Placemat - Lilac/Purple Bachelor's Button

The beauty of flowers never ceases to amaze, but this little bloom carries astounding "bang for the buck". Only slightly larger than a fifty-cent piece, it has been photographed up close and enlarged to breath-taking detail. The center is reminiscent of a sea anemone, with translucent tendrils stretching and curling outward. Though generally referring to it's blue sibling, Bachelor's Buttons are also known as Cornflowers. The name, "Bachelor's Buttons" comes from an antiquated tradition. Bachelors would wear the flower to demonstrate the depth of their feelings for the woman they were courting. The longevity of the bloom was thought to be indicative of the depth of feeling. If the bloom soon faded, the "love" was not meant to be. Few people realize that Bachelor's Buttons are edible and often used as a homeopathic treatment for inflammation. In addition to many international political associations, the French regard the Cornflower much as Americans and Canadians do the "remembrance" red poppy. The most surprising bit of trivia I found regarding this delightful little flower is that it (the Cornflower) was the favorite flower of John F. Kennedy and was worn by his son, John F. Kennedy, Jr. at his wedding in tribute to his father. This stunning placemat also makes a terrific table topper for your end tables or nightstands.