Mayflower Memories

One of the most striking and perhaps symbolic images associated with the Malayalee New Year 'Vishu' is that of the Mayflower or the 'Kanikonna' as it is known in Kerala. The Mayflower has a pride of place along with various other brightly-hued flowers and vegetables, ornaments, money etcetera in the 'Vishukani', which is an offering to Lord Krishna. Early on Vishu morning, after getting up and with their eyes still shut, all members of the household are supposed to walk up (stumble rather) and see the Vishukani as their first glimpse, thus signifying an auspicious start to their new year.

The Mayflower magic begins much earlier. Bunches of Mayflowers in resplendent yellow adorning the gardens and roadside pathways are a common sight from the month of April onwards. The flower itself reaches its pristine peak of brilliance in the hottest month of May and continues to be in bloom well into the latter half of September. Of course, the period of its bloom might vary a bit with geography. I speak strictly from the point of view of a native Keralite brought up in the North of India.

In the northern state of Delhi, where I grew up, the Mayflower forms an integral part of the summer scene and thereby, of my childhood. From the neighbourhood lanes at home and green stretches along the city roadways to the halo compound inside my school, the Mayflower was everywhere blooming away in a bright golden world of its own unmindful of the stifling summer heat surrounding anything and everything else. There was this particular Mayflower tree near the playground where we children found shade and a bit of respite during the 'Games Period' when our teacher would give out instructions as to the number of rounds we had to run (or jog as per individual capacity) around the ground. This exercise was meant as a wake-up call (to those feeling drowsy or lazy) or warm up for those few eager ones who could never have enough of this paid-for playtime. I was part of the minority.

Years later, when I used to commute to work and my office bus used to pass by rows of Mayflower trees generously giving away their treasure of bright yellow gold, it always brought a wave of childlike excitement. The fond memories of childhood awakened by a handful of yellow petals dangling tantalisingly out of reach seemed somehow to wipe away the strain and tensions of adult life, leaving behind a calming serenity and a lightness of spirit.