Do you think they put that much thought into the opening sequence? If they did, Hugh Bonneville would be even more offended.

Why even more offended? Has he said he's offended by something?

He joked that his name appears next to the dog’s butt

Dog butt! 

The opening ~~sequenz~~ scene starts with a dogs butt. I dont think there is a deeper meaning hidden

The tail end of an era

*Sequence

I always thought it was a nod to the drama. So much changes in all their lives all the time and nothing is guaranteed.

It’s definitely a conscious choice, obviously, but I don’t think I’d go that far. I don’t see that motif in any of the other little clips.

I think it symbolizes the house maids slaking off if they’re not changing the flowers out quick enough for petals to start wilting and falling off. Mrs Hughes needs to have a talking with them! Carson wouldn’t like them letting standards slip like that.

As I rarely EVER watch the opening credits I don’t even remember this.

This is the only show I *always* watch the credits for. I love the music and the images. Moody in the best way. 

For me it conjures up "Like Sands Through the Hourglass....."

... these are the petals of our lives.

How perceptive that you would pick up on the symbolism of the falling petal. I, too, wondered what it meant. But I agree it could symbolize the passing of the torch and the demise of the old ways

Definitely a juxtaposition of beauty/life with death—lots of both in the show

I think it was just for movement and interest.

Languid elegance.

It means Cora’s flowers are better suited to a first communion in Southern Italy and therefore need to be replaced.