The Language of Flowers: What Do They Each Mean?

For centuries and millennia, people and communities have recognised the language and significance of flowers. Throughout Europe and Asia, flowers and plants have played a role in mythologies, folklore, tradition, medicine, and sonnets of many ancient cultures including the Greek, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese.

It is no wonder. Whenever we gift flowers to a friend, mother, or beloved, these colourful bundles encompass sentiments of love, appreciation, and adoration.

But did you know that different types of flowers have their own symbols and meanings?

Let’s dive into the meanings and symbolism of our favourite flowers.

Sunflower.

Sunflowers are a tale of worship and adoration. In Greek mythology, they represent the nymph Clytie who transformed herself into a sunflower so she could constantly turn towards the sun to be with her one true love.

Sunflowers symbolise unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. They radiate pure joy with their large heads and vibrant yellow petals. In Chinese culture, the sunflower symbolises a long life and good luck and when received, it is considered a gift representing success.

White Lily.

White lilies symbolise purity and rebirth, and a rejuvenation of the soul. They are often chosen as sympathy flowers and pair well with funerals. The whiteness represents peace and calm, while the short bloom of the flowers symbolises the passing of a loved one. You may also see them at weddings as they are symbolic of change.

Roses.

A timeless classic, the rose flower holds many meanings across different cultures. But the red rose is famous for its representation of love, romance, and desire. However, there are many colours of rose. White, pink, even orange. The white rose is a sign of new beginnings, hope, and purity, and is often a choice for weddings. Pink would be a great choice for a friend as they symbolise happiness and gentleness, while the orange ones are enthusiastic, and blooming with energy and passion.

Tulips.

Many people tend to think the Tulip originated in the Netherlands, but they were discovered in Central Asia as a wildflower, before being cultivated in Turkey around 1000 AD. While tulips come in an array of colours of red, pink, orange and indigo, the tulip shares a common meaning. The most popular symbolism of the tulip is perfect and deep love. As these flowers bloom in the spring, they also represent rebirth and change, perfect for someone you love who might be embarking on new challenges and adventures.

Hyacinthe.

Bright and intriguingly shaped, these flowers play a role in Greek mythology, with a symbolism of devoted, eternal love beyond death. They are said to symbolise forgiveness and deep care. Throughout Victorian times, these bright flowers were said to mean playfulness youthfulness.

Daisy.

Daisies are the subject of many mythologies and folklore from various cultures and they can be found growing in all continents of the world except for Antarctica. They are typically known for their yellow centre and white petals and are often associated with girlhood and femininity. Many of us have fond memories of making daisy chains in the garden with other girls. They are also symbolic of new beginnings, blooming during the spring. The word daisy comes from an Old English phrase “day’s eye.” They open in the morning, and close as the night falls. Daisies are a sweet reminder of the opportunities that can arise with the new day.

 References:

Bloom This. (2018). Flower meaning & symbolism - here is what you didn’t know about sunflowers. Retrieved from: https://bloomthis.co/blogs/facts/flower-meaning-symbolism-the-meaning-of-sunflowers#:~:text=Sunflowers%20symbolize%20unwavering%20faith%20and,vibrant%20petals%20towards%20the%20sun.

Boeckmann, C. (2023). Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers. Retrieved from: https://www.almanac.com/flower-meanings-language-flowers

Floraly. (2020). Rose Symbolism, Colours, and Meanings. Retrieved from:  https://www.floraly.com.au/blogs/news/rose-symbolism-colours-and-meanings

Funny How Flowers Do That. (2023). The Lily: A Remarkable Flower Bursting with Symbolism. Retried from: https://www.funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk/lily-remarkable-flower-bursting-symbolism

Interflora. (Year unknown). Tulips. Retrieved from: https://www.interflora.co.nz/Tulips.html#:~:text=The%20most%20known%20meaning%20of,%2C%20children%2C%20parents%20or%20siblings.

Moulton, M. (2022). Ultimate Guide To Hyacinth Flower Meaning, Symbolism & Uses. Retrieved from: https://www.petalrepublic.com/hyacinth-flower/

Stanton,  K.(2023). Daisy Flower Meaning, Symbolism & Mythology. Retrieved from: https://www.uniguide.com/daisy-flower-meaning-symbolism#:~:text=On%20a%20spiritual%20level%2C%20daisy,are%20also%20symbols%20of%20reincarnation.