Part I: The Map
Map Link (for a clearer picture): https://my.visme.co/view/g78wqz7x-map
Part II: The Global Influence of Jasmine Flower
My vision for the map was to create something that showcased different symbols and meanings of the Jasmine flower in different cultures around the world. Initially, I wanted to work on a map of Asia, as a whole, but I decided to only exhibit a few countries. I also wanted to include the population of different species of Jasmine in each country, but unfortunately, I could not find any accurate statistics to support my ideas. I really wanted to include the importance of this flower in the Perfume industry as it is used in many different products but was not really sure how to incorporate that into the map due to space and time issues. I placed the individual maps of the countries as accurately as placed on a world map. To show the location, I added an Equator line and a compass. I incorporated different types of colorful graphical objects as symbols that represented the meaning for Jasmine in each country. To make it more creative, I even added a few facts about the flower and created a separate key with the same style of symbols I used before.
I chose this topic because I think it is important to stop and look around at all these amazing things in our world. I was fascinated by the smell and the importance of Jasmine, as it holds a lot of value for the places I come from. In a way, I wanted everyone to see Jasmine through my point of view and perception, as well as how much I value it. I think the ideas surrounding Jasmine should be discussed in detail and the different cultural uses, that are not discussed very often, should be valued as well. Talking about different ideas, Jasmine holds many meanings, for example, love, purity, luxury, beauty, and good luck. I wanted to create a “fantastic” or creative map where we can learn more about the things in our environment and the significance they hold globally. I decided to create a key for the different things Jasmine symbolizes, to include the social/cultural aspect of the assignment. The symbols include the importance of Jasmine in various religions, different social activities, and what it is associated with. For example, on the map, in Indonesia, Jasmine is consumed and is regarded very high in wedding ceremonies, especially on the island of Java. These symbols, that at first glance seem confusing, show a bigger picture explaining different parts and aspects of different cultures on the globe. This helps us gain more knowledge or some insight into the traditions and beliefs of countries or people that are different from us.
Environment studies mostly focus on human impact and interaction with the climate. While my topic discusses some aspects of this, I have not included any negative or positive influences of human impact on the agriculture of Jasmines in my map. For example, on the map, I include species of Jasmine like the “Arabian Jasmine,” or the Persian Jasmine species called “Yas Shiraz” which symbolizes a gift from god. This is a bit different from what Environmental study accounts for. I present a deeper and more cultural influence of humans on the environment rather than their actual interaction. The countries on my map and their positions are also far from the usual in other maps that we have seen as I only focused on a handful of countries that are greatly influenced by Jasmine. I also think maps similar to mine should be created for everyone to learn about our environment through a cultural lens which is as important as the geography of our Earth. Overall, in my opinion, my map is a great way for everyone to get to learn about different species of jasmine, where it originated from, and what importance it holds globally. I think mapmakers should create and pay attention to more colorful and creative maps which can help us get a sense of information related to Environmental studies more efficiently.
Part III: Bibliography
1. “Development of Regional Crop Simulation Modeling for Jasmine under the Purview of Climate Change: a Perspective from Tamil Nadu, India.” Horticulture International Journal, MedCrave Publishing, 1 Nov. 2017, medcraveonline.com/HIJ/HIJ-01-00009.php.
2. “Jasmine Flower – Meaning, Symbolism and Colors.” Flower Meanings, flowermeanings.org/jasmine-flower-meaning/.
3. “Jasmine.” Jasmine - New World Encyclopedia, www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Jasmine.
4. “Jasmine.” Saje US, www.saje.com/ingredient-garden-jasmine.html.
5. Marie, Linda. “The History of the Jasmine Flower.” Garden Guides, 3 Sept. 2020, www.gardenguides.com/138962-history-jasmine-flower.html.
6. Visme, dashboard.visme.co/v2/projects/own.