A bunch of crocus for Puduhepa

The crocus flower is the flower of joy. It is the first flower to emerge in spring, bringing cheerfulness as a sign of spring. I've long been suggesting that it must be the flower for Women's Day, but of course that is not possible commercially. My reason for associating crocus with women is all about Hittites. Gathering crocus flowers and bulbs is a traditional folk activity in Anatolia in early spring, usually done by a bunch of sprightly kids, hopping happily in the fields. The tradition is a good old one that goes back to Hittite times, one of Anatolia's earlier inhabitants. Hittite women were powerful and strong, and played significant roles in society. The foremost Hittite queen, Puduhepa, who married King Hattusili III is regarded as the most influential women known from the ancient Near East. She lived in 13th century B.C., almost 33 centuries ago. 

The Hittites had four seasonal major festivities, two of them dedicated to welcome spring. The spring festivals were the an.tah.sum or the "crocus festival," and the Purulli festival. Of the two celebrations, the an.tah.sum festival was performed "for the sun goddess of Arinna and the gods of the Hatti Land." The festivities lasted about thirty-eight days; its rites took place in Hattusa and other important religious centers of the Hittite homeland. Spring festival celebrated the regeneration of the powers of nature. It was a time of renewals, of reconfirmation of the gods' endorsement of the king's authority, of regeneration of the life, health and vigor of the king and his consort. There was a direct connection between the king's wellbeing and the rhythm of nature that was essential to the growth process. The crocus bulb and flower, as symbols of renewal and awakening, played an important role in this...