On February 24th, of 2022, the Russian army invaded Ukraine under the order of Russian president, Vladamir Putin. Although this ongoing conflict has been proven to be very violent and dismal to all that have been involved, defenders for the Ukrainians have found a way to show their support through the use of Sunflowers. 

The Sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower, has been a symbol of motherhood and unity for decades after being incorporated into Ukraine’s folklore, celebrations, clothing, decorations, and more. According to RussianFlora.com, “People also used them to protect the wearer against evil spirits, bad fortune and illness,””, which is similar to how these flowers are being used now,; giving the Ukrainians good luck against the Russian army. 

The symbolism of the Sunflower in this war wasn’t very evident until footage of a courageous Ukrainian woman rebuking an armed Russian Soldier in Henichesk, Ukraine was shared across platforms. An English translation of the confrontation says, “You’re occupants, you’re fascists! What the —- are you doing on our land with all these guns? Take these seeds and put them in your pockets, so at least these Sunflowers will grow when you all lie down here”. 

After the video was seen by millions, the support for Ukraine through the use of Sunflowers has been becoming increasingly popular, including on social media. Many users have included the Sunflower emoji into their bios and names, especially on Twitter. 

Sunflowers have been prevalent in protests across the world as well. In Montreal, Canada, protesters carrying Ukraine’s flag along with Sunflowers took to the streets to criticize the Russian invasion on February 27th. On the same day, protesters in Reno, Nevada renovated a “BELIEVE” sculpture located at the city plaza, by covering the sign with Sunflowers.

Whether it’s an emoji online, a seed, or the flower itself, you can find people all around the world showing their support for Ukraine during these dire times. If you would like to show your support and donate to help Ukraine, you can donate to unitedhelpukraine.org, an organization which helps provide medical aid to refugees and wounded soldiers.

*Images for Sara’s Article

(KRNV via MyNews4.com)

(ANDREJ IVANOV/AFP via Getty Images)