Lavender is a popular flower that evokes feelings of calmness and serenity. With its light purple color and pleasant fragrance, it has long been associated with love and romance. But does lavender really mean love? Let’s explore the origins and meaning behind this aromatic flower.
The History and Symbolism of Lavender
Lavender has been used for over 2,500 years, originating in the Mediterranean region. Ancient Egyptians used lavender for mummification and perfumes. Romans enjoyed lavender scented baths. Throughout history, lavender has been revered for its relaxing and healing properties.
The flower’s sweet, floral scent has also made it a symbol of love. In medieval times, lavender was spread on castle floors as a sign of welcome and hospitality. Queen Elizabeth I loved lavender so much she decreed that the royal glove maker must use only lavender water to perfume leather gloves.
In the Victorian era, lavender signified devotion. Young women might spray their love letters with lavender or give lavender sachets to suitors. Brides incorporated lavender into their bouquets and weddings to bring luck and faithfulness.
Lavender in the Language of Flowers
During the 18th and 19th centuries, flowers became a way for lovers to communicate in secret through “the language of flowers.” Different flowers and herbs took on coded meanings allowing people to express feelings that otherwise could not be spoken aloud in polite society.
Lavender was commonly associated with love and devotion in floral dictionaries of the time:
| Meaning | Flower |
| Devotion | Lavender |
| Loyalty | Lavender |
| Distrust | Striped carnation |
Victorians took the meaning of flowers quite seriously. A gift of lavender conveyed lifelong devotion. In contrast, a striped carnation was a sign of disappointment and distrust.
Lavender in Modern Culture
Although flower meanings are not as commonly known today, lavender continues to be a symbol of love.
Lavender flowers are given on the 1st wedding anniversary in modern times. Anniversary traditions assign a symbolic theme to each year, and the 1st anniversary is the “paper anniversary” with lavender as the traditional flower.
Lavender also remains popular in wedding bouquets and centerpieces. The color purple is associated with royalty and luxury, adding elegance to wedding flowers. A touch of lavender brings a sense of tradition and meaning.
Beyond weddings, lavender flowers and aromatherapy bring a sense of calm and relaxation that’s conducive to romance. Lavender scented candles, bath products, perfumes, and sachets can kindle feelings of affection.
Interesting Facts About Lavender
– There are 39 species of lavender. The most popular for use in gardens are English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata).
– The lavender flower is where the essential oil is derived from. It takes 220 pounds of lavender flowers to produce 1 pound of lavender essential oil.
– Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, Middle East, and India. Major lavender producing areas include France, Bulgaria, Australia, and the United States.
– The lavender plant is very versatile. The flowers are used for essential oils, the leaves and stems for drying and crafts, and lavender buds and petals provide culinary flavoring.
– Lavender has been used therapeutically for centuries. Calming benefits of lavender include relaxation, stress relief, and sleep promotion.
– England is sometimes referred to as Lavenderland or the Lavender Heart of England because of the extensive lavender farms.
– Lavender works as an insect repellent. The scent deters mosquitoes and moths but attracts bees who aid in pollination.
– There are lavender festivals held all over the world in lavender producing regions like Provence, France and Lansing, Michigan. These celebrate the harvest and uses of lavender.
Lavender’s Color Meanings
In color symbolism, purple and lavender represent:
| Wisdom | Independence |
| Dignity | Mystery |
| Royalty | Romance |
| Luxury | Calmness |
The light purple shade of lavender evokes romantic and feminine qualities. Darker shades of purple suggest luxury and ambition. This range of color meaning reflects the versatility of the lavender flower.
Lavender Around the World
Lavender is grown commercially and used culturally across many regions:
– France – France produces over 1000 tons of lavender flowers annually, more than any other country. Much comes from Provence, with fragrant fields stretching to the horizon. Lavender flavors baked goods, soaps, syrups, and more.
– Italy – Italy has an ideal Mediterranean climate for lavender cultivation. From the northern Alps to Sicily, lavender can be found in gardens, food, and fragrances. An annual Lavender Festival takes place in late June in Valenzi.
– Spain – The lavender fields of eastern Spain perfume hills and valleys in places like Brihuega and Toledo. Lavender is a quintessential Spanish scent used in flamenco costumes, carnival celebrations, and holy week traditions.
– England – Though not native, lavender growing came to England in the 1500s. England has a history of lavender use in gardens, teas, biscuits, and perfumes. Lavender fields burst into bloom in late June in counties like Surrey and Sussex.
– United States – California, Oregon, and Washington lead U.S. lavender production with collective farms spanning thousands of acres. Lavender based agritourism attracts visitors to see sweeping fields and experience products like soaps and teas.
Planting and Growing Lavender
Lavender thrives in hot sunny climates with well-drained soil. Follow these tips for success:
– Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Lavender needs full sun exposure.
– Ensure sharp drainage. Lavender roots rot in wet, heavy soil. Mix in gravel or sand if needed.
– Plant in spring after the last frost. Place new plants 18-24 inches apart.
– Water plants after planting, then allow soil to dry between watering. Too much moisture causes root rot.
– Prune plants by 1/3 after the first bloom. This promotes healthy growth.
– Mulch around plants to retain moisture and inhibit weeds from stealing nutrients.
– Harvest flowers as they open by cutting stems near the base of the plant. Time harvesting before buds turn brown.
– Protect plants in winter with mulch if in a colder climate. Avoid overwatering during dormancy.
With proper care, lavender can grow into a thriving and fragrant garden focal point for years of enjoyment.
Using Lavender
From foods to crafts, lavender’s appealing scent and color make it a versatile ingredient:
Cooking
– Add dried lavender buds or extract to desserts like cookies, cakes, and ice cream
– Infuse lavender into vinegars, honey, syrups, and jams
– Brew lavender tea or lemonade using fresh or dried flowers
Crafting
– Make potpourri by combining dried lavender with rose petals and spices
– Adorn wreaths, swags, and flower arrangements with sprigs of fresh or dried lavender
– Craft lavender wands and sachets for scenting drawers and closets
Health and Beauty
– Add lavender essential oil to baths, lotions, and skincare for aromatic and therapeutic benefits
– Make lavender water spritz to mist linens, soothe skin, and freshen rooms
– Distill lavender leaves and flowers into essential oil for homemade products
The options for using this multipurpose plant are unlimited!
Does Lavender Mean Love?
While lavender may not universally mean love today, it certainly symbolizes devotion. This historic association of lavender with affection endures and continues to give this iconic flower meaning.
With its romantic overtones and soothing presence, lavender conveys deepest feelings. Give lavender flowers or gifts scented with its oils to express loyalty and enjoyment of someone’s friendship. Plant lavender in a garden to savor its beauty and fragrance through the seasons.
In the language of flowers, lavender will always represent abiding love. Let this special herb infuse your life with meaningful fragrance and memories.
Conclusion
Lavender has been intricately connected to love and romance throughout history. Originating in ancient Egypt and Rome, this aromatic flower became a sign of welcome, devotion, and luck in the Middle Ages and Victorian era. Although the traditional language of flowers has faded, lavender’s association with affection endures.
Today lavender remains a meaningful part of weddings and anniversaries. Its calming qualities cultivate an atmosphere conducive to being in love. And the rich purple color symbolizes luxury and femininity. For these reasons, lavender continues to hold significance as a sign of enduring love and makes a thoughtful, romantic gift.
So while lavender may not explicitly mean “love” in modern culture, this beautiful, scented flower still conveys deep affection and loyalty. Its lasting heritage infuses lavender with loving symbolism that persists in gardens, cuisine, traditions, and products worldwide.
