POPPY Oriental Red Orange --- Metal Tree Decoration

Lithuanians have a beautiful Christmas tradition of leaving an extra seat at the dinner table for someone close who has passed during the year, a way of gently inviting their spirit to join the family in celebrating Christmas Eve. Another way to remember someone special might be to hang a luminous poppy on the tree, perhaps etching their name in text. Family members can even share a stories about this person. (Even though more than fifty years have passed, I can still see my grandmother’s circular garden of tall, red-orange Oriental poppies. Before I understood consciously how much I loved flowers, these splendid short-lived creations captivated me every Spring of my childhood. Their concerto begins, oh so softly, when the fuzzy pods appear. The wait is exhilarating... Today, the rite is similar, except I pray for no wind and no rain. At best we adore them for a week, but truly, I am satisfied if I share their fiery presence for 3 days.)