The pappus is the modified calyx, the part of an individual floret, that surrounds the base of the corolla tube in flower heads of the plant family Asteraceae. The term is sometimes used in other plant families such as Asclepiadaceae (milkweeds), whose seeds have a similar structure attached, although it has not related to the calyx of the flower.
The Asteraceae pappus may be composed of bristles (sometimes feathery), awns, scales, or may be absent. In some species, the pappus is too small to see without magnification. In some species, such as Dandelion or Eupatorium, feathery bristles of the pappus function as a "parachute" which enables the seed to be carried by the wind.[1] The name derives from the Ancient Greek word pappos, Latin pappus, meaning "old man", so used for a plant (assumed to be an Erigeron species) having bristles and also for the woolly, hairy seed of certain plants ( information from wiki pedia)
The Nilavilakku is integral to all rituals and ceremonies in a traditional Malayali Hindu family. As the sun rises, young girls of the family bring the lighted lamps to the verandah of the house. The girl is joined by the children and elders of the family, especially the grandparents, chanting hymns. In the evening the ritual is repeated alongside evening prayers.[1]
Although the Nilavilakku is most commonly identified as a religious object of Hindus, anyone can use it; many Christians have the lamps in their churches and homes. Traditionally, the nilavilakku is lighted and kept at the main front entrance of a home. Many Indians believe in the superstitions associated with the Nilavilakku.
Lighting the Nilavilakku on any occasion is believed to be auspicious. Nilavilakku plays an important role in the presentation of various art forms. The art forms are performed after lighting the lamp. It is also used for film shooting ceremonies in South Indian cinema.
Nilavilakku is usually made of bronze or brass. Usually cotton wicks doused in oil or ghee are used for lighting the lamp. There are three ways of lighting the lamp. In one, only one wick is lit and is directed towards the deity or sacred space and in another there are two lit wicks in two directions. The third alternative is with five wicks in five directions( thanks to wikiepedia)
The pappus is the modified calyx, the part of an individual floret, that surrounds the base of the corolla tube in flower heads of the plant family Asteraceae. The term is sometimes used in other plant families such as Asclepiadaceae (milkweeds), whose seeds have a similar structure attached, although it has not related to the calyx of the flower.
