Mugunghwa flower in purple and pink, made of foam clay. (photo by Yara Amin)
In Korea, the month of June is designated as the 'National Month of Patriots and Veterans' a solemn period dedicated to honoring those who rendered great service to the nation. At the heart of this commemoration lies June 6th, known as Memorial Day, established to console the souls of those who gave their lives in defense of the country and helped shape the Republic of Korea as it stands today. On this day, the national flag ‘Taegeukgi’ is flown at half-mast across government institutions, companies, and homes to mark the remembrance. At exactly 10:00 AM, sirens sound across the country, and a nationwide moment of silence is held to commemorate the fallen, with hearts full of honor. People also visit memorial sites and monuments in tribute to the martyrs. Television programs and documentaries are broadcast to highlight the sacrifices of soldiers and the events of the war.
Though the distance between Egypt and Korea spans thousands of miles, sincere respect transcends borders. Seeking a way to pay tribute on this day, attention turned toward a deeply rooted symbol in Korean culture: the Mugunghwa, or Rose of Sharon. This flower, soft in appearance yet powerful in meaning, stands as Korea’s national flower for good reason. It represents the enduring spirit of a nation that has endured hardship, risen again and again, and remained unbroken. Its name, derived from the word 'mugung' meaning 'eternity' or 'inexhaustible abundance', speaks to qualities shared with the nation’s fallen heroes. To express appreciation and remembrance, a Mugunghwa flower was handcrafted using colored foam clay. Though the materials are simple, the process carried emotional weight. Every petal was shaped with care.
Steps and materials used in the handwork: colored foam clay, shaping tools, keychain ring(optional).
The photo shows the tools used in the handmade work: colored foam clay and shaping tools. (Photo by Yara Amin)
1. A light purple color was created by blending white and purple foam clay. Five small balls were formed, then gently pressed and shaped by hand into delicate petals.
The photo shows the blending of dark purple and white foam clay to create a lighter purple shade. It also shows a shaped petal with a small red petal added at the base, made from foam clay. (Photo by Yara Amin)
2. To enhance realism, a small red foam ball was added to the base of each petal, giving depth and warmth. The petals were then assembled into the shape of a flower.
3. For the center, two small yellow foam clay and placed in the middle, with small indentations made using shaping tools to mimic the flower’s natural core.
The photo shows the use of a shaping tool to create lines on the petal. It also features two small yellow foam clay balls placed in the center of the flower, with tiny holes added to give a realistic effect. (Photo by Yara Amin)
4. Green foam clay was mixed with a small amount of black foam clay to create a deeper tone, then molded into leaves. Veins were detailed using foam tools to achieve a lifelike appearance.
Light green foam clay was mixed with black to create a darker green color, resembling a leaf. (Photo by Yara Amin)
In the end, A second flower in soft pink was also created, showcasing the Mugunghwa’s beauty in multiple shades. Finally, a metal ring was attached to the back, turning the flower into a keychain to made a personal token of remembrance About Memorial Day in Korea.
The final form of the Mugunghwa, also known as the Rose of Sharon, shown in both pink and purple colors. (Photo by Yara Amin)
Holding a piece of foam clay and shape it into a flower, it may seem simple. But for me, it was a silent message a heartfelt tribute, filled with deep respect and remembrance, dedicated to the souls who sacrificed so that the Republic of Korea could live on with pride and dignity. It also stands as a reminder that gratitude, and cultural appreciation can blossom across continents.
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