Flowers have held symbolic meaning since ancient times. Different flowers have come to represent different qualities and concepts. The symbolism of flowers has evolved over thousands of years across many cultures and continues to be relevant today. Flowers are commonly given as gifts or used for decorative purposes, making their symbolic meaning especially important. Understanding the meaning behind different flowers can help gift-givers choose the perfect bouquet to send their intended message. This article will provide an overview of the most popular flower types and the meanings associated with them.
Roses
Roses are one of the most iconic and universally recognized flowers. Roses symbolize love, appreciation and affection. Red roses in particular strongly communicate romantic love and passion. Light pink roses connote gentleness and joy. Dark pink roses can symbolize gratitude and appreciation. White roses represent purity and innocence. Yellow roses stand for friendship and caring. Orange roses signify enthusiasm and desire. Peach roses convey modesty, sincerity and sympathy. Coral and salmon colored roses indicate desire. Lavender or thornless roses denote love at first sight.
Roses also signify confidentiality which is where the term “sub rosa”, Latin for “under the rose”, originates from. In the past, roses were hung from ceilings during private meetings as a reminder that discussions were to remain confidential. Roses are also associated with politics. The rose is the national flower of England and the United States. Red and white Tudor roses were used as symbols during the English War of the Roses in the 15th century.
| Rose Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Love, Romance |
| Pink | Gentleness, Joy |
| White | Purity, Innocence |
| Yellow | Friendship |
| Orange | Enthusiasm, Desire |
| Lavender | Love at First Sight |
Tulips
Tulips are a popular spring flower that originate from Persia. Today they are a quintessential part of Dutch culture. Tulips come in a wide variety of colors that each have their own associated meaning. In general, tulips symbolize perfect, deep love. Red tulips specifically represent true love, while purple symbolizes royalty. Pink tulips mean happiness and confidence. White tulips stand for forgiveness. Yellow tulips represent cheerful thoughts and sunshine. Variegated tulips communicate beautiful eyes or gorgeous looks.
| Tulip Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | True Love |
| Purple | Royalty |
| Pink | Happiness, Confidence |
| White | Forgiveness |
| Yellow | Sunshine, Cheer |
| Variegated | Beautiful Eyes |
Lilies
Lilies are elegant flowers that denote purity and refined beauty. White lilies in particular are strongly tied to the Virgin Mary in Christianity. They represent chastity, virtue and modesty. Calla lilies signify magnificent beauty. Orange lilies represent passion and pride. Yellow lilies symbolize gratitude and gaiety. Pink lilies convey youth, prosperity and happiness. Purple lilies mean charm and passion.
| Lily Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Purity, Chastity |
| Orange | Pride, Passion |
| Yellow | Gratitude, Gaiety |
| Pink | Happiness, Prosperity |
| Purple | Charm, Passion |
Daisies
Daisies represent innocence, loyalty, purity and new beginnings. They are simple, cheerful flowers that evoke youthful joy. Gerbera daisies in particular symbolize beauty and purity. White daisies stand for innocence. Pink daisies convey gentleness and affection. Red daisies represent beauty and feeling radiant.
| Daisy Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Innocence |
| Pink | Gentleness, Affection |
| Red | Beauty, Radiance |
Carnations
Carnations are popular filler flowers that convey different sentiments based on color. In general, carnations symbolize fascination, distinction and love. Pink carnations represent gratitude. Red carnations communicate deep love and admiration. White carnations stand for pure love and innocence. Purple carnations signify capriciousness. Yellow carnations represent rejection and disdain. Striped carnations mean regret that a love is not shared.
| Carnation Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pink | Gratitude |
| Red | Deep Love, Admiration |
| White | Pure Love, Innocence |
| Purple | Capriciousness |
| Yellow | Rejection, Disdain |
| Striped | Unrequited Love |
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, often referred to as “mums”, hold varied symbolic meaning in different cultures. In the United States, the flower represents loyalty, optimism and joy. Red chrysanthemums specifically convey deep passion and desire. White chrysanthemums signify innocence and purity. Yellow chrysanthemums represent unrequited love. Purple mums stand for royalty. In Europe, chrysanthemums represent death and grief. In some countries in Asia, white chrysanthemums symbolize lamentation and grief.
| Mum Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Love, Desire |
| White | Purity, Innocence |
| Yellow | Unrequited Love |
| Purple | Royalty |
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are distinctive, sunny flowers that represent warmth, happiness and adoration. They turn their heads to follow the sun, reflecting a desire to seek out positivity and light. Sunflowers specifically symbolize loyalty, devotion and longevity. They are given to convey dedicated affection and constancy. Sunflowers also signify worship and faithfulness in various religions due to their resemblance to the sun. Yellow sunflowers represent joy and optimism. Red sunflowers communicate passionate love.
| Sunflower Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Joy, Optimism |
| Red | Passionate Love |
Orchids
Orchids denote beauty, refinement and thoughtfulness. The flowers are elegant and delicate, symbolizing reverence and humility. Pink orchids represent grace, joy and happiness. White orchids signify innocence and purity. Purple orchids communicate admiration. Yellow orchids represent friendship and new beginnings. Checkered orchids connote positive thoughts.
| Orchid Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pink | Grace, Joy |
| White | Purity, Innocence |
| Purple | Admiration |
| Yellow | Friendship, New Beginnings |
| Checkered | Positive Thoughts |
Iris
Irises represent wisdom, hope and valor. Purple irises specifically symbolize royalty. Blue irises mean faith and hope. Yellow irises represent passion. White irises signify purity. Irises are named after the Greek goddess Iris, who was a messenger to the gods and connected the heavens and earth. Irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the goddess Iris to guide the dead in their journey.
| Iris Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Purple | Royalty |
| Blue | Faith, Hope |
| Yellow | Passion |
| White | Purity |
Daffodils
Daffodils symbolize rebirth, new beginnings and eternal life. Their early spring blooming reminds us of nature’s renewal and continuity after winter. The daffodil is celebrated as a sign of spring across cultures. In Wales, daffodils represent the 19th of March, Saint David’s Day. The Chinese regard the daffodil as an auspicious flower representing fortune and prosperity. Daffodils signify chivalry in the Victorian era. The traditional daffodil gift means “the sun is always shining when I am with you”.
Peonies
Peonies symbolize prosperity, good fortune, a happy marriage, riches and honor. Their lush, full blossoms represent bashfulness and compassion. White peonies express shame. Pink peonies signify romance. Red peonies represent devotion. Yellow peonies symbolize friendship. Peonies are named after Paeon, the Greek god of healing. The peony thus also represents healing. In Chinese culture, peonies denote honor and wealth. They are known as the flower of riches and honor.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths represent sport or play in the Victorian era. Their fragrance and colors were enjoyed as recreation. Blue hyacinths stand for constancy. Purple hyacinths mean sorrow and apology. Pink and white hyacinths signify playfulness. Red or yellow hyacinths represent joy. Hyacinths are named after the Greek myth of Hyakinthos, who was struck dead by a discus thrown by his lover Apollo. A hyacinth sprang from Hyakinthos’s dying body.
Conclusion
Flowers hold deep symbolic meaning tied to culture, religion, mythology and the language of romance. Different colors, varieties and blooming seasons add nuance to each flower’s symbolism. Red generally conveys passion, love and romance across flower types. White often signifies purity and innocence. Purple can represent royalty, admiration and capriciousness. Pink indicates romance, joy, happiness and affection. Yellow represents friendship and sunshine. I hope this guide offers insight on the diverse stories and sentiments flowers can communicate. Keep the meanings in mind when selecting flowers for gifts, special events or your own garden.
