Playing Cards - ARKANSAS

The lovely Apple Blossom was adopted as Arkansas's State Flower in 1901. Apple blossoms are symbolic of (among other things) peace and fertility and were honored by the ancient Celts as a symbol of love. In Victorian times, apple blossoms were said to represent good fortune. But this design is not just a tribute to the fragrant, pink and white petals of these lovely flowers, it also pays homage to our 25th state, Arkansas. Mountains, timberlands and lowlands make up parts of the diverse geography of this beautiful state. Amazingly, roughly 55% of the state's area is still covered by forestland. And, located close to the Gulf Coast (without being a coastal state), Arkansas is generally considered a humid, subtropical climate and is also located in "tornado alley". This, of course, means that it experiences more than a few tornadoes and is also subject to the effects of hurricanes that make landfall in the Gulf Coast region. I have heard people question the way we pronounce "Arkansas" -- especially when compared with the pronunciation of "Kansas". Interestingly enough, in 1881, the pronunciation of Arkansas with the final "s" being silent was made official by an act of the state legislature after a dispute arose between Arkansas's two U.S. senators as one favored the AR + Kansas version. What's more . . . it was much more recently (2007) that the state legislature passed a (non-binding) resolution declaring the possessive form of the state's name to be "Arkansas's". You might also be wondering why the Apple Blossom is THIS state's official flower. At one time, Arkansas was a major producer of apples. It was in the 1920's to 1930's that production dramatically dropped because of apple tree diseases such as fire blight; insect infestations and drought. Still, with all of it's incredible geographic marvels, including caves and hot springs, Arkansas's nickname, previously "The Land of Opportunity" is now "The Natural State". This delightful design offers the outline of the state of Arkansas, filled with their state flower, Apple Blossoms. This delightful deck of cards is an excellent way of remembering that spectacular Arkansas vacation.