Meaning of flowers

A look at the meaning of flowers, because we have only one duty, and that is to love.

 

Flowers Symbolising Love Suitable for Partners, Family or Friends

Anyone wanting to give the gift of flowers in a bouquet or arrangement should understand the symbolism behind the specific plant. Long-term traditions and folk culture are the reasons behind the symbolism of flowers. When giving a gift of flowers, consider the plants meaning first to ensure choosing a variety that is appropriate. Flowers with meanings that are suitable for loved ones include:

• Aster – deep purple colour blooms symbolising trust and love
• Anemone – red or white petals representing unfading love
• Honeysuckle – pink or coral colours symbolising devoted affection
• Iris – dark blue flowers convey deep sentiments of admiration, faith, hope, wisdom and courage
• Gardenia – symbolising secret love with a large white bloom
• Gerberas – the most diverse flower, its bright colours are suitable for all occasions, bringing joy and love
• Forget-me-not – true love represented by small blue flowers
• Jasmine – aromatic white flower representing eternal love
• Lily – sweet perfumed, large white blooms represents faith, birth and purity, while pink is for love and fertility
• Tulip – red flower represents undying love
• Primrose – represents eternal love with pink or yellow blossoms
Carnations – pink variety symbolises a mother’s love, while red is passion
• Rose – gently perfumed, red buds for romantic love, pink for new love, white for purity and yellow for appreciation and friendship
• Jonquil – bright yellow flower requesting return of affection

 

Flowers with Special Meanings

While many individuals are familiar with flowers given to a significant other for Valentine’s Day, birthdays or anniversaries, there are also flower varieties appropriate for other occasions, including:

• Wisteria – purple flower suitable for welcoming visitors
• Sweet pea – symbolises gratitude with deep pink petals
• Snowdrop – tiny pure white flower representing hope
• Rue – small yellow flower given when requesting forgiveness
• Peony – represents bravery with large pink blossoms
• Iris – large deep blue flower suitable when bringing good news
• Amaryllis – white and pink blossoms that represent pride
• Baby’s breath – fragile white petals symbolise innocence
• Begonias – small pink petals are used to represent caution
• Columbine – tiny blue flowers symbolising ingratitude

 

Flowers for Funerals and Memorial Services

Long ago, most individuals knew the meaning of specific types of flowers that grew in their region, assisting with choosing the correct variety for any occasion. In addition to using symbolic flowers for pleasant reasons, the plants also are given for sad occasions such as funerals or memorial services. Some of the flowers used for arrangements for these occasions include:

• Aloe – clustered orange or pink blossoms representing grief
• Rosemary – tiny blue or pink flowers symbolising remembrance
• Star-of-Bethlehem – white flowers representing reconciliation
• Lilies – white blooms are appropriate for expressing sympathy
• Asphodel – symbolising regret after death with white blossoms
• Chrysanthemums – white arrangement will be appropriate, especially in Asia
• Bellflower – bright blue flower representing loss of a loved one

Avoid misunderstandings when giving flowers. Before ordering flowers from a florist, consider the meaning behind the particular variety to make the best choice.