“Flowers…are a proud assertion that a ray of beauty outvalues all the utilities in the world.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
One of the beautiful things about springtime in Texas is the parade of colors we find along back roads and highways. When the first wildflowers bloom, those who have paid attention to that cycle will know what to expect next.
Last week, while photographing Bluebonnets, I ran across my first Firewheel of the season. In a sea of blue, those flowers stood out brightly. When preparing to write this post, I researched why the same flower has two distinct names: Firewheel and Indian Blanket. Nature’s Seed provided the answers to my question.
That site mentions Elizabeth Silverthorne’s book Legends and Lore of Texas Wildflowers. The Firewheel flower gets its name from an old Mexican legend. During the Aztec days, legend says that the flower was all yellow. Once the conqueror Cortez came and spread death and destruction on Aztec land, “the bright yellow flower felt pity for the deaths of the inhabitants and caught their blood as it fell.” To this day, the Firewheel remains red with the blood of the Aztecs. That is the red we see in the flower center.
The site also addresses the origin of the other name, Indian Blanket. It comes from another legend mentioned in Silverthorne’s book. When warriors would go to war, their wives would start weaving blankets in red and yellow and offering prayers to the Great Spirit to keep their husbands safe. One night, one of the warriors’ daughters got lost in the woods. She prayed to the Great Spirit to send her a blanket to protect her from the cold night. When she woke up in the morning, she was covered with flowers in the same colors as the blankets their mothers were weaving.
As spring has arrived, Indian Blankets are beginning to mix with other wildflowers in our area. The color display will only get better as more wildflowers bloom.
Inside the Mind of Isadora
A very different type of flowers.
I love the last close up with its yellow and red glow.
Beautiful …
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, Isadora.
Hammad Rais
A unique flower indeed, with such delightful colors
Egídio Leitão
They stand out on a field. Thanks for your note.
Kathleen Jennette
I’ve never seen one and it sure is pretty. A what a vibrant flower!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Kathleen. That yellow/red combination makes them stand out in a field of wildflowers.
Amy
I love Texas wildflowers! I heard bluebonnets are also beautiful this spring.
Egídio Leitão
This is a very good year for wildflowers. Yes, bluebonnets are everywhere. Thanks for the comment.
Cee Neuner
Beautiful 😀
Egídio Leitão
Thanks so much, Cee.
boromax
So gorgeous!!
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Ed.
philosophy through photography
Beautiful!
I love the design and geometry!
Egídio Leitão
Yes, me, too. There’s so much symmetry. Thanks, my friend.
philosophy through photography
You are welcome, Egidio L
margaret21
I love the stories you tell about these beautiful flowers.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you for letting me know, Margaret.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
So bright and colourful
Egídio Leitão
Thank you.
Leanne Cole
Beautiful Egidio.
Egídio Leitão
Many thanks, Leanne.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Proprio graziosi. Buona giornata, Egidio!
Egídio Leitão
Grazie, Luisella.
restlessjo
Such a beauty, Egidio! A lovely contrast and a lovely story.
Egídio Leitão
Jo, thank you very much for the feedback.