Azaleas are known as symbols of abundance, fragile passion and from the Chinese, "thinking of home" as well as a representation of wealth. If you place azaleas, very toxic if prepared properly, in a black vase, this constitutes a death threat. A flour made from the dried flower and mixed in a carrier acts as a pesticide and medical research suggests that parts of the Chinese azalea can treat varying respiratory and rheumatic illnesses.
The bee's important role in our ecology is echoed throughout time in myth and in presentations of contemporary culture. While they are often symbols of royalty, power, vision and creativity, they are also considered symbols of Cupid's "sting" as well as of love, courtship and marriage. In Chinese works of art, if the bee appears on the flower, there is a suggestion of fruitfulness within the marriage or partnership. Within Hindu symbolism, a pairing with the lotus means reincarnation, on the forehead says transformation. Six is the sacred number of Venus the goddess of love and bees work in sixes - that is to say, hexagons. Numerologists believe 6 represents love as is multiplies odd and even (2,3) but is highly stable, symmetrical and balanced. Six energy is creative, conciliatory and nurturing. (Azaleas often offer six petals at the base of the flower.) Color associated with six is red and indigo.
katherine sandoz, (suwi1516) azalea, 3 5/8" x 5 3/4", water-based media on panel, 2015-2016