Flower Meanings

The Language and Introduction of Flower Meanings

We have always been mystified by the beauty and gracefulness of flowers as they playfully danced in the air. Their bright colors stir joy, peace and other feelings amongst us. But there’s something beyond the splendor of flowers. Did you know that the introduction of flower meanings dates as early as the Biblical days? Since ancient times, flower symbolism has played an important role in every culture across the world. It has been a typical custom that flowers are associated in every important episode of one’s life, may it be birth, marriage, love, holidays and even death. In Middle East, the introduction of flower meanings helped contain secrecy between lovers. The introduction of flower meanings in ancient religion and Renaissance played significant role in flower symbolism.

But it was actually during the Victorian age in which the introduction of flower meanings was given great emphasis. The Victorian Age gave birth to the term “floriography” which means language of flowers. In the Victorian days, flowers and floral arrangements were used as a scheme to send coded messages. This scheme allowed individuals during those times to express their emotions which in no way could be spoken. Tussie-Mussies, which is commonly presented as small bouquets of flowers draped in lace doily with tied with satin, became the most popular way to convey secret messages.

From 1837 to 1901, flowers were used as adornments in hair, clothing, stationery, wall papers, and more. They gave colors as home decors and designs in china plates and furniture. The flowers’ prominence in the Victorian era paved the way for the publication of books regarding flower symbolism. A few samples include “Le Language des Fleurs,” by Madame Charlotte de la Tour and “Language of Flowers,” by Kate Greenaway.

But the meanings associated with flowers did not stop in the Victorian age. Our ancestors passed them along the generations. Maybe that’s why even in modern times, flowers are used to express feelings in a more common way compared with the Victorian era. Gift givers commonly “say it with flowers.” It also became a tradition for naming girls after flowers like Daisy, Rose, Lily and the likes.

Had enough of the history about the introduction of flower meanings? Here are some sneak peeks to the meanings of some famous flowers. The delicate but resilient carnation, which has a scientific name Dianthus caryophyllus, is typically regarded as “flower of love” or “flower of the gods.” They were used in art and decorations during the ancient Greek and Roman times. Carnations mean fascination, distinction and love. White carnations mean purity and luck while the red ones are linked to love and affection. The chrysanthemum is related to abundance, wealth and cheerfulness, friendship. In Japan, they are linked to long and healthy life but in Italy they’re associated with death. Daisies, which are believed to have been more than 4,000 years old in this world, means purity, innocence, loyal love, simplicity and beauty. So you see? Flowers have some great roots from history.

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Cherry Blossom Meaning

What is the meaning of Cherry Blossom for the Japanese?

Cherry blossoms are unique flowers usually seen in various nooks and crannies of the Japanese nation.  The Cherry blossom trees are known as ‘Sakura’ in Japan and they also signify a lot for the Japanese people.  The Cherry blossom meaning in Japan can be seen from various perspectives as discussed in this write up.

In the first place, the Cherry blossoms are used as ceremonial symbols in Japan. When   receptions and other traditional occasions are held, the flowers are always used for decorations. Lots of meanings are also attached to them when they are used for   traditional events.

The Asian Cherry blossom tree is actually known for having lots of flowers in many Asian countries and even in some parts of North America. Hence, the tree is not peculiar to Japan alone.

In Japan, the Cherry blossom flower signifies the transient of life.  This is derived from the fact that the flower has very short blooming period. It’s also known to be very tender and fragile.  There are also several legends signifying the value of the flower in the Japanese nation.

Again, the Cherry blossom flower   has a lot of spiritual significance in the Japanese nation.  There are diverse spiritual beliefs associated with the flower.  In most cases, the beliefs are linked with the fundamental teachings of the Buddhism religion.

In Japan, a fallen Cherry Blossom flower has a lot of emotional significance in the minds of the Japanese people.   The fallen Cherry blossom flower symbolizes the fallen Samurai who lost his life in a battle.

Again, the Kamikaze pilots in Japan make use of the Cherry blossom flowers as symbols for their mission in many occasions.  They normally paint the sides of their planes   with the image of the Cherry blossom flower.  According to the pilots, the flowers signify the transient nature of the human life.

The falling petals of the Cherry Blossom flower also represents the sacrifice typical young Japanese made for his father land under any circumstance. The Japanese people also believe that the Cherry blossoms were actually the soul of their great warriors who lost their lives in battles while defending the integrity of their fatherland.

From the above, it’s very clear that Cherry Blossom meaning is very real in Japan.  The same scenario holds for some other Asian countries. For instance, in China, the Cherry blossom flower signifies power.   It’s also the symbol of feminine dominance in the Chinese world.  The flower also signifies the sexuality and the beauty of the female gender. In the Chinese language, Cherry blossom means love.

Meanwhile, there are lots of Cherry blossom tattoos in Japan especially among the younger generation.  Each tattoo has a special meaning in the life of the wearer. Japanese men that wear the Cherry blossom tattoo use that to depict Samurais.

In all, the Cherry blossom meaning as we have seen abounds in the Japanese nation. The flower is actually a very important plant which is highly appreciated by every Japanese person.

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Lotus Flower Meaning

Does the lotus flower also have meanings?

Lotus is one of few flowers in the world that are very symbolic in various cultures.  As a unique flower, Lotus originated from the murky waters of a pond but it’s still known to be very clean and gracious wherever it is seen. Lotus flower meaning can actually be seen in various cultures. The flower is an embodiment of perfection and it symbolizes a lot. Let’s examine the Lotus flower meaning from the perspectives of various cultures.

  • The meaning of Lotus Flower  in Buddhism

Buddhism is one of the world’s most famous religions. The lotus flower symbolizes purity and faithfulness in the religion. It also symbolizes spiritual awakening or spiritual enlightenment in Buddhism.  The rising of the Lotus flower from the mud and dirt of the water signifies spiritual progress in the religion.  From its roots in the mud, Lotus grows into the direction of light. This signifies man’s desire to rise in every area of life. Lotus therefore stands for the journey from darkness to the light of knowledge.

Lotus’ different colors also mean a lot in Buddhism. For instance, the blue lotus symbolizes purity of wisdom while the while type symbolizes perfection. Red lotus signifies the heart, while the Pink lotus signifies the historical Buddha.  The lotus seed represents the principle of cause and effect in Buddhism.

  • The meaning of Lotus Flower  in Buddhism

Lotus Flower meaning is also seen in Hinduism especially in the Indian culture.  It signifies prosperity, fertility and beauty.  It also signifies spirituality and eternity.  Lotus is the best flower found around the goddesses in the Hindu religion.  For instance, Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity is usually found sitting on fully blossomed lotus flower.

  • The meaning of Lotus Flower  in the Egyptian Culture

Lotus represents   rebirth and the sun in the Egyptian culture.  It’s also associated with   various Egyptian legends that describe the sun.  One of the legends holds that the sun emanated from the lotus flower while another legend holds that lotus itself rose from the ocean known as “Nun” in Egypt.  According to the legend, the lotus flower revealed the Egyptian god of sun when it blossomed.

Indeed, the lotus flower as we have seen means a lot in various cultures.  Even the lotus colors also mean a lot especially in Buddhism.    Lotus actually has 5 different colors namely, white, blue, red, pink and purple.  The white lotus   signifies spiritual perfection and   purity of the mind while the red one denotes the heart and hence it symbolizes passion, compassion, love and other qualities of the heart.  The blue lotus denotes knowledge and wisdom while the purple lotus stands for esoteric sects.  The Pink lotus   is seen as the supreme of all the others since most of the Buddha goddesses are usually seen seated on the pink lotus.

In all, the lotus flower is indeed very symbolic.  It has always continued to mean a lot in various cultures. It’s really a flower to have around the environment.

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Roses Meaning

Roses Flower Meaning

Rose is widely known all over the world. Everyone talks about this because of its fascinating colors and appearance. Rose is a type of perennial flower vine or shrub that has more than 100 species. Majority of the roses come from Asia, Europe, Northwest Africa and North America. Cultivars, hybrids and natives are generally developed for their fragrance and beauty. Now, did you know that roses have various meanings? If you want to give rose flowers to your loved ones and friend, you must definitely know a rose’s real meaning and symbolisms.

Rose Flower and Its Meaning

Every rose flower has its own meaning. This meaning greatly depends on its color. To fully understand its meaning, let us discuss them one by one. First is the red rose flower. Most of the people say that red signifies love, but this is just a shallow perception. Red implies deep emotions, therefore it is not just about love. It can also be associated to desire, affections, devotion respect or admiration. But, a profound red rose flower signifies sorrow or heartfelt regret. Second is the white rose flower. This conveys chastity, purity and innocence. White rose flowers are also associated with fresh starts and provide perfect accompaniment to the bride. It can also signify humility or great sympathy. Third is the yellow rose flower. This color type is an expression of enthusiasm. Yellow roses convey feelings of welcome, joy and warmth. It’s also a symbol of caring and friendships. Generally, it implies platonic emotions. Fourth is the pink rose flower. This color type symbolizes gentle emotions like joy, gratitude and admiration. Light pink rose blooms are also a sign of innocence and sweetness. On the other hand, pink roses signify great appreciation, gratitude, grace and elegance. Fifth is the orange rose flower. This type of flower symbolizes fiery blaze. Meaning, it is for energy and passion. Orange roses are useful if you want to show extreme pride, fervor or desire.

Aside from the above colors and meaning, there are several colors that you need to recognize. First is the lavender rose flower. This color type symbolizes enchantment and shows the usual phrase which is “love at first sight.” Dark lavender roses, on the other hand, symbolize splendor and regal majesty. These are also used to show adoration and fascination. Second is the green rose flower. It is a symbol of opulence, fertility, harmony, tranquility and peace. It can also signify best good health and new life. Lastly is the black rose flower. Of course, black is associated to farewell and death.

Roses inspire people and it is generally used as a gift. Traditionally, roses are the symbol of great love. It encompasses superb aesthetic charm and appeal that makes people bound in an instant. But, with the presence of various colors, roses have their own representations. It is the reason why you need to understand its real symbols. If you already identify its meaning, you definitely know the best gift for your special someone. Take this as an opportunity to gather more information about rose flowers. With this, you are confident that you offer great gifts for them.

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Iris Flower Meaning

Are you familiar with the iris flowers? Iris is known as the unique flowers in the world. This is a Greek word which simply means rainbow. It was named after Iris, the Greek Goddess, because of its varied colors and beauty. Iris comes with over 300 similar flower species and this is usually found in regions around the world, either as decorative or wild plants. With distinct qualities, iris flowers greatly differ from country to country and this depends on their color. This flower has an unusual shape and it is mainly connected with spring. Aside from these, it has symbolic flower meanings. If you want to know what those meanings are, this is the best time to know all of them.

Characteristics of Iris Flower

All iris flowers feature similar characteristics. Mostly, it has six petals and colorful flowers. There are two groups of irises – the Rhizomes and Bulbous Irises. These irises include erected and long flowers. Sometimes, the flowering stems are branched or simple, hollow or solid, and circular cross-section or flattened.

The Real Meaning of the Iris Flower

Iris flower has several meanings. Its symbolism may alter depending on its color. Sometimes, its meaning also reflects on the place where it was grown. Generally, Iris flower symbolizes fondness, admiration and courage. In most cases, countries have their own meanings for Iris flowers. Dark blue iris flower implies royalty. Yellow, on the other hand, signifies passion. Purpled color iris implies compliments and wisdom, white for purity and blue for faith and hope. Most of the time, this type of flower symbolizes eloquence. Iris flower is also utilized by the U.S. military. It signifies power and strength and also stands for admiration, wisdom, bravery, trust and hope.

Historic Meaning of Iris Flower

Iris flower is a symbol of religious and authority belief from Greece. In ancient Egypt, this flower was firmly honored as the iris garland. During middle ages, the meaning of iris flowers was associated with the French Kingdom. Fleur-de-lis ultimately identified its national symbol. Aside from these, iris flowers are also seen in the prehistoric paintings of Archangel Gabriel and Virgin Mary. With this, it signifies divine suffering and messaging that can pierce everyone’s soul like a weapon. One of the Greek poets also described the iris flower as a sign of unrequited love pain. In Japan, iris is known as “ayame” and this flower blooms in May in that country. Florence City, on the other hand, selected iris fiorentina as its symbol and considered it a heraldic ornament. Presently, iris is Tennessee’s state flower and “fleur-delis” is the symbol of New Orleans City.

Although the iris flower is known in numerous names, it is still a unique flower even if they called it in various ways. Now, even if there are several languages associated with this flower, iris is one of the most fascinating and well-preferred flowers all over the world. In addition, the iris flowers serve numerous purposes. You can use it as a gift, inspiration, decoration, and many more. Now that you already know the different meanings of iris flowers, you can already easily recognize the best qualities suited for you and for your friends.

 

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Lily Flower Meaning

Getting to Know the Lily Flower: Its History and Meaning

The majestic and scented lily flower is a common ornament in our homes. They come in different varieties, sizes, shapes and colors. They are part of the Lilium genus, which are herbaceous flowering plants from bulbs. Around the word, lilies have 110 species. The lily flower is a perfect border gem in your garden. They’re great as an accent plant or shrub border.

The history of the lily flower traces back from around 1500 B.C. when lilies were first discovered in a Greek villa in Crete. Since then, the lily flower has been an integral symbol in ancient mythology. The flower’s name was taken from the Greek word “leiron,” which refers to the white Madonna lily. It was regarded by the Greeks as a sacred flower because they believed that the lily flower came from the milk of the queen of the gods, Hera. In Roman mythology, the flower is linked to Juno, the queen of the Roman gods. In contrast to its religious meaning in ancient Greece, French people regard the flower as a symbol of royalty, prosperity, and expanse. The religious meaning of the lily flower is also marked by its popularity in the culture of the ancient Jews. The old and new testament spoke of the lily flower and associates it to purity. Meanwhile, the Christian religion regards the lily flower as a sign of virtue and chastity. The flower is very much associated with the Virgin Mary for her purity.

The lily flower has also different meanings in various aspects. In symbolic dreams, lilies mean elegance and the need for cleansing. Depending on how the flower appears in your dreams, it could mean success, respect, and abuse of power. In terms of the symbolic language of the Tarot, lilies are related to fertility, freedom, vulnerability and health. It could also mean new relationships and births depending on the surrounding cards.

Let’s go over the meaning of some genus of the lilies. Be amazed with the beauty of white lilies. They are also known as the May birth flower and the symbol of 30th anniversary. They mean purity, modesty, virginity and majesty. When a guy gives you a bouquet of white lilies, he actually wants to say that he feels heavenly when he’s with you. The Peruvian lilies are associated with friendship and devotion. The lily of the valley means return of happiness, sweetness and humility. Moreover, lilies are sometimes linked to funerals and denote the soul leaving a sinful world and being returned to innocence.

Lilies are no wonder significant whether in terms of culture and literature. As mentioned earlier, they grow from bulbs but a number of lily species are actually grown for edible bulbs. These edible bulbs that have no bitter taste are cultivated in China for luxury or health food. And lastly, some of the lily species are poisonous that they could be detrimental to your pets. Well, anyway, they’re lovely and their blooms make the word a better place to live in.

 

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