Marigolds for Buddha

Following on from yesterday's post of the mai lai here is a photo of the marigold offering for the Wats.  From a blog called Tricycle I found the following interesting reflection on the role of floral offerings in Buddhism

"Contemplating a flower, says Abbot Phra Meo, is a way of reaching understanding. But the true Buddhist should be aware that the beauty of the flower is also a potential distraction—it is therefore important not to limit one’s considerations to the colors, forms and scent of flowers. Flowers represent impermanence—a central concept of Buddhism: they are sweet-smelling one day and foul and withered the next."