As a spiritual worker, I tend to honor certain days with specific plants. I am a deep lover of all flowers and plants and you’ll never hear me say that you can have too many. For this specific day, Juneteenth, I believe the bird of paradise plant is appropriate. The bird of paradise is native to South Africa and is the symbol for freedom and overcoming obstacles, as well as success, paradise, and royalty.

This is often also called Strelitzia as it was named in honor of King George the 3rd’s wife, Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Sophie Charlotte was the first biracial queen of England and Ireland and the last queen of America. The city Charlotte in North Carolina (where I am from), is named for her. She had no mention of ever participating in politics during the anti-slavery movement that was big during her time but is often mentioned for her biracial roots.

It’s an easy plant to care for if you have the time, only needing to be watered once a week. It does not like the cold, however, as its natural habitat is near bodies of water, so it prefers  humid and warm conditions. Bird of paradise can be bought at Lowes or Home Depot in the gardening center and produces beautiful flowers that look like birds.

I offer this plant with a white candle nearby as a way to honor and remember that even the most difficult of obstacles can be overcome and freedom achieved.