March 8th is International Woman's day. Like most Americans, I had completely forgotten until I ran into this little boy selling the traditional mimosa bouquets Italian men give to their wife and daughter.
The common name for the acacia in Italy is "mimosa," taken from another genus in the same family with a similar flower. These "real" mimosas are responsive to touch, closing their leaves in response to any environmental change such as a strong wind, a fire or even a gentle caress. Its easy to see how the mimosa came to symbolize the classic female virtues of modesty and sensitivity (not the virtues the suffragists who instituted the holiday at the turn of the 20th century would appreciate!). The hardier and more vigorous acacia became a stand in for Women's day because its more fragrant flowers bloom in early spring.
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