Over centuries of civilization, many different cultures have attributed symbolism with flowers. Depending on the country, one flower could have a meaning that is contrary to what it means somewhere else. If you’re thinking about giving someone flowers, it’s a good idea to brush up on the symbolism attached to specific flowers so you can get the perfect message across to the recipient. Today, we’re going to begin our look at the different surprising meanings associated with flowers. Want to surprise a loved one with a bouquet of their favorite flowers? Call Breen’s Florist in Houston today to learn how to give someone you care about the perfect gift.
-Roses
Potentially the most versatile of all flowers, the range of meanings attached to roses is wide, connected with their color variance. Depending on the color of the rose, it will have a different hidden meaning, which may have changed over the years. One of the most enduring messages is that of a red rose, representing love and romance. White roses are often used in weddings as a symbol of innocence and purity, as well as fresh beginnings. Looking for a way to say thank you? Peach roses are a great way to express your gratitude, while pink roses are often associated with admiration and joy. You can combine different roses into a bouquet to create a more complete message, mixing and matching different colors with different meanings. In a previous blog, we went in-depth with roses.
-Lilies
The meanings attributed to lilies span thousands of years and countries a world apart. Stretching back to ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, and parts of East Asia, lilies were a sign of death and sorrow, so they were used in funerals to send the departed off into the afterlife. This was different from Christianity, which used lilies as an emblem representing the Virgin Mary. While they are still thought of mostly as a sympathy flower, some have taken them to be a good symbol for life and hope for the future. How you view lilies may differ from others, but it’s sure to be said they are beautiful in their subtlety.
-Chrysanthemums
With their origins stretching back to China, chrysanthemums gained quite the reputation. Through their use in everything from medication to treat headaches to an ingredient in salads or drinks, they carried a connotation of the power of life. The same can’t be said for when they’re in Italy, where they’re a gift you give to an enemy as a great insult. Depending on the country, chrysanthemums could represent grief, death, friendship, love, or happiness. Be sure you know how your recipient will interpret this gift before sending over a bouquet.
-Carnations
A flower that has much clearer meanings across the globe, most people view them as a symbol of love. That belief is so strong that even its scientific name — Dianthus caryophyllus — is roughly translated to “flower of love.” Just like roses, carnations can mean more specific things depending on their color, with white acting as a symbol of good luck, while pink represents a mother’s love instead of romance.
-Tulips
Another flower that is used to show love, tulips were first harvested all the way back in the 10th century in Persia. From there, they would become a symbol of royalty, and many poets would use them as a topic of their work. In those poems, they would represent a declaration of love and feelings of passion. White tulips can symbolize forgiveness, while yellow tulips are an icon of cheerful feelings.
With so many unique flowers with varied meanings around the world, you can get a lot across in a collection of them. In fact, you could tell an entire story using a bouquet like a poet. We’re going to be continuing this look at hidden meanings of flowers in the near future, so keep an eye on this blog for more. Do you have a special someone you want to tell how you feel? Do it with flowers from Breen’s Florist in Houston! If you have questions about the message you want to get across, give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to help you pick out the perfect selection to say exactly what you want to say. We hope to hear from you soon!
