National Orchid Day
When is National Orchid Day? This holiday is always observed on April 16
Today is a really special day. It is National Orchid Day. This April 16 holiday was created by a young couple who loved orchids. They loved them so much that they were going to name their daughter “Orchid”. Unfortunately, the baby died during childbirth. The couple created this day in memory of her and as a remembrance of all young babies and young children who have died. Their second goal for this day is to promote the orchids they so dearly love.
Orchids are one of the most popular flowers of all. These beautiful flowers are native to almost all parts of the world except Antarctica. Scientists speculate that because this flower is native to most parts of the world, the flowers have been around since before the continents separated from each other. If true, they’ve been around for millions of years. Humans have cultivated them for thousands of years, even before Confucius was born (552 B.C.).
Orchids are one of the most popular houseplants. Its natural growth environment is similar to your indoor climate. It thrives on bright, yet indirect sunlight and warm temperatures. They look great as bouquets for vases. The flower and leaves have many medicinal uses. And, the flowers are edible, too. So, bring your appetite. Depending upon who is counting, there are somewhere between 22,000 and 30,000 species. So, that means somewhere out there is the perfect variety and color for you! Visit your garden store today and purchase a plant.
Orchid Trivia
- Orchid flowers and leaves are edible. We hope you’re hungry!
- They have medicinal uses. It relieves stomach aches, fevers, headaches, and rheumatism.
- Ancient Greeks believed the orchid plant had aphrodisiac qualities.
- In ancient cultures, couples hoping to conceive children added orchids to their meals.
- There are an estimated 22,000 to 26,000 species of orchids, representing over 880 genera.
- New varieties are being discovered on a regular basis.
- Some species of this plant can live up to 100 years. Although most have a much shorter lifespan.
- The plants produce the tiniest seeds in the world.
- There can be up to 3 million microscopic seeds in a single seedpod.
- The seeds make up an estimated 6 – 11% of all the seed plants in the world.
- The Grammatophyllum speciosum, also known as the Queen of Orchids, is the world’s largest orchid. The flowers can reach five inches across.
- The smallest orchid flower is the size of a dime.
- The flowers are symmetrical. You can divide each flower perfectly in half, with two equal parts.
- Be patient when growing this flower. It takes 5-7 years to produce the first flower blooms.
How to Celebrate National Orchid Day
Participating in and celebrating this holiday is simple and easy. Go ahead, give it a try.
- If you or someone you know has lost a child, spend some time with them. The pain of this loss never goes away. And, visit the child’s grave, if possible.
- Give orchid flowers away to family and friends.
- Do you know someone who needs cheering up? Send them a bouquet that has orchids in it.
- Buy an orchid plant to grow indoors as a houseplant, or outdoors in your flower garden.
- Wear an orchid corsage or boutonniere.
- Try a recipe, drink, or dessert that uses orchids.
- Take pictures of your orchids and share them on social media.
Today's Quote
“Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” – – Hans Christian Andersen
History and Origin of National OrchidDay
In 2010, Mike and Faith Young volunteered at orchid reserve in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. They fell in love with orchids. And, they decided that if they were ever blessed with a daughter, they would name her Orchid. Faith Young became pregnant with a girl. But sadly, the girl died during childbirth. To honor her memory, the couple went on to create National Orchid Day in 2015.
This holiday event is referred to as a “National” day. However, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day. So, this holiday is dedicated to the memory of all children who died and to celebrate this beautiful flower.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is so important to distinguish true National days.
Related Holidays and Articles
People who like this holiday will also like:
Houseplant Appreciation Day
More April 16 Holidays
Here are more April 16 holidays we are sure you will enjoy:
Mushroom Day – Enjoy a Fungi!
National Bean Counter Day – A proud day for accounting types.
Save the Elephant Day – It’s the biggest mammal to walk the earth today.
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Orchids
Recipe of the Day: Stuffed Pepper Soup
Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any April calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
Holiday Insights, where every day in April is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. Join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. and many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. April holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.