- Thread: The Language & Symbolism of Flowers -
Flowers have meanings & symbolism. These meanings and symbols have been used in many cultures - from simple acts of gifts to military processions to national emblems. This thread will aim to gather this knowledge.
Flowers have meanings & symbolism. These meanings and symbols have been used in many cultures - from simple acts of gifts to military processions to national emblems. This thread will aim to gather this knowledge.
- Gladiolus -
Gladiolus is a flower that grows upwards on a long spike. They come in various colours. Their name comes from the Latin word for sword because their grass-like foliage resembles the weapon.
Gladiolus is a flower that grows upwards on a long spike. They come in various colours. Their name comes from the Latin word for sword because their grass-like foliage resembles the weapon.
They are associated with gladiators, so gladiolus is a symbol for honour. It also symbolises remembrance & strength of character. Because of their connection to remembrance & honor, they are often a funeral flower. It is also August's birth flower.
- Hydrangea -
Hydrangea got its name from two Greek words: "hydros" - water & "angos" - jar. Its shape resembles the ancient water pitcher. These flowers also need constant moisture.
Hydrangea got its name from two Greek words: "hydros" - water & "angos" - jar. Its shape resembles the ancient water pitcher. These flowers also need constant moisture.
In Japan, they make a sweet herbal tea made from a local type of the flower. It is also used for Buddha's birthday ceremony - the Japanese pour the tea over the statue. In Japan flower symbolises heartfelt emotion, apology & understanding.
However, this flower produces a lot of flowers but very few seeds - so in the West it has become a symbol of arrogance. Often, a rejected lover may send this flower - to point at the arrogance & coldness of heart of the other side.
The meanings may change because of the color. Blue - gratitude & apology, white - vanity, narcissism & arrogance, pink - romance & sincere emotions, purple - pride & royalty. Because of its abundant flowers it also symbolises prosperity, abundance & wealth.
- Begonia -
Begonia is a flower originally from tropical and subtropical climates. It is a genus that contains more than 1000 species. The meaning of this flower is usually negative. It can be gifted to someone as a sign of danger and misfortune.
Begonia is a flower originally from tropical and subtropical climates. It is a genus that contains more than 1000 species. The meaning of this flower is usually negative. It can be gifted to someone as a sign of danger and misfortune.
The flower is believed to have negative influence if it is in a room and supposedly creates negative and dark thoughts. It is also a symbol of cautiousness - we may give it to someone when we want them to watch carefully.
The flower also has some positive meanings. It can be a symbol of appreciation and gratitude. Because of its very unique appearance, this flower is also a symbol of individuality - you may give it to someone you believe has a peculiar personality.
- Muscari -
Muscari's common name is grape hyacinth but it should not be confused with hyacinths. It is a perennial plant originally from Euroasia. It is symbol of power and confidence. Also symbol of wisdom, mystery and creativity.
Muscari's common name is grape hyacinth but it should not be confused with hyacinths. It is a perennial plant originally from Euroasia. It is symbol of power and confidence. Also symbol of wisdom, mystery and creativity.
- Orchid -
The name "orchid" comes from the "orkhis" ("upright"; "straight") name given by ancient Greek botanist Theophrastos. He thought that the fleshy underground anatomy of the flower resembled the male anatomy. There are more than 20 000 types of orchid.
The name "orchid" comes from the "orkhis" ("upright"; "straight") name given by ancient Greek botanist Theophrastos. He thought that the fleshy underground anatomy of the flower resembled the male anatomy. There are more than 20 000 types of orchid.
Because of their name, naturally, they are associated with fertility, sexuality and virility. One of the main genera of this flower is Paphiopedilum, which comes from the word "Paphos", the name of the Aphrodite's temple.
Other than sexuality, they also symbolise elegance & refinement. Like many other flowers, the message is more specified with the colour. Pink - femininity, grace; Yellow - friendship, new start; White - purity, elegance; Purple - admiration, respect; Orange - pride, boldness.
- Jasmine -
Jasmine is known for its restorative, therapeutic & gentle fragrance, as well as for its snowy, tender petals. Because of this combination, it is associated with sensuality, love, romance and warmth.
Jasmine is known for its restorative, therapeutic & gentle fragrance, as well as for its snowy, tender petals. Because of this combination, it is associated with sensuality, love, romance and warmth.
Jasmine is used in ceremonies - religious, weddings and funerals. It is also symbol of purity and innocence. Blue jasmine is symbol of honesty and truthfulness. Yellow jasmine however, is a symbol of optimism. You may want to send a bouquet of yellow jasmine to say: "Get well!"
- Madonna Lily -
If you were exposed to Catholic imagery, the Madonna lily was perhaps a very common sight. Virgin Mary is often shown carrying these flowers. They symbolise purity, femininity and faith. This meaning of white or Madonna lily is present in other cultures too.
If you were exposed to Catholic imagery, the Madonna lily was perhaps a very common sight. Virgin Mary is often shown carrying these flowers. They symbolise purity, femininity and faith. This meaning of white or Madonna lily is present in other cultures too.
This lily has a very potent fragrance, so ancient Romans would place it inside of a pillow before the act of love-making would occur. The flower so became associated with love, love-making & intimacy. Ancient Greek & Roman brides also wore it in their hair meaning love & faith.
Ancient Egyptians saw it as a symbol of femininity and elegance. However, these lilies can also symbolise grief. They are commonly used in memorials & funerals. Their serene, rich & white flowers speak of both acceptance of death & magnificence of life.
- Anemone -
Anemone carries the Greek name which means "daughter of the wind". The flower has very tender petals that can be carried away by the wind. The flower was created when goddess Aphrodite sprinkled nectar on the blood of her dead lover, Adonis.
Anemone carries the Greek name which means "daughter of the wind". The flower has very tender petals that can be carried away by the wind. The flower was created when goddess Aphrodite sprinkled nectar on the blood of her dead lover, Adonis.
The name could also have come from the "Nea'man", the Phoenician name for Adonis. Adonis is mentioned in earlier Syrian & Phoenician myths. He was the god of vegetation & just like Greco-Roman Adonis, was tusked by a boar.
These flowers are often depicted in images of Crucifixion, alongside Virgin Mary. The red is the symbol of undying love. It can also be symbol of forsaken love. When white, this flower is a symbol sincerity, and when purple it is a symbol of protection from evil.
Anemone coronaria is associated with Trinity, sorrow and death. In this context, they can be a symbol of worry. In Christianity, they can also be symbol of the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross. Anemones occurred on Golgotha where Jesus was to be crucified.
- Clitoria Ternatea -
Latin name of this flower comes from the flower's similarity to female genitalia. In Chinese medicine, because of its look, the flower is used to affect female libido. In India, it is considered a holy flower. Ayuverda considers it an antidepressant.
Latin name of this flower comes from the flower's similarity to female genitalia. In Chinese medicine, because of its look, the flower is used to affect female libido. In India, it is considered a holy flower. Ayuverda considers it an antidepressant.
- Peony -
Name comes from Peon, a Greek physician of the gods who used the Peony root to heal Pluto. His teacher, Aesculaipus was jealous & tried to kill him, but Pluto (Hades), showing his compassion, transformed him into the flower because he knew people would admire it.
Name comes from Peon, a Greek physician of the gods who used the Peony root to heal Pluto. His teacher, Aesculaipus was jealous & tried to kill him, but Pluto (Hades), showing his compassion, transformed him into the flower because he knew people would admire it.
Because of this one of the meanings of peony is compassion. In another myth, the flower's name is after nymph Paeonia. Apollo was attracted to her & she flirted with him. When she saw that Aphrodite was watching, she became bashful. Aphrodite transformed her into red peony.
Red peony thus symbolises bashfulness & shame. In China peonies were planted near Imperial Courts during Sui & Tang dynasties. That's why they symbolise honour, nobility & wealth. Other common meanings for peony are romance, prosperity, happy marriage & good luck.
In the ancient times their seeds were believed to be able to heal twenty diseases, including epilepsy. It is believed to be good for women - PMS, cramps but also it was used to trigger a miscarriage. It was also used for respiratory illnesses & stomach pains.
- Hyacinth -
This flower carries name of Apollo's male lover - Hyacinth. While playing a disk game, jealous Zephyr directed & the disk to kill the Hyacinth. Apollo was devastated, from his blood created the flower & on its petals inscribed words of grief: "Al Al - Alas".
This flower carries name of Apollo's male lover - Hyacinth. While playing a disk game, jealous Zephyr directed & the disk to kill the Hyacinth. Apollo was devastated, from his blood created the flower & on its petals inscribed words of grief: "Al Al - Alas".
Naturally, one of the flower's symbols is jealousy, especially the yellow flowers. White is a symbol of devotion, of prayers for someone, purple of regret & red symbolises play & recreation.
In medicine, it is used for skin issues - its leaf extract help with eczema. It is also used for sore throat. Gonorrhea can be treated with infusions prepared with the leaves of the plant. In Kenya, women use it to promote lactation. It is also used for irregular periods.
- Primrose -
In the North hemisphere, February is the month in which the first flowers appear. It is also a month in which many people will spend a lot of money on flowers (Valentine's). Primrose is February's birth month flower & it communicates: "I cannot live without you."
In the North hemisphere, February is the month in which the first flowers appear. It is also a month in which many people will spend a lot of money on flowers (Valentine's). Primrose is February's birth month flower & it communicates: "I cannot live without you."
The reason why they are given to someone you cannot live without is because the flower is very sensitive - it cannot stand neglect or bashfulness. Its petals symbolise stages of life. It is also a symbol of femininity, as well as young love & youth.
It represents stages of life, as well as women, because it goes through fixed cycles. The name "primrose" comes from the Latin word "primus" which means "first", because they are among the first flowers to appear. So they represent new beginnings, new life or new birth.
- Violet -
Violet is another birth flower of the month of February. There are many stories associated with this flowers. Apparently, violets were the first to blossom after Gabriel came to Mary. Because of this, it is associated with connections, messages & divine providence.
Violet is another birth flower of the month of February. There are many stories associated with this flowers. Apparently, violets were the first to blossom after Gabriel came to Mary. Because of this, it is associated with connections, messages & divine providence.
It was a favourite flower in the ancient Greece & a symbol of the city of Athens. Because of their scent, they were associated with sex & were Aphrodite's flower. But they also symbolise modesty, as Artemis turned one of her nymphs into one, in order to avoid Apollo.
Known for its purple & blue shades, it also is white & yellow, so it was a symbol of Trinity. In ancient Rome were funereal flowers, especially for those who died from air-borne illness. This practice may be because Persephone was picking violets when Hades abducted her.
Pansies are popular hybrids of violets. They are also a symbol of fertility & love & were used in love potions. It is associated with Virgin Mary in Renaissance paintings. So the flower communicates innocence, love, modesty, spiritual wisdom, mysticism and remembrance.