No matter what the event or occasion – a floral gesture is a great go-to gift idea. The right floral choice can convey without words a myriad of well-intentioned messages, love, friendship, shared disappointment, concern, anger, respect and much more. In this months Violet Matters Blog, we take a dive into the world of florals and plants to unravel the hidden meanings and symbolism behind well-known and some lesser known flowers and plants.
As a maker of handmade homewares and gifts, I frequently use a variety of flowers and plants – in the creation of a beautiful greeting card, to a piece of jewellery to an inviting flame-free home fragrance room spray, melt, room diffuser or car freshener. From the delicate petals of a rose to the vibrant blooms of a sunflower, each flower carries its own unique language, speaking volumes without uttering a single word. Getting the right flower/plant with the right message is often more challenging than I like.
Rose:
- Symbolism: The rose reigns supreme as the ultimate symbol of love and passion. Different colours convey different meanings; red roses express romantic love, pink roses convey admiration, and yellow roses signify friendship.
- How to Use: Surprise your significant other with a bouquet of red roses on Valentine's Day to express your undying love or brighten a friend's day with a bunch of cheerful yellow roses to show appreciation for their friendship.
Lily:
- Symbolism: Lilies symbolize purity, virtue, and renewal, making them ideal for weddings and celebrations of new beginnings.
- How to Use: Present a bouquet of white lilies to a bride-to-be as a symbol of purity and new beginnings or bring a potted lily plant as a housewarming gift to bless a new home with prosperity and positivity.
Sunflower:
- Symbolism: Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity. With their vibrant blooms and cheerful disposition, they are also associated with warmth and happiness.
- How to Use: Brighten someone's day by gifting them a sunflower bouquet to convey adoration and friendship or bring a potted sunflower plant to a loved one's home as a symbol of joy and positivity.
Orchid:
- Symbolism: Orchids represent love, luxury, and beauty. They are often given as a gift to convey admiration and elegance.
- How to Use: Surprise your significant other with a potted orchid plant to express your admiration and appreciation for their beauty or present a bouquet of orchids to a friend as a sophisticated and thoughtful gesture.
Lavender:
- Symbolism: Lavender symbolizes serenity, calmness, and tranquillity. It is often associated with relaxation and stress relief.
- How to Use: Share the gift of relaxation with a loved one by giving them a bundle of dried lavender or a lavender-scented candle to help them unwind and de-stress after a long day.
Succulent:
- Symbolism: Succulents symbolize resilience, strength, and endurance. They are known for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions and require minimal care.
- How to Use: Give a potted succulent plant to a friend or family member as a symbol of strength and resilience during challenging times or use succulents as unique and long-lasting wedding favours to represent enduring love and commitment.
Daisy:
- Symbolism: Daisies symbolize innocence, purity, and new beginnings. They are often given as a gift to represent friendship or to cheer someone up.
- How to Use: Surprise a friend with a bouquet of daisies to brighten their day and remind them of the simple joys of life, or use daisies as a charming centrepiece for a casual gathering to evoke feelings of happiness and optimism.
Peony:
- Symbolism: Peonies symbolize prosperity, honour, and romance. They are often associated with wealth and good fortune.
- How to Use: Present a bouquet of peonies to someone celebrating a significant achievement or milestone to convey wishes of prosperity and success or use peonies to decorate a wedding venue for an elegant and romantic ambiance.
Hydrangea:
- Symbolism: Hydrangeas symbolize gratitude, abundance, and heartfelt emotions. They are often given as a gift to express appreciation and sincerity.
- How to Use: Gift a bouquet of hydrangeas to a loved one to convey heartfelt gratitude for their support and kindness or use hydrangeas as a centrepiece for a special occasion to create a sense of abundance and warmth.
Iris:
- Symbolism: Irises symbolize faith, hope, and wisdom. They are often associated with inspiration and creativity.
- How to Use: Give a bouquet of irises to a friend or family member as a gesture of encouragement and support during challenging times or use irises as part of a floral arrangement to inspire creativity and new ideas.
Lily of the Valley:
- Symbolism: Lily of the valley symbolizes sweetness, purity, and happiness. It is often used in weddings and romantic occasions.
- How to Use: Incorporate lily of the valley into a bridal bouquet or corsage to add a touch of sweetness and romance to the wedding day or gift a potted lily of the valley plant to a loved one to bring happiness and joy into their home.
Snapdragon:
- Symbolism: Snapdragons symbolize strength, resilience, and grace under pressure. They are often given as a gift to convey admiration and support during challenging times.
- How to Use: Present a bouquet of snapdragons to a friend or family member going through a difficult period to show your support and encouragement or use snapdragons as part of a floral arrangement to symbolize strength and resilience.
Bird of Paradise:
- Symbolism: The bird of paradise flower symbolizes freedom, joy, and magnificence. It is often associated with tropical landscapes and exotic beauty.
- How to Use: Use bird of paradise flowers as a striking focal point in a floral arrangement or bouquet to add a touch of exotic beauty and sophistication, or give a potted bird of paradise plant as a unique and memorable gift to someone.
Bleeding Heart:
- Symbolism: The bleeding-heart flower symbolizes deep love, compassion, and emotional vulnerability. It is often given as a gift to express romantic sentiments or to show sympathy.
- How to Use: Present a bouquet of bleeding-heart flowers to a loved one as a heartfelt expression of love and affection, or use bleeding heart flowers as part of a sympathy arrangement to convey condolences and support during times of grief.
Cactus:
- Symbolism: While cacti symbolize endurance, resilience, and protection, they can also be associated with prickliness or aloofness.
- How to Use: Presenting a cactus as a gift may unintentionally convey the message of keeping one's distance or warding off unwanted advances. However, it can also be used humorously to symbolize strength and resilience in the face of challenges.
Dandelion:
- Symbolism: Dandelions symbolize resilience, freedom, and childhood memories. However, they are often considered weeds and may be associated with wishes or dreams that have yet to come true.
- How to Use: While a bouquet of dandelions may evoke nostalgia and whimsy, it can also be interpreted as a reminder of unfinished tasks or unfulfilled desires. It's a playful choice for those with a quirky sense of humour.
Black Rose:
- Symbolism: Black roses are often associated with mystery, rebellion, and death. While they can convey a sense of allure or intrigue, they may also be interpreted as ominous or foreboding.
- How to Use: While black roses can be a striking choice for dramatic floral arrangements or Halloween-themed decorations, they may not be suitable for conveying traditional sentiments of love or affection. However, they could be used humorously to symbolize a love affair with the dark side.
Looking for something a little out of the box? The flowers and plants below were once given as gifts or tokens with and had some unique symbolism and historical significance, reflecting the beliefs, customs, and practices of bygone eras. While they may not be widely used or given today, they offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of cultural traditions and expressions of sentiment.
Marigold:
- Symbolism: Marigolds were traditionally associated with grief, loss, and remembrance. They were often used in funeral wreaths and as offerings to the dead.
- Historical Use: In ancient cultures, marigolds were believed to guide spirits to the afterlife and protect the deceased from evil spirits. They were also used in rituals and ceremonies to honour ancestors.
Rue:
- Symbolism: Rue was believed to have protective properties and was associated with warding off evil spirits and curses. It also symbolized regret and sorrow.
- Historical Use: In medieval times, rue was used as a protective herb and worn as an amulet to guard against witchcraft and the evil eye. It was also used in herbal medicine and as a flavouring agent.
Tansy:
- Symbolism: Tansy symbolized courage, strength, and endurance. It was also associated with protection and was believed to ward off insects and pests.
- Historical Use: In ancient times, tansy was used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke courage and protection. It was also used as a medicinal herb and as a natural insect repellent.
Sweet William:
- Symbolism: Sweet William symbolized gallantry, admiration, and finesse. It was often given as a gift to express romantic sentiments and affection.
- Historical Use: In medieval times, sweet William was associated with chivalry and courtly love. It was used in love potions and charms and was considered a symbol of romantic devotion.
Cowslip:
- Symbolism: Cowslips symbolized happiness, joy, and youthful innocence. They were often given as gifts to bring good luck and blessings.
- Historical Use: In folklore, cowslips were believed to have magical properties and were associated with fairies and woodland spirits. They were used in herbal remedies and as a symbol of springtime renewal.
Borage:
- Symbolism: Borage symbolized courage, bravery, and fearlessness. It was often given as a gift to inspire confidence and strength in times of adversity.
- Historical Use: In ancient times, borage was used by warriors to fortify themselves before battle. It was also used in herbal medicine and as a flavoring agent in food and drinks.
In a world where words often fall short, the language of flowers and plants offers a beautiful and meaningful way to communicate our deepest emotions. Whether you're expressing love, gratitude, sympathy, or simply brightening someone's day, a well-chosen bloom or plant has the power to convey your sentiments with grace and elegance. So, the next time you're looking to say it with a flower, let nature's blossoms do the talking for you, and watch as your heartfelt message blooms into a beautiful expression of love and appreciation.