The Violet Flower: The Will to Live is the Strongest
On the 110th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide: What Does this Flower Symbolize?
Media of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)
A violet flower... a flower that carries many meanings and symbols... it connects the past with the present and calls for hope in the future. A flower that tells the stories of people who have suffered tragedies and wars, and whose wound still bleeds today. It is the flower that symbolizes the Armenian cause and affirms the resilience of the Armenian people. These people, who have clung to their history and heritage, held tight to their identity, and decided to endure and survive, are known for their steadfastness in the face of challenges and hardships.
On the 110th annual commemoration of the Armenian genocide on April 24th, it is important to recall the historic significance of this violet flower, which was launched in 2015 as the emblem of the centennial commemoration (1915-2015) of the Armenian Genocide. It is a symbol to confirm that the Armenians are alive in their cause that cannot be forgotten and to consolidate their belief that justice is not lost. The flower is often accompanied by the phrase "I remember... and I demand," translated into many languages. So, what do its components symbolize, and what do its colors represent?
In fact, the flower has five petals, which represent the continents where Armenians fled and spread after the massacres. The primary color of the emblem, dark violet, symbolizes eternity as well as the Armenian soul and identity, meaning the future. This color was chosen due to its use in the majority of Priestly Vestment in the Armenian Church.
The light violet color represents the present, unity, and agreement on the necessity of achieving truth and justice. It also indicates participation in spreading this unifying idea, meaning the present.
On the other hand, the yellow part of the flower contains 12 facets arranged in a circular pattern, representing the occupied Armenian regions where the massacres took place. The yellow color represents eternity and sunlight, symbolizing hope and the will to live. The black circle, symbolizes the past and the painful tragedies suffered by the Armenian people.
Despite the bitter memories that remain engraved in their memory, Armenians continue to seek justice. Their firm faith in Jesus Christ remains a source of strength and determination to move forward with deep hope because if earthly justice is absent, the justice of heaven remains the strongest!