| Elizabeth S. P. Ward’s Floral Arrangement | |
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Origin |
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward |
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Type |
Funerary Arrangement |
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Effects |
Shows the ideal, content life user could have shared with the dead |
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Downsides |
Difficult accepting stability in lieu of change |
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Activation |
Speaking near |
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Section |
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| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward (August 31, 1844 – January 28, 1911) practiced some of the early forays into feminist activism during the 19th century.
After the American Civil War, death and salvation were on the mind of many religious people. Her contribution was the novel The Gates Ajar, about a girl who believes she will again meet her deceased soldier brother in the afterlife. But instead of the typical Christian heaven-hell-purgatory doctrine, her afterlife closer resembles a blissful Valhalla or Elysium. Everyone receives a new physical body and continues on their past routines – living in houses, enjoying their family and continuing their lives in a spiritual form, forever. It sold like hotcakes. The 2nd bestselling religious novel of the 19th century reassured the belief positive outcomes would spring from death.
When not writing, Ward delved headlong into activism. She pushed for women’s clothing reform and urged young women to burn their lung-crushing corsets. Marriage and domestic responsibilities were also moot points. The Story of Avis follows a young woman juggling the roles of independent artist against dependent lover. Ward even married to a 17-year younger man at the age of 40. Throughout her 57 volumes of fiction, poetry and essays Ward challenged the idea of a woman being only the home maker and what freedoms would be gained with personal fulfillment.
Beginning in the 1880s, florists started creating “Gates Ajar” flower arrangements for funeral services. Pillars of white roses and pink pansies against green smilax leaves became commonplace. And after the assassination of President Garfield, widely at mourning halls across the country. The bouquet remains today as the traditional arrangement.
Effects[]
The flowers and leaves supposedly rustle together near talking, almost mimicking a spoken response. From the central space emanates different potential futures – all where they are enjoying life with a now deceased loved one. Not all the minor moments in between or the tragedies, just the highlights of what happiness they could have enjoyed together in one’s arms. An outpouring of purpose to make their remaining time worthwhile fully grips their actions. Anything not adding value to their future is ignored, so people will abandon success and stability if they feel their life’s intent has gone unfulfilled.