Twas midnight - through the lattice wreath'd with woodbine...
...many a perfume breath'd from
plants that wake while other sleep.
From timid jasmine buds,
that keep their odour to themselves all day,
but when the sunshine dies away,
let the delicious secret out
to every breeze that roams about.
Sir Thomas More
Of course, Jasmine which originated in Persia went to England pretty late. It had gone to many Asian lands by then and had become a favourite in all those places. No wonder because it has such a divine fragrance. And as the poet said it comes out mostly in the night.
It is pretty popular where I live too. Traditional tamil women can't imagine not wearing fresh jasmine every evening.These days many of them grace the corporate offices too. I meant both - the women wearing the flowers.
Jasmine oil/ perfume is one of the most expensive. I understand that is so because that is one fragrance they have not been able synthesise artificially. The flowers have pretty short life and that too adds to their value.
Yasmin is a Persian feminine name and means not surprisingly fragrant flower. A variety of Jasmine is the national flower of Pakistan.
Comments and faves
Gwynedd (70 months ago | reply)
It's so perfect that I could smell it before I read the text.
I've grown moonflower near my windows to get the rich scent of a nightbloomer in the house.
Gauri V (70 months ago | reply)
Nice photograph. I have jasmine plant in my garden and the fragrance is heavenly!
Tommok [deleted] (70 months ago | reply)
Great shot of a lovely flower!
Yet another wonderful and interesting description attached.
And it just goes to show that even corporate life has its plusses. :-)
jinxmcc (70 months ago | reply)
Lovely!
bill.fu (70 months ago | reply)
Another great photo and text.
--
Seen in my contacts' photos. (?)
shegnil [deleted] (70 months ago | reply)
Nice texture and detail. I like the low key background with the contrast of the flower facing up to the light.
~Reshma~ (70 months ago | reply)
neat lighting and composition! national flower of pakistan - how do you store trivia like that?! :-)
artphoto2005 (70 months ago | reply)
great
mutbka (70 months ago | reply)
Beautiful and very sensual portrait of the flower.
Loutron Glouton added this photo to her favorites. (70 months ago)
Gale Franey (70 months ago | reply)
oooooooh, one of my favorite flowers, such a gorgeous fragrance !!
p.s. Happy Happy Birthday, Pandiyan. There are some birthday wishes for you in the Clubhouse !! :-D
Please add this to www.flickr.com/groups/bigfave
Pandiyan (70 months ago | reply)
Thanks my dear friends. Sorry for the late response. Things are a little tight right now. A little more time I need before I can start Flickring at my usual pace.
Gwyneth and Gauri, I really envy your green fingers! It must be pretty delightful to have them bloom outside your room. Ours is just in from the nursery. I hope we are able to keep it going.
Tom, my good friend, sorry I haven't made rounds to your stream for awhile. I shall do so pretty soon. And this one is in spite of corporate life!
Jinx, Bill and Fred, thank you all for your appreciation.
ashwink, trivia is what Americans say. we say fun facts! I used to be pretty good at this in my younger days. In fact some of my friends thought I had a warped brain. But it helped me a lot with exams!
artphoto, thanks.
mutbka, sensual is the word for this flower. At least among the south Indian women. Newly6 married ones wear them in truckloads!
Gale, thanks so much. Your return is the big fave for me!
tprmenon (70 months ago | reply)
Great shot....