A flower seller outside the Sri Manguesh Temple (also known as Shree Mangeshi Temple), located in the village of Mangeshi in Goa, about 21 km from Panaji. It is one of the most significant and most visited Hindu temples in the region. Pilgrims often buy coconuts, flowers or garlands before entering the temple. In Hindu tradition, the coconut is regarded as an ‘auspicious fruit’. Smashing the hard shell symbolises shedding the ego in order to reach the pure core within. The flowers and garlands are offered to the deity (an incarnation of Lord Shiva). The gentle laying of the flowers at the feet of the deity symbolises, ritually, the letting go of worldly desires. – 1990

An Indian woman in a pink sari sits by the roadside, weaving flowers into garlands. This scene is typical of the bustling markets in the Udaipur region of Rajasthan. Such garlands are often used as offerings to deities in temples or presented during religious rituals such as the morning aarti. The art of weaving flower garlands is a centuries-old craft. - 1990

A man sits on the steps of the famous Adinath Temple in Ranakpur. This temple is renowned worldwide for its 1,444 individually carved marble pillars, none of which are alike. The bright red turban is a distinctive feature of the Rabari herdsmen. It symbolises honour and pride and also serves as practical protection against the Rajasthani sun. The flowers in the basket (often roses and marigolds) are sold as offerings for the religious rituals in the temple. Visitors purchase these to place them before the statue of Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of the Jains. – 1990

A flower seller outside a temple in Ranakpur, making garlands of orange marigolds (Tagetes). These flowers are of great cultural significance in India and are frequently used for religious offerings, temple visits and festivals such as Diwali. – 1990

In the narrow streets of Jodhpur, below the monumental Mehrangarh Fort, street vendors like this and intricate murals are a familiar part of the everyday cityscape. The woman is stringing together fresh flowers, which in India are used for religious rituals (puja), temple visits and weddings. In the metal basin lie orange and yellow marigolds (Tagetes), which in Hindu culture symbolise purity and the divine. – 1990

Saraguro in the province of Loja, Ecuador. A particularly beautiful custom of the Saraguros is the flower offerings: every year, during the Christmas midnight mass, the ‘muñidoras’ are chosen. These women are then responsible for the flower offerings throughout the year. Using garden flowers, they create small arrangements in which tiny figurines, crosses and stars are hidden, and place these in the various churches every Sunday morning. Unmarried women arrange the flowers in specific round shapes; only elderly women or widows are permitted to create arrangements in the shape of branches. - Book: Picture 39 - Ecuador - 1976

Saraguro in the province of Loja, Ecuador. A particularly beautiful custom of the Saraguros is the offering of flowers: every year, during the Christmas Midnight Mass, the ‘muñidoras’ are chosen. These women are then responsible for the floral offerings throughout the year. Using garden flowers, they create small arrangements in which tiny figurines, crosses and stars are hidden, and place these in the various churches every Sunday morning. Unmarried women arrange the flowers into specific circular shapes; only elderly women or widows are permitted to create branch-shaped arrangements. - Book: Picture 36 - Ecuador - 1976

Spring in Patagonia! A vast meadow dotted with white wildflowers. In the background rise the snow-capped peaks and striking granite cliffs of the Cuernos del Paine in Torres del Paine National Park. – Chile – 1975

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