I was reading about this orchid show at the Missouri Botanical Garden that is happening in March featuring the Mayan culture, so I decided to write this post. The show promises to transport visitors to the time when the Mayan civilization was at its height. The show is complete with figures and relics of ancient people and gods decorated with colorful orchids. The concept was also born because of the long wait for the Mayan calendar to end in 2012. This show will run until March 27. For more information about this show click on the link above. (It will open in a new window.)

Moving forward, orchids have been a part of many cultures around the world. Chinese, Japanese and Mayan cultures are only a few that share history with this ancient plant. One of the very memorable stories for me about the Mayans and orchids is that about the birth of the vanilla orchid.

For those who don’t know the story, it goes something like this:

There were once two lovers – a princess born of a Mayan god who fell in love with a mortal. They kept this love a secret, for if her father knew about it, it would mean death for both of them. It wasn’t long until her father found about the about their secret love affair. Because of this, the princess and her lover fled to the forest to be away from all and still continue their affair. Eventually her father ordered for them to be found. And when they were captured, they were instantly beheaded. The soil that soaked up their blood produced the plant that we know today as the vanilla orchid.

It’s quite inspiring how orchids find their way into the cultures around the world. Orchids are certainly one of the most mystical plants in the world. They have been here since ancient times, and they still enchant people to love them.

Do have any orchid stories to tell? Share them by leaving a comment below.

Looking to get another orchid soon? Here’s what to ask orchid growers BEFORE you buy anything.