A Sign

Written by Sr. Rúbia - Belém Province
Photograph by Sr. Rúbia -- The Flowering Flamboyant

In Sertão, the Center of the State of Ceará, rain is scarce; the sun is always intense and the land waits for water with patience and hope. Thus, every year our eyes search for signs of rain. The Flowering Flamboyant tree is a sign. It's a tree originally from Madagascar, but it's very common in Brazil. It has two basic necessities to grow: space and sun. It's of exuberant beauty!

In this region of our country, people say that when the Flamboyant is flowering, it's a sign of a very good winter. Then, all can prepare the land and seeds; all can be sure that rain will come, that the harvest will be abundant.

Now, here in Sertão, our Flamboyant is flowering. A few weeks ago her branches were barren, without flowers, without color, but her sap was there ... her life was hidden. Now, she's flowering and transforming the landscape, reviving our hope. Her blossoms are falling to the ground, laying a big, beautiful red carpet. Sure enough, the rain came ... wetting the earth and I also believe we will have a good winter!