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20 November | 2022 Feature In Japan, a specifi c Buddhist festival is Hana Matsuri, which translates to Flower Festival, also celebrates the birth of Buddha. It is held on April 8 of each year, and it appears to be less about Buddhism and more about looking at the sakura (cherry) blossoms appearing on the trees—and drinking and eating underneath the trees. Flowers? Flowers represent generosity and show the beauty of enlightenment. However, for Vesak, we suggest the evergreen sorrowless tree (Saraca indica/S. asoca) for the birth and the Siamese sal (Shorea obtusa) for the death. An add-on/"fi nishing touch" could be an herbal tea for customers to take home with them. Unrelated to festivals, there's the Bodhi or sacred fi g tree (Ficus religiosa), which the Buddha sat under when he attained enlightenment. Off er a small potted Bodhi/sacred fi g tree for practitioners to sit with for personal introspection. Hinduism/Hindu Diwali is the fi ve-day Festival of Lights for Hindus and Sikhs and celebrates the triumph of good, light and knowledge over evil, darkness and ignorance. It celebrates the harvest, and, as such, also celebrates the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, who is guided to the home by a series of lights or lanterns. Windows are left open, or drawings of lotus fl owers are used to entice her to the home. Providing real lotus fl owers (Nelumbo nucifera) is a much-accepted alternative. But, having said that, orange and golden yellow marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are the fl owers of Diwali (and other Hindu ceremonies). e marigold is described by Hindus as the "herb of the sun"—i.e., good and light—and is used to celebrate beginnings and important events of life. Diwali is celebrated on diff erent dates each year. e next two celebrations will occur on Nov. 12, 2023, and Nov. 1, 2024. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival celebrating the birth of the Hindu god Ganesha, a.k.a. Ganapati, the elephant- headed God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence. Flowers are a large part of the celebrations as Ganesha is worshipped with his favorite fl owers, including red Hibiscus, marigolds, and crown fl owers (Calotropis gigantea). If you can get it, Arabian jasmine ( Jasminum sambac) can be included. Because the number 21 is considered a sacred number, 21 types and/or varieties of fl owers and foliage can be used during this celebration. e next two dates celebrated are Sept. 19, 2023, and Sept. 7, 2024. Dussehra is a 10-day festival that celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the triumph of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Homes are commonly decorated with marigolds, asters and Dahlia, with idols having fl owers such as roses and jasmine placed upon; however, fl ower choice depends on the region people are from as some will use orchids, Anthurium, and 'Stargazer' Oriental hybrid lilies. Flowers are also used to decorate buildings, including jasmine, asters, sunfl owers and marigolds. Future festivals will be held Oct. 15-24, 2023, and Oct. 3-12, 2024. Diwali fl oral decoration

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