#Orange County Linen Service

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Convenient and Reliable Laundry Services in Orange County

Keeping your clothes clean and fresh is an essential part of maintaining a well-groomed appearance. In Orange County, there are numerous laundry service options available to cater to your needs. Whether you're a busy professional, a student, or simply looking for convenience, finding a reliable laundry service provider in Orange County is essential. Let's explore the benefits of each service and how they can make your laundry experience hassle-free.

If you own a business in the hospitality industry or manage vacation rentals in Orange County, having fresh and clean linens is crucial. An Orange County Linen Service specializes in catering to the linen needs of various businesses. They provide professional laundering and folding services for towels, bed sheets, tablecloths, and more. By opting for a linen service, you can ensure that your linens are hygienically cleaned, properly pressed, and delivered on time. This allows you to provide your guests with a luxurious experience while saving time and effort on laundering and maintaining linens yourself.

Orange County Laundromat offer convenient and self-service laundry options for individuals to wash and dry their clothes. These facilities are equipped with a range of washer and dryer sizes to accommodate different loads. With the assistance of modern machines and amenities such as folding tables and seating areas, doing laundry becomes a more efficient and enjoyable task. Orange County Laundromat provide a cost-effective solution for residents and students who seek a clean and comfortable environment for their laundry needs.  

If you're looking for ultimate convenience and time-saving solutions, a Newport Beach Laundry Service that offers pickup and delivery is the perfect choice. With this service, you can schedule a pickup from your home, office, or any desired location, and have your laundry professionally cleaned and delivered back to you. This eliminates the hassle of sorting, washing, and folding your clothes. Newport Beach Laundry Service employ experienced professionals who handle your garments with care, ensuring they are cleaned according to the highest standards. Whether you have a busy schedule or simply want to free up time for other activities, this service provides a hassle-free and reliable solution.  

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Premium Maid and House Cleaning Services in Orange County: Your Trusted Cleaning Partner

Introduction

Keeping a clean, organized home is essential for comfort, health, and peace of mind, but finding the time and energy for consistent, high-quality cleaning can be a challenge. This is where M Cleaning Services steps in, providing professional, reliable, and comprehensive cleaning services tailored to fit your needs in Orange County. Specializing in top-tier maid services, house cleaning, and general cleaning services across OC, we’re dedicated to making your space shine and ensuring it’s a welcoming haven for you and your family.

Whether you need regular housekeeping assistance, a one-time deep clean, or specialty cleaning for unique home areas, our experienced team has the skills, tools, and techniques to handle it all. We prioritize customer satisfaction by delivering efficient, eco-friendly cleaning that respects your schedule and specific needs, allowing you to focus on what matters most.

Why Choose M Cleaning Services in Orange County?

With so many options for cleaning services in Orange County, M Cleaning Services stands out due to our commitment to quality, reliability, and customer-centric solutions. Here are some of the key reasons our clients choose us time and again:

Comprehensive Maid Service in Orange County: Our trained cleaning professionals handle all the essentials, from dusting and vacuuming to sanitizing bathrooms and organizing spaces. Our maid services are designed to keep your home in pristine condition, whether you need weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly visits.

Exceptional House Cleaning for Every Room: From the kitchen to the bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms, we bring meticulous attention to detail to every corner of your home. We use only safe, non-toxic cleaning agents that are tough on dirt but gentle on surfaces, ensuring a thorough clean without harsh chemicals.

Flexible Cleaning Services in OC: We understand that each home is unique, so we offer flexible cleaning plans tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you need a one-time service, seasonal deep cleaning, or regular upkeep, our customizable options allow you to choose the level of care your home needs.

Services We Offer

1. Maid Service Orange County

Our maid services go beyond traditional cleaning. Designed to provide consistent, quality upkeep, our maid services are ideal for those who want a tidy, organized home without the hassle. Each maid is trained to deliver detailed cleaning with a focus on sanitation, organization, and efficiency, leaving your home looking and feeling fresh after every visit.

Our maid services include:

Dusting and wiping down all surfaces

Vacuuming and mopping floors

Sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms

Light tidying and organization

Trash removal

Whether you’re managing a busy household or just want the peace of mind of a regularly cleaned space, our maid services are tailored to keep your home at its best.

2. House Cleaning Orange County

Our house cleaning services cover every aspect of home cleaning, from general upkeep to deep cleaning for special occasions or seasonal refreshes. We pride ourselves on using eco-friendly cleaning solutions that protect both your home and the environment, without compromising on effectiveness.

House cleaning services include:

Kitchen deep clean, including appliances

Bathroom cleaning and sanitizing

Bedroom organization and linen changes

Dusting and polishing all furniture

Window cleaning and blinds dusting

Cobweb removal and air vent cleaning

Our comprehensive house cleaning in Orange County is ideal for those seeking a thorough, dependable solution to keep their homes looking their best year-round.

3. Specialty Cleaning Services in OC

In addition to our regular cleaning services, we offer specialty cleaning tailored to specific needs:

Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning: We help make the moving process easier by ensuring your new or old home is spotless.

Post-Construction Cleaning: Ideal for homes that have undergone renovations or new builds, we handle the dust, debris, and construction mess, leaving your home ready for move-in.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning: Perfect for refreshing your space in the spring or before the holidays, our deep cleaning services cover all areas, even the ones often overlooked.

Each of these services is crafted with care to ensure your home looks and feels fresh, no matter the occasion.

Our Approach to Cleaning

1. Eco-Friendly Practices

We prioritize green cleaning practices that reduce environmental impact while still delivering top results. Our cleaning agents are biodegradable and safe, meaning your home is left spotless without the residue of harsh chemicals. This approach is ideal for families, especially those with children or pets, as it ensures a safe, healthy living environment.

2. Advanced Techniques and Tools

Our team utilizes advanced cleaning tools and techniques that provide deep, thorough cleaning. From HEPA-filter vacuums that trap allergens to microfiber cloths that capture dust without spreading it, our approach combines technology and skill for outstanding results.

3. Experienced and Trained Staff

Each member of our team undergoes extensive training to meet the highest standards in cleaning and professionalism. Our staff is vetted, background-checked, and dedicated to providing quality service with a friendly, respectful approach. We strive to make every cleaning session as seamless and stress-free as possible for our clients.

Customized Cleaning Plans to Fit Your Lifestyle

At M Cleaning Services, we understand that every home and family is different. That’s why we offer customized cleaning plans that cater to individual needs. Whether you’re looking for bi-weekly cleaning, weekend availability, or specific areas of focus, our team works closely with you to create a plan that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Cleaning Services in OC

Choosing M Cleaning Services offers numerous benefits:

Time-Saving Convenience: Free up your schedule and enjoy a clean, comfortable home without the time and effort.

Professional Results: Our trained staff knows the best methods for every surface and cleaning challenge, resulting in a more thorough clean than DIY solutions.

Healthier Home Environment: Regular cleaning minimizes allergens, bacteria, and dust, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of health issues.

Peace of Mind: With vetted, reliable staff, you can trust that your home is in safe, capable hands.

Serving the Heart of Orange County

Our commitment to the community is a central part of M Cleaning Services. We’re proud to serve Orange County residents, providing reliable and quality-driven cleaning services across multiple cities and neighborhoods. Whether you’re located in Irvine, Anaheim, or Newport Beach, our team is ready to deliver top-notch maid and house cleaning services that exceed expectations.

How to Get Started

Starting with M Cleaning Services is easy. Simply reach out to our team to discuss your cleaning needs and schedule a convenient time for your service. We offer flexible appointment options, and our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions you may have.

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What to Expect from Your Event Catering Service in Orange County

Selecting a catering service for your event in Orange County is a critical step that can significantly impact the overall success of your gathering. Whether you're hosting a wedding, corporate event, birthday celebration, or casual get-together, understanding what to expect from your catering service will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can anticipate from a professional event catering service in Orange County, from initial consultation to the final cleanup.

1. Initial Consultation and Planning

The initial consultation is a crucial step in the catering process where you discuss your vision, requirements, and preferences with the caterer. Here’s what you can expect:

Personalized Discussion: During the consultation, expect a detailed conversation about your event’s specific needs, including the type of event, guest count, menu preferences, and any dietary restrictions. The caterer will listen to your ideas and offer suggestions based on their expertise.

Menu Proposals: The caterer will provide you with a variety of menu options tailored to your event. This may include sample menus, pricing, and the ability to customize dishes to fit your theme and preferences.

Venue Evaluation: If possible, the caterer might visit the venue or discuss its layout with you. This helps them understand the space, logistics, and any special requirements for setup and service.

2. Detailed Proposal and Contract

Once you’ve discussed your needs and preferences, the caterer will prepare a detailed proposal and contract. Here’s what to expect:

Proposal Breakdown: The proposal will include a breakdown of the menu, pricing per person, and any additional costs. It should also outline what is included in the service, such as linens, serving ware, and staff.

Contract Details: The contract will detail the agreed-upon services, including the event date, menu selections, setup and breakdown times, payment terms, and cancellation policies. Carefully review the contract to ensure all details are accurate and meet your expectations.

Deposit and Payment: You will likely need to provide a deposit to secure your booking. The contract will outline the payment schedule and any remaining balances due before the event.

3. Menu Tasting and Finalization

A menu tasting is an opportunity to sample the dishes and make final decisions on your menu. Here’s what to expect:

Scheduling: Arrange a date for your tasting with the caterer. This will allow you to try a selection of their dishes and provide feedback.

Tasting Experience: During the tasting, you’ll sample various menu items and discuss any adjustments or changes you’d like. This is your chance to ensure the flavors and presentation meet your expectations.

Final Menu Selection: Based on the tasting, you’ll finalize your menu selections. The caterer will update the proposal and contract with the final choices and quantities.

4. Event Setup and Service

On the day of the event, the catering service will handle the setup and food service. Here’s what you can expect:

Setup: The caterer will arrive at the venue with enough time to set up the food and beverage stations, arrange tables and linens, and ensure everything is ready before your guests arrive.

Staffing: Depending on the service style, the caterer will provide servers, chefs, and support staff to manage the event. They will handle food service, interact with guests, and address any issues that arise.

Food Presentation: Expect the food to be presented attractively and served at the appropriate temperature. The caterer should ensure that the presentation aligns with your event’s theme and style.

5. Food Quality and Guest Experience

A professional catering service will prioritize food quality and guest satisfaction. Here’s what to anticipate:

High-Quality Ingredients: The caterer will use fresh, high-quality ingredients to prepare your dishes, ensuring that the food is flavorful and appealing.

Guest Feedback: The caterer should be attentive to guest needs and preferences, including accommodating dietary restrictions and special requests. They may seek feedback during the event to address any concerns promptly.

Professional Service: The catering staff should be professional, courteous, and attentive to your guests. They will manage food service efficiently and ensure that guests have a positive dining experience.

6. Cleanup and Breakdown

After the event, the catering service will handle cleanup and breakdown. Here’s what to expect:

Cleanup: The caterer will clean up the food and beverage stations, including disposing of any leftover food and waste. They will also take care of returning rented items, such as linens and serving ware.

Breakdown: The catering team will dismantle and remove any equipment or decorations used during the event. They will ensure that the venue is left in good condition.

Final Invoice: You’ll receive a final invoice reflecting any additional costs incurred during the event, such as extra servings or extended service hours. Ensure that this aligns with the terms outlined in your contract.

7. Post-Event Follow-Up

A reputable catering service will often follow up after the event to ensure your satisfaction. Here’s what you might expect:

Feedback Request: The caterer may reach out to gather feedback on their service and food quality. This feedback helps them improve and ensures that any issues are addressed.

Review and Referral: You may be asked to provide a review or testimonial about your experience. Positive feedback can help the caterer’s reputation, and referrals can benefit you if you have future events or know someone who needs catering services.

Contact Touch of Paradise Catering

For a seamless and enjoyable catering experience in Orange County, consider Touch of Paradise Catering. They offer a range of services tailored to meet your needs and ensure a successful event. Schedule your site visit today by providing your details at (714) 603-7592. Visit their website at Event Catering Service Orange County or email them at events@touch-of-paradise.com for more information. Their office is located at 3519 W Commonwealth Ave STE LM, Fullerton, CA, 92833.

Conclusion

Understanding what to expect from your event catering service in Orange County will help you plan and execute a successful event. From the initial consultation to post-event follow-up, a professional catering service will guide you through each step, ensuring that your needs are met and your guests are satisfied. By working with a reliable caterer, you can focus on enjoying your event, knowing that the food and service are in expert hands.

[ecocleanhuntingtonbeach]

Types of Upholstery & Furniture We Clean Wondering whether Chem-Dry can clean a specific piece of furniture? Below are some of the most common types of furniture and fabrics we clean.

Pieces of Furniture We Clean Chem-Dry offers upholstery cleaning services for practically any type of upholstered furniture! From smaller items like ottomans to larger ones like sectionals, we have you covered.

Pieces of furniture we clean include:

Sofas

Sectionals

Loveseats

Armchairs

Ottomans

Dining chairs

Office chairs

Mattresses

Want to clean a piece of furniture that’s not on this list? Contact the upholstery cleaners at your local Chem-Dry to find out if we can clean the item.

Upholstery Fabrics We Clean Our Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) cleaning process works on a wide range of textiles. We also provide professional cleaning for materials with unique cleaning needs, such as leather.

Upholstery fabrics we clean include:

Cotton

Wool

Linen

Microfiber

Polyester

Nylon

Silk

Leather

Need cleaning for a fabric that’s not on this list? Contact the furniture cleaners at your local Chem-Dry to find out if we can clean the material.

Our Upholstery Cleaning Process technician cleaning upholsteryAt Chem-Dry, we don’t need gallons of soapy water or harsh chemicals to deep clean upholstery. Instead, we harness the natural cleaning power of carbonation!

Our Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process uses a cleaning product called The Natural®. This water-based product releases millions of tiny bubbles into upholstery, which lift stubborn dirt and grime to the surface. We then use our exclusive PowerHead® technology to whisk the dirt and grime away, leaving your furniture fresher, cleaner, and healthier.

Because our carpet cleaners use a fraction of the water used by steam cleaners, furniture dries in a matter of hours instead of days.

And while steam cleaners often leave soapy residues behind — which encourages re-soiling — that’s not a problem with Chem-Dry! Our cleaning solution contains no soapy detergents, helping your furniture stay cleaner for longer. The bottom line? With upholstery cleaning from Chem-Dry, you’ll enjoy a deeper, drier, and healthier clean for your home!

Specialty Upholstery Stain & Odor Services Chem-Dry offers a wide range of specialty services for upholstery and furniture.

Stain Protectant Want to protect your furniture from stains after cleaning? Simply ask your local Chem-Dry about our stain protectant service.

In addition to cleaning your furniture, we’ll apply a professional stain protectant. This forms a shield around upholstery fibers. When spills happen, you’ll have a window of opportunity to soak up the spill before it penetrates the fibers.

Our protectants work with a wide range of fabrics. Speak with your local Chem-Dry to find the best choice for your furniture.

Stain Removal Instead of trying to mask furniture stains, turn to our stain removal service. Our promise is simple: "If we can't get it out, no one can."

Chem-Dry furniture cleaners are experts at removing stains from upholstery. Our solutions can remove or dramatically reduce stains from wine, juice, soda, chocolate, coffee, lipstick, permanent marker, and countless other stain sources!

Deodorization As part of our cleaning service, we can freshen up your furniture with an application of our powerful deodorizer.

To deodorize furniture, we use a product that neutralizes the root cause of lingering odors. Rather than simply covering up unpleasant smells, we destroy the source of these odors at the molecular level.

With this approach, odors aren't just masked — they’re eliminated! As a result, nothing is left behind but clean and fresh upholstery.

Pet Stains & Odors Pet accidents don’t always happen on the floor. Our furniture cleaning services include P.U.R.T.® — a proven treatment for removing pet urine stains and odors.

Our Pet Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T. for short) uses ultraviolet light to pinpoint pet stains. After that, we clean the area with our Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process. Finally, we apply a product that penetrates upholstery fibers and destroys the odor-causing material.

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Best Marquees in Orange County CA

Vanity Fete is a leading event planning and Best Marquees in Orange County CA, offering a range of premium quality event rentals to elevate any occasion. Among our extensive collection, our marquees stand out as a versatile and elegant option to create a unique and memorable event.

Our marquees come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any event, from intimate gatherings to large-scale weddings and corporate events. Our team of experienced event planners will work closely with you to understand your vision and help you choose the perfect marquee to bring your ideas to life. Best Marquees in Orange County CA are made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and safety. We take great pride in maintaining our marquees to the highest standards of quality, cleanliness, and safety, so you can be sure that your event will be a success.

In addition to our premium marquees, we also offer a range of complementary event rentals, including tables, chairs, linens, lighting, and decor, to help you create a cohesive and stunning event design. Our team will work with you to create a customized package tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

At Vanity Fete, we understand that every event is special and deserves to be treated with care and attention to detail. We are committed to providing exceptional service and delivering unforgettable experiences for our clients and their guests. Contact us today to learn more about our marquee rentals and other event rental services. Let us help you create an event that will be remembered for years to come.

[949laundryca]

When Should You Go For A Professional Dry Cleaning Service?

Dry cleaners are specialized laundry service that cleans clothes that are not suitable for cleaning through regular washing. Clothing made from sensitive garments and fabrics like coats and suits are frequently marked as “dry clean only”, implying that they might be damaged if you want to wash them on your own and take them to a regular Corona laundry service.

Orange County dry cleaning utilizes special solvents instead of water to clean clothes and remove the stains. The garments are put into a machine that looks just like regular washing machine with a rotating drum. When the cycle is commenced, the machine fills with solvent which removes the stains and dirt from the fabric. After multiple rinses with the solvent, the clothes are spun with warm air which dries the clothing and evaporates any remaining solvent.

Garments made from sensitive fabrics like silk generally should be sent to dry cleaners instead of being washed at home as a regular washing procedure will damage the fibers and leave water marks on the clothes. Fine quality fabrics like fine muslin or chiffon also should be either dry cleaned or hand washed as they can conveniently tear in a regular washing machine.

Along with washing clothes that are marked as “dry clean only”, utilizing an Orange County dry cleaning service can be an incredible way to remove the stubborn stains from clothing that have remained after a regular wash cycle. Grease stains specifically are more conveniently removed instead of detergent and water.

Even small towns will generally have at least one dry cleaner and they are generally very effective in running business which is convenient for busy people.  Some of the cleaners also provide a pick up and drop service to avoid the trouble of taking clothes on your own. Commercial laundry and linen service for Orange country and Long Beach We also offer industrial laundry service in Long Beach.

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Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Event Catering Service in Orange County

Selecting the right catering service for your event in Orange County is crucial to ensuring a memorable and seamless experience. With so many options available, it’s essential to ask the right questions to find a caterer that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Here are the top five questions to ask your potential caterer, along with key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

1. What is Your Experience with Events Like Mine?

Understanding the caterer’s experience with similar events will give you confidence in their ability to handle your specific needs. Here’s what you should ask:

Experience: “How long have you been catering events like mine?” This question helps you gauge their level of expertise. A caterer with extensive experience in events similar to yours—whether it’s a wedding, corporate function, or casual gathering—will be better equipped to handle the nuances of your event.

Specialization: “Do you specialize in any particular type of cuisine or service style?” Some caterers might be experts in elegant plated dinners, while others excel in buffet setups or interactive food stations. Ensure their specialization aligns with your vision for the event.

Portfolio: “Can you provide examples or references from past events?” Requesting references or case studies of their previous work can give you insight into their reliability and the quality of their service. It’s also beneficial to review their portfolio to see their style and presentation.

2. What Does Your Catering Package Include?

A comprehensive understanding of what is included in the catering package will help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure that all your needs are met. Consider the following:

Menu Options: “What menu options do you offer, and can they be customized?” Ask for details on the range of menu items available and whether they can accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. Customization options are essential for creating a menu that fits your event’s theme and guest needs.

Service Details: “What type of service do you provide? Is it a buffet, plated meal, or food stations?” Understanding the service style helps you plan for setup, staffing, and guest flow.

Additional Services: “Are linens, serving ware, and cleanup included in the package?” Clarify what is included in the package, such as table settings, cutlery, glassware, and cleanup after the event. This helps ensure you’re not caught off guard by additional costs.

3. What is Your Pricing Structure and What Are the Payment Terms?

Knowing the pricing structure and payment terms is crucial for budgeting and financial planning. Ask the following questions:

Cost per Person: “What is your cost per person, and what does that include?” Obtain a detailed quote to understand what’s covered in the per-person price. This should include food, service, and any additional fees.

Additional Fees: “Are there any additional fees we should be aware of?” Inquire about any extra costs, such as for overtime, travel, or special requests. Understanding these details will help you avoid unexpected expenses.

Payment Terms: “What are your payment terms and cancellation policies?” Clarify the deposit requirements, payment schedule, and cancellation policy. Knowing this information will help you manage your budget and make informed decisions if changes arise.

4. What is Your Availability and What Are Your Staffing Levels?

Ensuring that the caterer is available on your event date and understanding their staffing levels are key to smooth execution. Here’s what to ask:

Availability: “Are you available on my event date?” Confirm the caterer’s availability to ensure they can accommodate your event. Popular caterers may book up quickly, so it’s essential to secure your date as early as possible.

Staffing: “How many staff members will be assigned to my event?” Ask about the number of servers, chefs, and support staff that will be provided. Adequate staffing is crucial for ensuring efficient service and guest satisfaction.

Setup and Breakdown: “What is your policy for setup and breakdown?” Clarify when the caterer will arrive to set up and how long they will take to clean up after the event. This helps in planning the timeline and coordinating with other vendors.

5. How Do You Handle Dietary Restrictions and Special Requests?

Accommodating dietary restrictions and special requests is important for ensuring all guests are satisfied. Here’s how to address this:

Dietary Restrictions: “How do you handle dietary restrictions and allergies?” Ask about the caterer’s process for managing special dietary needs. Ensure they can provide suitable options for guests with allergies, gluten intolerance, or other dietary preferences.

Special Requests: “Can you accommodate special requests or customizations?” Discuss any specific requests or themes you have in mind. A flexible caterer will be willing to work with you to create a personalized menu that meets your needs.

Communication: “How do you communicate with clients about dietary needs and special requests?” Ensure there is a clear process for communicating these needs and confirming that they will be properly handled.

Conclusion

Selecting the right catering service for your event in Orange County involves asking the right questions and evaluating the caterer’s experience, services, pricing, and flexibility. By addressing these key areas, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your event runs smoothly and successfully.

To start planning your event, schedule a site visit with Touch of Paradise Catering today. Contact them at (714) 603-7592, visit their website at Event Catering Service Orange County, or email them at events@touch-of-paradise.com. Their office is located at 3519 W Commonwealth Ave STE LM, Fullerton, CA, 92833. Act now to ensure a seamless and exceptional catering experience for your special occasion!

[loneberry]

Flowers for Eternity

What is the alphabet of funeral flowers that appears everywhere in my work? 

Below the cut is “Flowers for Eternity”—my favorite chapter from Stephen Buchmann’s book The Reason for Flowers—on the relationship between flowers and death, and the use of flowers for funerary and religious rituals. 

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Flowers as the enshrinement of wayward souls

Flowers as an olfactory mask for decomposing corpses

Flowers as memorialization

Flowers as emotional salve in the face of loss

Who knows why, when a life is snuffed out, a bouquet sprouts in the void. 

In the end, we all will become flowers

Ruderals in the cemetery of lost dreams

Flowers for Eternity They are love’s last gift—bring ye flowers, pale flowers! —Felicia Hermans It’s a cold February morning in Orange County, California. My family, and our relatives and friends, gather on a green lawn, in the Garden of Contentment, an older area within the sprawling Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California, the largest cemetery in the United States. A friend has given the eulogy for my father, Stanley, who has died at age fifty-seven. Our family walks to the open grave hand in hand. My father’s sister carries a bouquet of flowers. One by one, we come forward, adding colorful bouquets atop the metal coffin. Floral wreaths rest next to the gravesite on tall stands. Earlier that morning, several hundred friends, family, and relatives paid their final respects during a funeral service in the flower-filled First Congregational Church of Buena Park. Now, our family and a few others remain graveside among the floral tributes before the casket is lowered. Such earthen burials in cemeteries are repeated about six thousand times each day in the United States and many more times around the world. Much of the florist industry is based on these services and other floral tributes. With their beauty, flowers comfort us; they make us smile and ease our grief. They help us to heal and recover from losses and emotional wounds. This has always been true. Our ancestors used cut flowers as grave offerings since the time spiritual beliefs first stirred in humans. Archaeological excavations of ancient burial sites in Iraq and Israel, along with tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, such as Tutankhamen, provide us with glimpses into the burial customs of these ancient mourners, and flowers for eternity. Buried with Flowers Deep within the Zagros Mountains of northern Iraq is the famed Shanidar Cave. Early humans, Neanderthals, lived here seventy thousand years ago and buried their dead. Excavations in the 1950s by a Columbia University archaeological team unearthed ten Neanderthal skeletons buried along with an assortment of stone tools. At least one individual may have been laid upon a bed of stems of joint pine (Ephedra, shrubs that make no flowers) and also adorned with bouquets of flowers. Pollen from twenty-eight flowering species was identified from the gravesite soils. Pollen-grain concentrations were higher within the grave than in the surrounding areas of Shanidar Cave. This sensational discovery was widely reported in the media and sparked debate. Did the family group of Neanderthals have ritualized burials? Was this the first evidence of floral grave offerings? Or, as has recently been suggested, was it merely interred pollen brought into the cave by generations of gerbil-like rodents hoarding grasses and wildflowers? For now, the story is unclear. Not as old, but far more scientifically convincing, is a twelve-millennia-old gravesite inside Raqefet Cave on Israel’s Mt. Carmel studied by archaeologists at the University of Haifa. Here, four graves from the Natufian culture (radiocarbon-dated to be 13,700 to 11,700 years old) were lined with flowers at the time of burial. In one grave, an adult male and an adolescent were buried together atop a thick bier of floral offerings. Judaean sage (Salvia judaica), along with other unidentified mints (Lamiaceae) and members of the snapdragon family (Plantaginaceae), were used. Interestingly, Judaean sage has been a ritual plant since ancient times. It has commonly followed Mediterranean peoples from cradle to grave, like rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and true myrtle (Myrtus communis). Myrtle remains entwined and is used with one Jewish holiday, Sukkoth, the Feast of Tabernacles, still celebrated each autumn. Archaeologist Dr. Dani Nadel spoke with me about the Raqefet Cave ancient graveyard, explaining that the inner grave surfaces were plastered with mud, capturing imprints of the delicate stems and finest floral impressions at the time of inhumation. Based upon the types of local wildflowers used, these may have been spring burials. Perhaps flowers were offered as grave goods not only for their beauty but also for their intense scents, which would have masked the odors of decomposition. Sages, along with mint stems and leaves, are especially fragrant, used to this day in cooking and burned as incense. A visitor to the Mt. Carmel hillside today walks among Judaean sage, a plant as common there now as it likely was millennia ago. The Natufians were possibly the first people to transition from a nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle to permanent settlements with agriculture, animal husbandry, and true graveyards. Honoring the Dead or Appeasing the Gods? From the earliest times, humans have displayed two interrelated behaviors using flowers. We have buried them with our dead, but we have also adorned statues of deities with garlands or left blooms on sacred altars to propitiate the deities. Why is it that something as ephemeral and delicate as a flower took on this new role in the theologies of so many divergent cultures? How could a flower provide comfort for grieving mourners if we evolved from fruit-eating ancestors? Why not use something else? Shouldn’t we be decorating sarcophagi and coffins with fruit, luscious red ripe grapes, apples, or figs? Perhaps it happened because the blooming of flowers around the world proceeds in a predictable, seasonal pattern. Flowers of the dry season are replaced by flowers of the rainy season in the tropics. In cooler-milder zones, three or four seasons offer a diverse but revolving carousel of buds that open and wilt at appointed times. Catastrophic destruction by unexpected droughts, wildfires, or floods interrupts annual climate cycles but not forever. Given time, the flowers return. Early humans certainly noticed that when their kin were buried in shallow graves, these sites were later colonized by blooming, opportunistic, short-lived wildflowers ecologists call ruderals. This mode of natural renewal had been noted by most generations of poets, regardless of era. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Laertes offers the then-widespread belief that good flowers spring from the grave of a good person. He hopes that violets will spring from his sister Ophelia’s grave, although her death was a suicide. Thus, Mt. Carmel hides more than one ruined necropolis in plain sight. On warm days in January a trained botanist can show cyclamens, red anemones, winter narcissi, and mandrakes poking out between the tips of the half-buried ossuaries. Bouquets, Mummy Garlands, and Floral Collars On a far grander scale, death rites and religious worship were intertwined in the Egypt of the pharaohs. Flower arrangements were used in festivals and for special occasions. Most popular were the spike-topped papyrus reeds, and flowers of sacred blue and white water lilies. Bouquets were presented to deceased relatives at the time of burial and on various festive occasions and anniversaries at the necropolis and mortuary temples. Beautifully designed fresh-flower arrangements were also worn as broad neck collars (wide necklaces) by participants at Egyptian funerary rites and their associated feasts. Bouquets were brought to burials, and papyrus stems played an integral part since these abundant, aquatic reeds symbolized the resurrection of the deceased. Bouquets and persea (Mimusops laurifolia) branches were found inside King Tutankhamun’s multiroomed royal tomb in the Valley of the Kings (ancient Thebes) when it was first opened by Howard Carter in 1922. Ancient flower collars and dried-but-once-fresh flowers are found on mummies and draped on statues placed within tombs. When nineteen-year-old pharaoh Tutankhamun was buried in 1323 BC, many floral garlands were placed as offerings on his three nested, gilded coffins. A small wreath of olive leaves, blue water-lily petals, and blue cornflowers (Centaurea) surrounded the symbol of office, the vulture-and-serpent motif above the king’s brow. The floral decorations on Tut’s innermost coffins were especially elaborate. Here, layers of wrapped linen were crisscrossed by four bands of long floral garlands. The plants used in the garlands have been identified as olive leaves, cornflower, willow, lotus (Nelumbo), and celery leaves. A one-foot-wide floral collar encircled the king’s sculpted, solid gold funerary mask. When fresh, before the sarcophagus was sealed, this brilliant floral collar resting on the golden innermost coffin lid must have been a lovely sight. Unlike the previous garlands, this collar contained blue glass beads, lotus petals, more cornflowers, the scarlet berries of deadly nightshade, along with yellow mandrake fruits and the yellow-flowering heads of yellow hawkweeds (Picris). The royal mummy of Rameses II (1290 - 1224 BC) had thirteen rows of floral garlands, along with single blue flowers of water lilies under the bands sealing the mummy wrappings. This king, along with others, was found in a “mummy cache,” likely placed there a century later (c. 1087 BC) by Egyptians to avoid the rampant tomb robbing of that time. The garlands of persea leaves and blue and white lotus on the mummy wrappings of Rameses II might have been placed there reverentially during his hasty reburial. Northwest from Egypt, on islands of the Aegean, the Minoan peoples traded with the Egyptians, who coveted Minoan saffron (Crocus sativus) as a spice and a dye. These people also enjoyed an elaborate vision of death, flowers, and deities, but it seems more cheerful. Amateur botanist and historian Hellmut Baumann has addressed the relicts of this civilization, and its Greek invaders. The Cretans, for example, decorated their sarcophagi with motifs depicting the flowering stems of native dragon arums (Dracunculus vulgaris) and related members of the philodendron family (Araceae). They also painted the glorious white and wonderfully scented sea daffodils (Pancratium maritimum) on these baked clays as it was a favorite of their goddesses. These deities were believed to favor wild lilies, including the white-flowered species we today call the Madonna (Lilium candidum), and the Cretans protected the mauve flowers of the saffron crocus. One sculpted goddess wore a crown made of the fat round fruits of opium poppies. The Minoan Empire came to a violent end around 1570 BC when volcanic eruptions and tsunamis devastated their islands and left the survivors vulnerable to waves of invasion from the Greek mainland. The invaders brought in a new, male-dominated pantheon. The mighty Minoan goddess became Crete’s nymph under the name of Britomartis or Dictynna. She was a dutiful daughter of Zeus and a virgin. Classical Greek religion believed in gods who loved flowers. As they were immortals, their worshippers decorated their temples with “immortal” arrangements of everlasting daisies (Helichrysum), as they hold their shiny yellow color and sun shapes when dried. Sacrificial oxen were adorned with flowers of wild carnations (Dianthus) and rose campions (Lychnis). Greek priests and poets insisted that their gods had sacred plants, and some of these bore beautiful flowers. The first Olympian gods invented floral wreaths at the wedding of Zeus and Hera, weaving together wildflowers such as primroses, candytuft (Iberis), leopard’s-bane (Doronicum), and mouse-ears (Cerastium). Pindar (522 - 443 BC) wrote odes associating Apollo and Aphrodite with sweetly scented violets of the field. Flowers followed a Greek woman through the most important rituals of her life. Virgins wore garlands of wild, white-flowered species at their weddings, typically incorporating crocuses, white snowflakes (Leucojum), white storax (Styrax), and snowdrops (Galanthus), according to season. The modern fashion of the pure white bride’s bouquet derives from these sweetly scented garlands and wreaths. But the wedding bouquet of classical Greece was more likely to contain garlic and other pungent herbs to drive off jealous wandering spirits! The citizens of ancient Rome picked up many Greek wedding customs but seemed to prefer colorful, scented flowers including violets, wallflowers (Cheiranthus), and stocks (Matthiola). The Greeks also favored roses (sacred to Aphrodite), but the Romans so expanded the wedding fashions that they may have used the flowers of four or five different Rosa species. Wealthier Romans also tried to turn their wedding nuptial chambers into a fertile garden of flowers and greenery. As a matron, the mature Greek woman celebrated the summer rites (Thesmophoria) sacred to the grain goddess, Demeter. This included sleeping on makeshift beds sprinkled with the blue-purple flowers of the chaste tree (Vitex), to keep them faithful to their husbands and to increase their fertility. These flowers were sacred to Demeter, Hera (goddess of marriage), Aphrodite (goddess of love and fertility), and even Asclepius (god of medicine). At a woman’s death, a purple iris might be planted on her grave, and funerals in ancient Greece were elaborate rituals lasting several days. At the moment of death, the soul (Psyche, portrayed as a winged deity or butterfly) was believed to leave the body through the mouth as a puff of wind. By law, the decedent’s body was prepared at home (the prothesis), usually by elderly female relatives. The corpse was washed, anointed with fragrant oils, and dressed. Then it was placed on a bed of wooden planks and adorned with a crown of tree branches and flowers. Romans adored their floral crowns but also decorated the funerary couch with many fresh flowers. Once burial was complete, both Greeks and Romans scattered flowers on the grave (violets were popular tributes), and both cultures believed that planting herbs and sweet flowers around the burial site purified the earth. Urns containing the remains of the deceased could also be cleansed using offerings of cut flowers. A Passion for Lotuses

Even as the peoples of Crete, Greece, and Italy abandoned their old pantheons less than two thousand years ago, flowers continue to play a living role in the cultures and countries embracing the various branches of Hinduism. Indians still celebrate rites wearing garlands of flowers, and they give them away as gifts. Their use of flowers is associated with sexuality, one of the aphorisms of love, for example, in the Kama Sutra by Vatsyayana. The ancient Indian text is not just about erotic love and sexual positions; it also contains information on the sixty-four arts, including flowers, especially fashioning flower carriages and artificial flowers, the adorning of idols with rice and flowers, decorating couches or beds with flowers, stringing necklaces, making garlands or wreaths, and the simple pleasures of gardening. In their worship and portrayals of deities, Hindus are infatuated with flowers. The name of the Hindu worship ritual puja is translated as the “flower act.” Among Hindus, the Indian lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera) is their foremost symbol of beauty, fertility, and prosperity. According to Hinduism, within everyone resides the spirit of the sacred lotus flower. The lotus symbolizes purity, divinity, and eternity, widely used in ceremonies, where it denotes life, especially feminine beauty and renewed youth. In the Bhagavad Gita, a Hindu text, humans are admonished to be like the lotus, holding high above the water, like the flower itself. In hatha yoga, the familiar lotus sitting position is used by practitioners as a way of striving for a higher level of consciousness. In Hinduism, the lotus also represents beauty and nonattachment. The aquatic plant produces a large, beautiful, pinkish blossom, but it is rooted fast in the mud of a shallow pond or lake. Its stiff leaves rise above the water’s surface, neither wetted nor muddy. Hindus view this as an admonition for how we should live our lives, without attachment to our surroundings. Several Hindu deities are likened to the lotus blossom. Krishna is described as the Lotus-Eyed One in reference to his supposed divine beauty. Deities including Brahma, Lakshmi, Vishnu, and Saraswati are also associated with the lotus blossom. The “wooing” of Hindu gods is normally done with adorning clothing, jewels, dances and music, perfumes, betel nuts, coconuts, and other foods, but especially with vermilion dusts and many flowers. During Holi, the festival of colors during the spring, worshippers paint their faces with brilliant vermilion powders. Flowers are everywhere on display for Holi and Diwali (the festival of lights, celebrated in India and Nepal). Colorful floral displays called rangoli are created for indoor or outdoor use by the celebrants. The Diwali holiday marks the victory of good over evil (Lord Rama’s victory over the demon-king Ravana). Villagers commonly paint the faces of sacred cattle with vermilion and drape their necks with long floral garlands, using marigolds, and red-purple makhmali (flowering heads of long-lasting amaranths) in Nepal. In an interesting form of what may be considered cultural diffusion with flowers, Hindus prefer the fat, hybrid heads of marigolds (Tagetes), apparently unaware of their earlier association with bloody human sacrifices performed by Aztec high priests. In India, yatra are the pilgrimage festivals celebrated at Hindu temples. Idols are carried aloft in a special procession on a palki (sedan chair). These ceremonial platforms are highly decorated, festooned in colorful live flowers including marigolds and makhmali. Cremation is mandatory for most Hindus. In India, after the elaborate cremation ceremonies performed by male family members, the deceased’s ashes are gathered and usually scattered on the waters of the sacred Ganges River (especially at Allahabad), or at sea. Mourners often place floating bowls containing the ash remains and flowers in the river. They also scatter flower petals and whole flowers on the waters as part of this ritual. Buddhism originated in northern India. Although often considered a spiritual path or way of life, rather than a formal religion, its many followers use and admire flowers in their rituals and daily lives. The lotus is often stated to represent the most exalted state of man and is the symbol of knowledge and the Buddha. Legend has it that wherever the Buddha paced to and fro in meditation, lotus flowers sprang up in his footsteps. In most Buddhist art, the lotus flower symbolizes the Buddha and transcendence to a higher state. The lotus is also thought to represent in Buddhism four human virtues: scent, purity, softness, and beauty. In contrast, some Hindus and Hindu offshoots, such as Jainism, eschew flowers. Orthodox Brahmans and Jains oppose using flowers because, although no blood is spilled, a “sacrifice” is made by cutting the stem of the plant, which kills the flower. Allowances are often made and flowers are used by these groups in worship. However, the very best flowers, as offerings, are those that fall naturally to the ground so their lives were not taken by picking. India’s Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948), made famous by inspiring nonviolent acts of civil disobedience among his followers, avoided the use of floral garlands. Gandhi preferred garlands made of cotton or necklaces of plain sandalwood beads. Flowers of Bali The Hindu use of flowers is most vibrant and lavish on the island of Bali, in the Indonesian archipelago. The ancient Sanskrit word bali means “tribute” or “gift,” especially surrounding temple ceremonies and the use of flowers. Wandering the streets of Ubud, you see minipalettes, three-by-three-inch woven-palm-leaf trays filled with colorful flowers of frangipani (Plumeria; a relative of our milkweeds), ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata; related to custard apples), and Impatiens (the same tropical weeds we grow as summer shade-garden annuals). These offerings are called banten in Balinese. Incense tops the vibrant offerings, adding its wisps of fragrant smoke to appease nature spirits, and the numerous gods and demons of Balinese Hinduism. These miniature offerings in Bali take on many different forms. They always contain flowers, but may include cookies, cigarettes, rice, or money. The offerings are not always contained in the plaited-palm trays. Often, they are merely small piles of colorful flower petals. The items used in the offerings seem to be less important than the act of creating these tributes. Balinese women spend a large part of each day creating and placing these ritualistic offerings along roadways and paths, often perched where you least expect them. The offerings are everywhere, sitting atop walls, planters, and stair steps. Individual flowers and garlands adorn stone statues, such as those of Ganesha. This beloved elephant-headed god of wisdom and art is often depicted holding—you guessed it—a lotus blossom. In Bali, the sweet floral scent of frangipani and ylang-ylang perfumes the air of courtyards, homes, and temples. Early every morning, before most tourists have risen from their guesthouse beds, the Balinese are out on the streets. They sweep away the previous day’s now-wilted floral offerings and wash down the streets and gutters. The offerings are daily devotional gifts, repeated acts of faith, cornerstones of their belief system. The slightly darker side of the practices is that the offerings are meant to appease and disperse demon spirits who might be hanging around one’s home or a nearby street corner. These are far more than simple street decorations for foreign tourists, which I’m sure most foreign visitors believe they are. Many of the country’s religious ceremonies are conducted within Hindu temples. Odalans are temple ceremonies lasting three or more days. During these observances, the temple walls are covered in colorful golden thread fabrics. Offerings of bright fruits, flowers, and rice cakes are carried balanced on women’s heads, then placed around the temples. The Hindu gods are believed to take the essence (sari) from these food offerings, which are later brought home and consumed by the worshipping families. On Bali, flowers play as important a role in death as they do in life. The dead, inside their coffins, are placed inside large, elaborate, gilded sarcophagi made of papier-mache. These often take the form of bulls or the demonic Bhoma guardian with a fearsome, openmouthed head, staring down at the onlookers. They are impressive works of art accompanied by flowers. The black and gold sarcophagi are highly decorated with real and paper flowers. Floral garlands (chrysanthemums) adorn the necks of the impressive mythical beasts. During the funeral ceremonies, everyone wears bright costumes, and village women prepare food offerings to be eaten by the mourners during the festivities. The distinctive ringing tones of gamelan music are an integral part of Balinese culture and their funeral traditions. Finally, the ornate funeral pyres with their garlanded animals are set ablaze with added gasoline for good measure. After the flames have done their work, the family separates the ashes and bones of the deceased from the remaining residue. The cremains are tenderly placed inside folded white and yellow cloths along with flowers and buried twelve days later, after a final purification rite, again augmented with flowers. The “Conversion” of Flowers When trade brought the lotus to Egypt around 500 BC, it displaced the blue and white water lilies used in worship. Favorite flowers find new religions, and it’s a never-ending circle, with Mexican marigolds and frangipani used extensively by Hindus in India and on Bali. Therefore, it should not surprise us that the goddesses of the Mediterranean basin gave their grandest white flower to Christianity, recognizable to most as the white Madonna lily (Lilium candidum). In the United States, this is the omnipresent potted Easter lily. In early Christian liturgy, Mary’s tomb was filled with these white lilies after her assumption into heaven. The Madonna lily also figures in Renaissance paintings of the Annunciation. Its white color represents her presumed virginity and immaculate conception. Today, flowers taking on similar Christian symbolism include the lily of the valley, the snowflake, and the snowdrop, once worn by Greek brides. White, the color of purity and innocence, and red, Christ’s sacrificial blood, represented by roses, have been emblems of the Virgin Mary. They were also sacred to Venus and Aphrodite in earlier times. Ironically, the earliest practices of the Christian church largely avoided ceremonial uses of flowers as they were associated with former but often appropriated pagan rites. These restrictions were modified over time, so now Christian services and funerals seem incomplete without flowers. For Catholic services, floral arrangements are usually placed on shelves, the gradines, behind the main altar. Although white flowers are most often used, even red flowers are allowed, along with ferns and other greenery. Often an attempt is made to match flower colors with those of the clerical vestments. In the Catholic Church flowers are used in moderation during Advent but are often “given up” for Lent. Historically, rosary beads used in Catholic prayers were formed from dried and compressed rose petals instead of the wooden, glass, or plastic ones commonly used. In Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance certain flowers were associated with Christian saints and used during the saint’s day and other celebrations. Saint Valentine was associated with crocuses or violets. The tradition of giving violets on Saint Valentine’s Day was common in the United States, persisting in New York City at least until the early 1960s. Christianity, though, is both messianic and missionary. As the Spaniards introduced it to our American Southwest and Mesoamerica, the use of flowers in the old religions mixed with the new. Anthropologists studying these hybridized beliefs note that the worshippers often speak of a Flower World, a spiritual place where humans might contact spirits or ancestors through rituals or by ingesting hallucinogenic plants. The belief in a spirit Flower World is common throughout Mexico, other Latin American countries, and the pre-Hispanic southwestern United States. These flower beliefs seem to have been widespread among ancient Amerindians speaking a common language (e.g., Uto-Aztecan). In an earlier chapter we were introduced to Aztec rituals utilizing flowers. Flowers for the Aztecs, especially true marigolds, signified a spiritual-afterlife paradise world, but also universal creation and the blood of human sacrifices. Knowledge of the Flower World was traditionally passed to each succeeding generation in song. We also find exquisite depictions of flowers on Mayan textiles, the pottery of the modern Hopi, and in the ancestral groups of the Mogollon, Hohokam, and Anasazi (ancient Pueblo) cultures of Arizona, New Mexico, and Sonora, Mexico. In their minds, the Huichol people of west-central Mexico “visited” the colorful Flower World in their peyote-cactus pilgrimage ceremonies. In the northern Mexican villages of the Mayo and Yoeme (Yaqui) tribes, leading up to and during Easter week children throw flowers at dancers dressed as evil spirits, the fariseos and chapayekas, who symbolically attack the Catholic Church. Flowers, real and paper ones, and colorful confetti are used as adornments. Altars, churches, village buildings, and homes are decorated profusely with colorful paper flowers. The Yoeme concept of flowers (sewam) has been treasured in legends and songs for many generations. Today, flowers are associated with the Virgin Mary, and flowers are believed to have miraculously sprung from the spilled blood of Christ at his crucifixion. Prior to their religious conversion, flowers were spiritual blessings, important in the native religious beliefs of the Mayo and Yoeme. I have attended the elaborate Yoeme deer dances of the Pascua Yaqui tribe in my home city of Tucson, Arizona. Flowers are important symbols in these rituals. Masked pascola deer dancers, dressed in white, wear wide belts with jangling deer hooves or brass bullet cartridges. Their ankles are festooned with tenevoim, pebble-filled cocoons of giant silk moths (Rothschildia cincta). Their stomping feet sound like alarmed rattlesnakes sounding their warnings. Atop their heads the dancers wear a large real or paper flower, usually red. Yoeme and Mayo funerals are mixtures of Catholicism and traditional cultural beliefs. For the Yoeme, their world concept is a mix of five worlds; the desert world, a mystical world, the dream world, the night world, and the flower world. Flowers are also viewed as the souls of departed family or tribal members. Sometimes older Yoeme men may greet one another with the phrase Haisa sewa? (How is the flower?). These ancient Aztec-speaking groups not only traded goods north and south but also their religious ideas and beliefs. Thus, we have clues that the Flower World concepts traveled north out of Mexico, to Chaco Canyon in the eleventh century, and to the Hopi mesas in Arizona by the 1400s. In the Mimbres Classic period (1000 - 1130), mortuary rituals, using symbolic flowers, eased the passage of individuals into the spirit world. Caches from archaeological excavations reveal the presence of painted wooden and leather flowers, likely worn by performers, just as modern katsina (kachina) dancers wear flowers, later left as grave goods. Flower worlds are depicted in fifteenth-century murals inside sacred kivas. Hopi, and other Southwestern, pottery show symbolic representations of flowers. According to Hopi traditions, butterflies are “flying flowers” and in various forms are associated with the underworld, with spring and renewal, and with the direction south. There is strong evidence that modern pueblo and ancient Mesoamerican iconographies are intertwined, historically related via trade routes and intercultural exchanges. Flowers, either real or depicted in art, formed a large part of the myths, legends, and daily life of these Southwestern indigenous cultures. Christian and native flower cultures merge vibrantly but positively during Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations. In the final days of October, before the American holiday of All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), Mexicans prepare for their own traditional holiday for the dead, but in a different way from the commercialized trick-or-treating holiday Americans know. As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, villages and towns all over Mexico come alive with renewed energy and anticipation for the coming festivities. On November 1 and 2, Mexicanos come together to celebrate Día de los Muertos, their traditional Day of the Dead celebration. Across the country, families honor the memories of deceased loved ones around family burial plots gaily decorated with real and paper flowers, lively paper streamers, glowing candles, and offerings of the decedents’ favorite foods. To appreciate the modern Day of the Dead celebrations, we recall Aztec beliefs. Aztecs didn’t fear death, or Mictlantecuhtli, their god of death, as much as they dreaded the uncertainty of their brutally short lives. Mictlantecuhtli would not punish the dead. A dead person’s role in heaven was determined not by how he lived, but by how he died. Exalted warriors were believed to fly around the sun in the form of butterflies and hummingbirds, as were women who died in childbirth. Dead infants fed at the milk-giving tree. Everyone else just faded away to Mictlan, like a quiescent dream on their road toward final death and nonexistence. The ferocious Aztec sun god, Huitzilopochtli, demanded the most precious fluid of all, red human blood, spilled in sacrifice, amid garlands of golden marigolds, to slake his never-ending thirst. The beating hearts and blood of human victims were exchanged for abundant crops. Death paid for life in the Aztec world. An Aztec “war of flowers” ensued, tournaments in which neighboring tribes were forced to compete to the death, adding their bodies to the ever-growing demand for sacrificial victims. Flowers have always played a crucial and significant role in the Mexican Day of the Dead. On All Hallows’ Eve, the spirits of dead children return home, but must leave by midday on November 1. Bells ring out all afternoon on this day from churches, announcing the arrival of adults, the “faithful dead,” returning to their scattered villages. Candles burn on flower-filled home shrines and altars chock-full of marigolds, other flowers, candy skulls, and family photographs. The sweet fragrance of burning copal incense (from ancient Mayan and Aztec traditions) fills the air inside the homes. Often, trails of scattered marigold petals lead to doorways, meant to show wandering spirits of the dead their way back home. You can also witness many of these same customs on the streets and cemeteries of mountain villages in northern Guatemala. Marigolds are the foremost flower among these ceremonies and are native plants of Mexico. However, in Oaxacan and Cuernavacan markets as elsewhere, celebrants also buy the cloudlike floral sprays of baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata), a domesticated plant that grows wild in its native Russian steppes. Mexicans also use the brilliant flamelike heads of cockscomb (Celosia) to decorate their shrines, church altars, and graves. Once a religion includes flowers in its worship or mourning, the original distribution and mythology of an attractive bloom is no barrier to its acceptance among new rites in other distant locations. The Flowering of Roadside Memorials Whenever I drive the roadways of Sonora, Mexico, or those in southern Arizona, spots of color vie for my attention. Are they flowers in the desert, even during the winter when all the grasses are withered and brown, when nothing should be blooming? No, these little gardens of grief are roadside memorials, shrines honoring the dead, called descansos in Mexico. They mark places where someone died in an automobile crash. The memorials usually have a white cross, and often a saint’s figure and a votive candle, but invariably flowers, plastic ones, or fresh flowers refreshed on anniversary dates and holidays. Occasionally, I stop out of curiosity to read their names, or to admire the decorative floral arrangements. I’m reminded of the sidewalk and roadside floral tribute gardens that stretched for miles following the September 6, 1997, funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. Whether permanent roadside shrines or a single flower left in an open jar, they are omnipresent reminders of the immensely powerful social customs and values of flowers as memorial tributes. Victorian Funeral Customs In contrast, the use of flowers in contemporary American funerals seems a bit restrained. To understand our relation to flowers and death we need to cross the Atlantic and study our Victorian forebears as they established the funerary customs we still use or prefer to avoid. In particular, before twentieth-century embalming practices took hold in the funeral industry, stately, large wreaths and immense bouquets of flowers composed of strongly fragrant white lilies and hybrids of the so-called Oriental lilies (derived from Lilium speciosum) masked the odors of bodily decomposition. Along with burning candles, flowers served the role of air-fresheners. English Victorian-era funeral processions were grandiose and expensive social events. A prominent English family planned and arranged for a stylish processional costing twenty to fifty British pounds sterling, equivalent to the purchasing power today of about $5,000 (I chose the year 1850). For most of the Victorian era, a pound sterling might buy $100 worth of goods today. The processions were led by foot attendants, pallbearers with batons, a featherman holding tall ostrich plumes, pages, and mutes who dressed in gowns and carried wands. Stylish carriages transported family members, and relatives followed behind. The glass-sided hearse had elaborate black with silver and gold decorations. It was covered with an ornate canopy of black ostrich feathers and pulled by six black Belgian horses, each with its own black-plumed headdress. The ornate, draped coffin inside was clearly visible, and the interior of the hearse was jammed with a wide variety of flowers. Several hundred mourners might attend such a lavish funeral. After the services, most of the flowers were returned home and became part of elaborate home-parlor memorial shrines. Queen Victoria sent primroses to the funeral of her favorite prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli. Large floral arrangements surrounded photographs of the deceased, and the room was often decorated with one or more stuffed white doves, holding a red rose in their beaks. The British, during Queen Victoria’s sixty-three-year reign (1837 - 1901), were the last society to truly celebrate death with great pomp and circumstance, as had the ancient Egyptians. In the Victorian age, people welcomed the dead, continued to bring their dead, in open coffins, into their parlors and homes (the origin of the modern funeral parlor). In death flowers led the way. Victorians had their own flower superstitions, gleaned from older traditions in British folklore. For example, if the deceased had lived a good and proper life, then colorful flowers would supposedly grow and bloom on his or her grave. If people had lived otherwise and were deemed evil, then weeds would assuredly grow unattended and bloom profusely above them. If anyone noticed a roselike scent in the home, and no roses were nearby, then someone was about to die. A single snowdrop (Galanthus) plant found growing in a garden also foretold a death in the family. It was considered extremely bad luck to mix red and white flowers in a vase, especially inside a hospital, as a death would surely follow. Proper mourning etiquette was essential. Widows grieved for two years and wore solid black clothing with no trim, and bonnets with long, black face veils. No flowers were used. Their veils were shortened during the second year, and white or purple flowers were then permissible as decorative adornments to their plain black bonnets. The Modern American Way of Death: Flowers and Dying Today, Victorian practices have evolved further into an immense, nearly $21 billion US funeral industry, whose customs vary widely depending upon ethnic background, religious beliefs, region of the country, and socioeconomic stratum. Some people will not grow or bring scented narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) into their homes because their fragrance reminds them of embalming fluid. However, a little-known change in the treatment of the dead—the use of formaldehyde and other embalming fluids to prolong “viewing life” (the time available for an open-casket ceremony during a funeral or memorial service)—has occurred. Unknown to most, unless you are a mortician or are employed in a modern funeral home, is another surprising use for floral fragrances: dead bodies are being perfumed like real flowers. The new practice is not altogether unlike those of nineteenth-century America, when home parlors were jammed with large and fragrant floral wreaths, of white lilies and other flowers, to mask death’s telltale scent. Today, the unmistakable nose- and eye-stinging scent of formalin (aqueous formaldehyde) has changed. New, milder-scented embalming fluids are used, and even the Civil War - era formalin has been modified to assuage modern sensibilities. Now, embalmers typically add strong floral-based scents to their embalming fluids. The sweet fragrance of white lilies has been chemically synthesized and is sold to funeral parlors as an additive for their embalming solutions. Flowers have come to our rescue. To paraphrase the famous marketing phrase of a modern chemical-manufacturing giant, perhaps now we also have “better dying through chemistry.” It’s my impression that flowers now used at funerals are less fragrant than previously. Those pale gladioli, now in vogue, have no scent at all. Is it a coincidence that the beautiful, large, white, durable, and waxy white blooms of the nearly odorless calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) from southern Africa seem perfect for placing in the hands of a corpse during an open-casket memorial? I don’t think so, but it’s perhaps ironic that these blooms belong to the same family of arum lilies the Minoans used to decorate their sarcophagi. While fresh flowers seem such ever-important elements of modern US funerals, their use dwindles as their costs rise. In the United States today, floral arrangements might comprise roughly 10 to 20 percent of the total cost of a modern funeral averaging $8,000. We want and expect to see flowers during our times of grief. Flowers lift our spirits. Even with the recent “in lieu of flowers” practice where friends and family are asked to make cash donations in the memory of the deceased to a favorite charity, flowers and flower-giving have not gone out of fashion. A significant portion of the $34.3 billion (in 2012) florist-industry revenues are spent on cut flowers, potted plants, and wreaths supplied for funerals, memorial services, and placement on graves. The more than twenty-two thousand funeral homes in the United States stage more than 2 million funerals annually, about six thousand each day. Returning to that February day of my father’s funeral, I have vivid memories of honey bees alighting to drink nectar from the sprays of white flowers draping his silver-blue casket. It was a chilly Southern California day with a few cumulus clouds. The sixty-degree morning temperature was barely warm enough to get bees out of their hives, up and flying, in their continual quest for flowers. My eyes watched as those softly buzzing bees visited every blossom, drinking their sweet nectar. At the time, I was a twenty-two-year-old graduate-school student. Throughout my career as an entomologist, I’ve studied bees (melittology), along with their biology, and floral interactions, the science of pollination ecology. I don’t believe the bees were any kind of spiritual omen, but seeing them visiting my father’s graveside flowers reminded me of happier boyhood times spent together. The flowers and their bee visitors helped ease my grief on that somber California morning four decades ago. Now, we leave the rituals of death and dying behind and move to the showiest of them all, flowers (dahlias, roses, lilies, sunflowers, and more) bred for their spectacularly vivid colors and sex appeal. Gardeners enter flower shows hopeful that their prize blooms will win a coveted Best of Show ribbon, along with accolades from their gardening peers. We enter the high-stakes world of technology-dependent, commercial plant breeding—the creation of unnatural blue or brown roses, and black petunias, in the laboratory and field. Gardeners are cautioned that modern flower breeding, especially its newest hybrid creations, may reduce pollinator-attracting floral scents, along with pollen and sweet nectar—essential foods for bees and other pollinating animals. Pollinator gardens may appear bountiful, yet can in reality be unrewarding nutritional deserts. The pomp and circumstance of London’s one and only Chelsea Flower Show is revealed with its phantasmagorical artificial environments, new floral introductions, dream merchants, and fanciful exhibits. Step into the verdant exhibit booths. On with the show.

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Things you should check before hiring a linen service

All over the year, there are various events held at various parts of the country. Organizing every event by giving attention to the minute details is extremely awkward. Before getting into decorations, you should first lay emphasis on the things that are always required. It comprises of linens for chairs and tables etc. The following are the things you should know before making any deal. 

1. Rates- The hiring rates might vary on various purpose, as ere are the ones that u may hire and return and another is where you can purchase the lines and keep them with you. Generally, event organizers keep it, as they have a complete line of events all over their career. 2. Personalize- This is a fact that not every linen service can offer with bespoke options for the event. You have to mindfully choose the supplier who provides specialized options for linens at a viable rate. They may vary; you can always look for quotations. 3. Colour- Choose from the best colours that deploy grace on the dinner table and match with the themes of the event.  Frequently, the white and red colours compliment the weddings. 4. Style- This is one of the most incredible things that you will get while looking for long beach laundry service. You got the flexibility to go through a wide range of linens and select the style that suits your venue. Choose any style that compliments the theme of the event. 5. Miscellaneous- The orange county fluff n fold service includes various other things that comprise of oil cloth, chair covers, napkins etc. As you might have seen various types of events, the napkins are put in a specific way. You may have it also for the event by following some unique styles. Look for quotations and collations to get the suitable one.

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How to select the right linen service for your business

Selecting the right linen service for your business is a decision that demands mindful consideration and a comprehensive analysis of added value. In sectors such as dining, healthcare and hospitality, a quality linen company has a substantial effect on the success of your operations and can make or break the long term success of your company. At Lucy’s Laundry OC, we realize the intricacies behind this decision, and we are here to walk you through it.

Realize your unique linen requirements

Every business in unique, and so are its linen needs. Are you looking for top quality luxurious towels or linens or professional uniforms? At Lucy’s Laundry OC, we serve to the diverse requirements, making sure your catering service or restaurant is covered with top class services.

Make quality your top priority

It is alluring to lean towards Orange County Fluff N Fold service providers that provide the most cost-efficient solutions. Sadly, this frequently comes at the cost of quality. At Lucy’s Laundry OC, we craft our linens with top quality fabric while providing affordable pricing. This makes sure lesser replacements, durability and improved customer experience, cementing our reputation as the benchmark of our industry.

Transparent pricing

While it is important not to compromise on quality, realizing the pricing is equally important. Hidden charges can hamper budgets and planning.

Lucy’s Laundry OC is your leading linen provider

Finding out how to select the ideal Fluff and Fold Company for linen is more than just ticking boxes. It is about creating a symbiotic partnership. We boast top quality products along with unmatched service, making sure your business elevates the standard of outstanding service. Call us today or email us to know more about how to select the ideal linen provider for your business.

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The advantages of natural dry cleaning method

Here we will discuss the eco-friendly benefits of the latest home dry cleaning method against the general Orange County dry cleaning service with unsafe chemicals.

Perc, a chemical ingredient has been utilized by most of the dry cleaners as a solvent to wash clothes in Los Angeles fluff n fold method all across the USA. Apart from being effective, utilizing these chemicals has been associated with various side effects that recently has become a subject of serious discussion among public.

The basic step to practice eco-friendly Orange County dry cleaning service is to change hazardous chemicals with those natural cleaning products. Just keep in mind that perc is a man-made and synthetic chemical, created due to the reaction between two chemicals, the chlorine and ethylene which is harmful for health,

The most regular healthy and eco-friendly solution to replace perc is Liquid Carbon Dioxide. Apart from being safe, O2 is very reasonable yet abundant. It is created naturally from the industrial wastes of the chemical such as ammonia. The best aspect of CO2 is that it is harmless to those who get exposed to chemicals. The only drawback in utilizing CO2 is that it is very expensive; hence customers are made to pay higher than the linen service utilizing perc.

Moderation is a good practice for maintaining a green environment. To accomplish eco-friendly dry cleaning, is prudent to avoid dry cleaning procedure to lessen the utilization of professional dry cleaning. At home, dry cleaning kits are best for use on clothes with minimal stains and spots on it. Professional dry cleaning is a vast concept that drains much energy and creates much waste which includes useless water, sludge and power residue. Always keep in mind that the utilization of natural solvents are good for our environment and health.

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How to select your linen service

Linen services have gained popularity, mainly due to a growing number of clinics and medical amenities. The reality is that linens utilized in clinics and hospitals come with a wide range of bacteria and hazardous fluids, hence they should be punctiliously cleaned on a daily basis. Most hospitals lack sufficient equipment and staff to launder their own linens; hence they generally outsource their medical linen services to reputed companies that can meet their requirements.

What does a linen service offer?

A reputed linen service will provide an assortment of services, but the most frequently used services are washing, drying and folding the linens. Working with a dependable healthcare linen company can greatly enhance the experience of your patients, while making the staff feel safe by knowing that their gowns are washed hygienically.

Inventory management

First of all, you have to ensure that an Orange County Fluff N Fold service has proper inventory management. Even if a specific laundry service is inexpensive than other similar companies, all those savings can rapidly disappear if the inventory isn’t handled properly. Before selecting linen services, ask the company if they can assist you to track textile inventory, thereby preventing the garment abuse or loss. Furthermore, inquire if they offer committed service that are available round the clock and can conveniently track where the linens are in the laundry process.

Accredited

Finally, to select the best linen service out there, you have to make sure that the business is accredited. A company that is accredited by the appropriate body fulfills the highest standards in the industry.

Before selecting the Los Angeles Fluff N Fold service, you have to study the references, check for accreditation and inquire about the inventory management system of the company. Comprehensively researching your prospective laundry company will make sure that you are getting the best, safest and the most dependable laundry service possible for your money.