The Autumn Visitors – Night Jasmines (Shiuli): #MondayMusings #MicroMonday
“Flowers are the music of the ground…
From Earth’s lips spoken without sound.”
– Anonymous
The Night Jasmines or Shiuli/ Harsingar/Parijat as they are called in India, have once again made an unfettered come back. Night Jasmines herald the arrival of autumn, as they lie casually strewn across the ground beneath their modest tree. A tree that in all possibility would go unnoticed, if not for the fragrant, intoxicating prettiness that caresses the ground beneath.
Look within, there is a Night Jasmine hiding inside each one of you. Share on XIn my scheme of all things autumnal, Night Jasmines are the most treasured autumn visitors. I spend almost every autumn morning gathering them, as they lie carpeting the ground.
The Night Jasmine trees are a perfect example of this beautiful autumnal quote with their delicate, orange stemmed flowers that are a picture perfect, warm hue of the season.
To see a night jasmine bloom, fall to the ground in the wee hours of dawn; is indeed a priceless sight to behold. The orange stemmed, pinwheeled prettiness with it’s white petals, swirls off the branches, gently doing a dervish dance, before twirling around and embracing the ground with its gentle kiss.
Night Jasmines and the Art of Letting Go
The Night Jasmines bloom in the night, and by the crack of dawn they are ready to fall to the ground. They are short-lived visitors to this earth, but while they are here they make sure to leave an indelible mark in our hearts. They are also fleeting autumn visitors, ready to bid us adieu with the onset of winters. Night Jasmines are our perfect teachers on the art of letting go.
We, mere mortals have no clue how long we will grace this Earth, so while we are here let’s all learn to embrace everything with love, and spread our fragrance of joy and optimism; just like the enchanting Night Jasmines. And, when it’s time to let go of people, things, emotions, situations or even life per say; let’s move on with ease, love and gratitude in our hearts.
A Lifetime with Shiulis
As a child, I grew up anticipating the arrival of the Night Jasmines with the awe-inspiring autumn. Even when the tree had managed to bloom just one odd flower, my excitement would grow in leaps and bounds. Shiuli blooms herald the Durga Pujo season; the decent of Goddess Durga to earth, to vanquish all evil.
I have spent many a Durga pujos gathering Shiulis from the ground, or shaking it’s puny trunk for a loot of the blooms. Thereafter, I would spend hours threading Shiuli garlands with my friends, for the mighty Goddess. Night Jasmines not only make me nostalgic, but fill me with a heady sense of happiness.
Even till date, each morning I gather the Night Jasmines from the foot of the trees, making sure not to trample upon them. I then bring them back home, placing them adoringly in a bowl or cup, sprinkling it with liberal doses of water. All this while knowing, they will intoxicate my soul with a sense of well-being, through the day.
I could dedicate, Leonard Cohen’s, “You fill up my senses”, to the gracious Night Jasmines.
Like the Night Jasmines fallen to the ground, we may be trampled or pushed around, our lives may be short and fleeting; yet let’s continue to live joyfully, and strive ceaselessly and make this life a fragrant affair to remember.
Look within, there is a Night Jasmine hiding inside each one of you.
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Linking up with the wonderful ladies, Mel for #MicrblogMondays and Corinne for #MondayMusings
27 thoughts on “The Autumn Visitors – Night Jasmines (Shiuli): #MondayMusings #MicroMonday”
You have a gift for words, dearest Natasha.
Such a beautiful post!
I enjoyed learning about the night jasmines.
Hugs and blessings
Veronica Lee recently posted…Gallimaufry#78
Hugs back darling xoxo Thank you.
This was such a beautiful read, Natasha. I knew night jasmines by the name of parijaatham in Kerala. They are so beautiful. The photos you shared and your thoughts coated in those captivating words are a treat to the reader, Natasha. <3
Such a beautiful post, Natz. Almost as beautiful as the night jasmine itself. I love how nature teaches us it’s wisdom so quietly – we just need to tune in!
Very lyrical read. I enjoyed the way you took a simple flower and made an entire essay about it.
There are some lovely images in this. You introduced this westerner to another sort of autumn.
I’m so glad this was an introduction to an autumn of a different kind, Margaret.
Thank you for coming by and writing in.
I didn’t know about the name Shiuli before I watched the movie October last year but I do have memories of picking up the fallen flowers in the mornings and threading them together in small garlands. I like your interpretation of the life of these flowers.
Dear Anu,
I’m glad you share similar memories of threading this delicate flower into garlands.
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Love
I have never seen night jasmines but I think I love them!
I bet you will Carol. Thank you for leaving your imprints. 🙂
I love autumn and the sense of mellowness that is so unique to the season and the colours, the gorgeous blooms and of course, it’s also the festival season, so a time of merriment and joyousness with the loved ones!
Your post caught the essence of the season so beautifully. The prettiness of the Night Jasmines is a treasure that many of us would love to savour, especially those of us who don’t usually get to see them around where we live! What I loved most is this wonderful analogy of nurturing the Night Jasmines within us! Wonderful, memorable and thought-provoking, and a fabulous way to begin a new month! Thank you so much for the great reminder!
Wishing you all a very happy Durga Puja and Navratri, dear Natasha! Have fun and enjoy loads!!!
Love and hugs
<3
Thank you dear Esha. I’m so glad this piece resonated.
I love the subtle mellowness of this beautiful season that teaches us so many lessons.
A blessed festival season for you and yours too, sweetheart.
Hugs xoxo
What a beautiful post. My sister planted one on one of her birthdays and from that day on it became special not just for her but for all of us. Unfortunately when our parents retired we had leave behind the tree along with the house. Now my daughter loves the flowers too.
How fascinating! Thank you for sharing this little leaf from your life, Tulika.
I remember, I insisted my mother plant the tree in our house. She willingly did, as she loved the flowers herself. But apparently the tree got infested with these worms, that started damaging the other plants. And Ma had to have the lovely Night Jasmine chopped off. My heart broke, and it still does, when I think about it.
But, I’m blessed now as right where I live there are a couple of these trees. Each different from the other in the shape and size of the flower. Th,erefore my autumn mornings are spent fruitfully, gathering these fragrant flowers, that spread their scent through my day.
Lovely to know your daughter loves them too.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen night jasmines when I lived in India. I love how you have used the flower to not only give us information about it but also life lessons from it.
I’m sure you will love these flowers, Sanch. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Beautiful reflection on a beautiful flower. I didn’t know the name ‘shiuli’ for the flower, until I saw a movie with the same name.
Thank you dear, Cory. Which movie is this? Would love to know.
this was beautiful! saw this from Stirrup queens Microblog Mondays
Thank you JT, for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed it.
Cheerio!
What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it. I’d heard of Night Jasmines before.
Thank you Lydia, for swinging by. Good to know you had heard about Night Jasmines. 🙂
Beautiful pictures and thought-provoking words. I’ve never seen Night Jasmines – one day I might, hopefully.
Yes, you will, Keith. Visit us in India.