Whether my journeys through The Cove are by foot or by bicycle, one of the most striking aspects is the presence of the beautiful flowers that line the path of my expedition.  Some of these are wildflowers that grow randomly and freely in our locale.  And some are annuals or perrenials that have been planted by residents, either along their properties or at the entrance to certain communites.  Whatever the source, the color, variety and abundance of these beautiful botanical gifts lend an extra added attraction to the idea of exploring our amazing neighborhood.

     

There is an old Korean saying that goes, “Let’s walk along the flower path.” It holds a special place and significance in the Korean culture. There are many ways to interpret this phrase. One meaning is one in which we wish someone else well: to encourage them, to wish them good luck and future success. It affirms that any past hardships are now over and you should focus on the good to come.

 Another way in which this phrase is used is when you let go of someone with whom you are in a relationship. This may have come about by feelings that have changed or circumstances that are preventing you from being together. A way to look at it is that you are spreading flowers on their path, which is now separate from yours, and this is a way to show that your feelings and affections still remain the same. And, if physically possible, they are always welcome to follow the path back to you.

     

An interesting example of how that last concept is applied is the song “Flower Road,” recorded in 2018 by the popular Korean boy band, “Big Bang,” as a final farewell from the group to its fans ahead of a lengthy hiatus, since the band members were required to serve in South Korea’s mandatory military service. Basically, it was a request on the part of the band members for their fans to ‘wait for them’ to one day return and resume creating their music. The lyrics, in the chorus of the song, express an understanding that if fans decide to move on, they “understand, and that they’ll scatter flowers on the road” that the fans walk on.

     

The daylilies, black-eyed Susans, wishbone flowers, hydrangeas, dogwoods, roses along with SO many more species of flowers that are present along the roadside of my walks/bike rides take on an even deeper meaning to me given the Korean interpretations. And I urge you all to take the time to ‘take to the road’ during this season and, indeed, find happiness, success and fulfillment.  

Let’s walk the flower road together!

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