This week, I decided to do research on different types of flowers and their symbolic meanings. The idea behind this was to have asset ideas for the level design.
Jacob’s Ladder-
A common name. Used for many things, like a specific type of flower, a movie title and book title. Inspired by the Bible (used in Genesis 28:10-12, “Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway/ladder resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.”)
Highly symbolic for Christians (Jacob’s dream) due to the meditator Jesus Christ being referenced as the one who was brought to Earth to become the stairway between the land and God.
(Reference: GotQuestions.org. (2021). What is Jacob’s Ladder? [online] Available at: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jacobs-ladder.html [Accessed 27 Sep. 2021].)
The flower itself is named Jacob’s Ladder due to the shape of the leaves, as the plant forms a group of tightly packed leaflets, which rise along the stem of the flower like a ladder (therefore taking the name of Jacob’s Ladder).
There are two different types of Jacob’s Ladders.
- Polemonium reptans – discouraged to grow and a threatened species
- Polemonium caeruleum – developed specifically for growing in places like gardens
(Reference: Gardening Channel. (2018). How to Grow Jacob’s Ladder Flowers (Polemonium caeruleum). [online] Available at: https://www.gardeningchannel.com/jacobs-ladder-flowers-polemonium-caeruleum/#:~:text=The%20Native%20American%20name%20for%20Jacob%E2%80%99s%20ladder%20translates [Accessed 27 Sep. 2021].)
The meaning of the flower is shared with the Biblical story- “The ladder symbolizes the lessons learned in life, which, if properly used, brings us higher and higher in knowledge; however, if lessons are forgotten the danger of falling is continuously present.”
(Reference: Meij, H. (2014). What is the Symbolism of Stairs (Jacob’s Ladder)? [online] http://www.themasonictrowel.com. Available at: http://www.themasonictrowel.com/Articles/Symbolism/comprehensive_files/short_symbolism/symbolism_of_jacob_ladder.htm [Accessed 27 Sep. 2021].)
Simplified in my own words, the Ladder represents constant growth in character and wisdom.
This flower would go well with our level design due to the symbolism of wisdom, as a tower defence requires knowledge and some strategy. Although it is a real flower and not fantastical, the reference to the Bible, which is a holy text followed in religion, is an unconfirmed-to-be-true text, and as a result of that, it fits in with the Fantasy theme.
Windflower-
Scientifically known as the Anemone, the Windflower is a wide species that is native to Europe, North America and Japan. The stem can bear several flowers at a time, with three leaflets on each that can vary in colour.
The flower’s name originates from the Greek word ‘Anemone’, which means ‘daughter of the wind’, and it symbolises protection and anticipation.
(Reference: A to Z Flowers. (n.d.). Anemone (Windflower). [online] Available at: https://www.atozflowers.com/flower/anemone/ [Accessed 27 Sep. 2021].)
I chose this flower as another contender for potential assets in our design because the symbol of protection and anticipation works well with the tower defence, becoming a mini-good-luck-charm almost. I also think it would work well with the Fantasy theme as it can bear many colours, therefore meaning that in order to slot it in with the magical theme, it could change colours.
With the research I have done on these flowers, I have an accurate idea on how to go about adding more subtle spiritual signs for the action-packed level we are creating.
Games Design Y2 