The Meaning of Flowers

Posted: May 11th, 2009 | Author: simplystephen | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: the meaning of flowers | No Comments »

The meaning of flowers are to some, whatever you want them to be. Yet others view them to have specific or historical meaning. There is a deliberate action in the choice of flowers. Sometimes the meaning is overlooked simply because of the sheer beauty. The meanings vary from culture to culture.

Flowers are often used as a display of love, affection or wanton.  While we all know that red roses are a symbol of love, sometimes a loved ones favorite flower is a better choice. When a rose is given with Baby’s Breath it depicts the innocence of love, a newness. Some flowers are even named after their meaning such as the Forget-Me-Not named for rememberance and the Weeping Willow named for mourning. Flowers are also used for occasions such as weddings, funerals, Christmas and other events. It is important to recognize that the color plays a vital role in the meaning too.

Here are a few of the meaning of flowers that are more common or at least well known. I will try to do a complete list over time.

Bluebell/blue flower – humility, good luck and grattitude

Carnation - fascination and devoted love, but various colors can mean different things

Chrysanthemum - wonderful friend, cheerful,  rest, abundance, wealth, optimism, truth and joy

Crocus - cheerful and glad

Daffodil - regard and respect, unrequited love (the sun is shining when you are near me), sign of a new beginning, chivalry and rebirth.

Dahlia - dignity and elegance, fine taste

Daisy - innocence, loyalty, purity, beauty, silence (I’ll never tell)

Dandelion - faithfulness and happiness

Delphinium - big hearted or fun

Gardenia - secret love, purity or refinement

Geranium - stupidity or folly, sign of a true friend, comfort

Iris - faith, promise, valor, wisdom and hope

Lilac - youth, humility and confidence

Lily - The general meaning is majesty, purity, innocence, honor, beauty and pride

Magnolia - nobility and perseverance, dignity, love of nature

Marigold - cruelty, grief or jealousy

Misstletoe - the sign or request for a kiss, affection, difficulties

Olive Branch – is a sign of peace

Orchid - is a flower of love and rare beauty. A sign of refinement and Chinese symbol of plenty/fertility

Petunia - resentment or anger, your presence soothes me

Poppy - Remembrance Day flower or eternal sleep, oblivion or imagination

Rhodedendrum - caution and danger, be careful I am dangerous

Rose - is generally defined as the flower of love and happiness but various roses have substantially different meanings depending on the color.

Sunflower - dwarf is for adoration and a tall one is for pride or false riches

Tulip - perfect love

Violet - Stands for affection, modesty, faith innocence and virtue. Also a sign of understated beauty.

Oh, and don’t forget nuts are given for stupidity, so be careful the next time you bring a present with nuts in it. No matter what the meaning of flowers is, it is important to try and pick an appropriate flower for the occasion. If you are unable to find a suitable flower for most people it is the thought that counts. So before you make your choice think about the meaning of flowers and say it with confidence by your pick.

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