Tulips as a symbol of positivity and cheer
On Saturday 15 January 2022, International Tulip Day, a new season for cut tulips was kicked off in Amsterdam (the Netherlands). Due to the coronavirus measures, the traditional picking garden on Dam Square right in front of the Royal Palace could not go ahead this year.
By way of an alternative, a tulip boat carrying André van Duin, the Netherlands’ favourite comedian, sailed through the Amsterdam canals while growers mounted their bicycles to surprise thousands of people in the city with colourful bouquets.
Since ‘Share Happiness’ is the international theme of the 2022 tulip season, the enthused public were offered two bouquets each: one to enjoy themselves and one to make someone else happy.
Arjan Smit, chairman of the growers’ collective TPN: “These are gloomy and uncertain times for many people because of the ongoing pandemic. So, we can all use a little joy in our lives. Offering someone a bunch of tulips is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, as we see and experience every year on Tulip Day. As growers, we are proud that our lovely spring flower has recently become a symbol of positivity and cheer. Not only in the Netherlands, but also in the United Kingdom.”
Tulip Day
Tulip Day has taken place every year since 2012, on the third Saturday in January. This celebration marks the official start of the new and international cut tulip season. From January through May, this Dutch spring flower is available in over a thousand different varieties. The Netherlands is the world’s largest producer of tulips.
Photo credit – TPN / VidiPhoto
