In Bloom: Find the Symbolism Behind Four of Your Favourite Flowers
by Carolyn Lee Mar 16, 2020
Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and graduations are just a few occasions that we treat others to flowers and gifts.
A lot of thought can go into the process based on the occasion, as well as who the flowers are for.
The act of gift giving symbolises love, friendship, appreciation and thoughtfulness.
Flowers also have symbolic meanings. Let’s explore a few popular flowers and the symbolism associated with them.
Roses are a popular choice for many. They come in several colours with each having its meaning.
Red symbolises love or strong emotions; pink suggests happiness, grace and femininity; and yellow is linked to new beginnings, friendship and joy.
White roses symbolise innocence, purity, reverence or a fresh start. Orange roses suggest desire and enthusiasm; while lavender is said to mean mystery, splendour and love at first sight. Coral rose is linked to sympathy, modesty and friendship, and a dark crimson rose means mourning.
The most gifted rose is the red rose. A single red rose is often translated as an “I love you.” It may also mean desire, passion, inspiration and romance.
Lilies are beautiful and elegant. They symbolise beauty and refined beauty and purity. They come in different varieties, and like roses, each colour has a meaning.
Originally, the white lily symbolised purity, innocence and virtue.
Peruvian lilies suggest devotion and are an affirmation of commitment. Pink stargazer lilies symbolise prosperity, ambition and wealth.
Lilies are a preferred choice for funerals, as they symbolise that innocence has been restored to the departed after death.
There are over 20, 000 species of orchids worldwide. Orchids symbolise exotic beauty, thoughtfulness, refinement, femininity and charm. They are also associated with virility, fertility and sexuality.
Pink orchids symbolise grace, joy and femininity. White orchids are associated with elegance, reverence, purity and innocence. Yellow orchids signify new beginnings and friendship, and purple orchids symbolise admiration, respect and royalty.
Orange orchids reflect enthusiasm, courage and pride. Green orchids are a symbol of nature, good fortune, blessings and good health.
Many of us are familiar with the slightly intoxicating smell of jasmine. The meanings associated with this flower vary according to different cultures.
Jasmine flowers are used in bouquets, as a hair accessory or to enhance the scent of perfumes, rice and some teas.
This fragrant flower is symbolic of beauty, love, sensuality and good luck.
The white jasmine flower is the most popular. However, it comes in red, yellow, pink, blue, orange and purple.
The white Jasmine flower suggests innocence, perfection, virginity, purity and honesty.
Red jasmine flowers are associated with love in general as well as passion. They can be for an intimate relationship and a platonic relationship.
Pink symbolises purity of the soul, gentleness, physical beauty, feminine energy and charm.
Yellow jasmine flowers are a sign of optimism and happiness.
The blue jasmine flower is linked to trust and honesty; while orange suggests love in simplicity, passion, happiness, passion and joy.
The purple jasmine flower symbolises nobility, royalty, extravagance and the extraordinary. The purple jasmine flower can be used to tell someone how impressed you are with them.
Note: Some flowers may carry specific symbolism based on the cultural practices of the space. The content contained in this article is based on general symbolism that may reflect western perspectives.
Some persons are allergic to pollen, as such, it is best not to give flowers.
Sources: Flower Meaning, Old Farmer’s Almanac, Flower Expert, Fifty Flowers, Teleflora and FTD by Design.
