The meaning of flowers, also known as floriography, has been used for centuries to convey messages and sentiments. Flowers have their own language based on color, type, number and arrangement. Lilacs in particular have held symbolic meaning since the Victorian era. So what story do lilacs tell in the language of flowers? Let’s take a closer look.
History of the Lilac
The lilac’s botanical name is Syringa, and it is part of the olive family. There are over 2000 species of lilacs, although only several hundred are cultivated. Lilacs are native to the Balkan Peninsula but grow extensively across the northern hemisphere.
Lilacs have a rich history dating back thousands of years. Evidence of lilac fossils was found in northern Greece and is estimated to be over one million years old. Lilacs are also mentioned in ancient Greek mythology and writings. The purple color of the lilac has long been associated with royalty.
In the 1700s, lilacs were brought from Constantinople to Western Europe where they gained popularity. Lilacs came to America in the 1800s when the first lilac was planted in New Hampshire. They grew in popularity in the Victorian era when Queen Victoria adored the flower. At the peak of the Victorian era, nearly 450 varieties of lilacs were cultivated.
Meaning of Lilacs in Victorian Flower Language
During the 1800s, Victorians carefully constructed bouquets and floral arrangements that conveyed specific messages. With their numerous varieties and colors, lilacs have several meanings in the Victorian language of flowers.
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| White | Innocence, purity |
| Purple | First love |
| Blue | Happiness, tranquility |
| Magenta | Love and passion |
The white lilac represents youthful innocence and purity. In the Victorian era, young girls would carry white lilacs to symbolize their virginity.
Purple lilacs are strongly associated with first love and new romance. It makes sense that the color purple is linked with love, as purple is traditionally the color of royalty. Presenting purple lilacs to someone is a way to declare your love or infatuation with them.
Blue lilacs convey peacefulness and tranquility. Their soothing hue evokes calmness and satisfaction. Magenta lilacs represent love and passion, perfect for romantic partners or close friendships. Magenta is a mix of passionate red and tranquil blue, uniting these meanings.
Meaning Based on Number of Blooms
In addition to color, the number of lilac blooms given also carried significance:
| Number of Blooms | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Single bloom | Love at first sight |
| Pair of blooms | Mutual love |
| Bouquet | Abundance of emotions |
Gifting a single lilac bloom symbolizes love at first sight. It speaks to the recipient having captured your heart instantly. A pair of lilac blooms entails shared, mutual love between two people. Presenting someone a full bouquet of lilacs conveys an abundance of emotions, like passion, desire, and affection.
Meaning Based on Lilac Variety
Different varieties of lilacs also carried distinct meanings:
| Variety | Meaning |
|---|---|
| French lilac | Emotional sensuality |
| Dwarf Korean lilac | Happiness |
| Hungarian lilac | Gratitude |
The French lilac, a large single mauve or lilac bloom, represented emotional sensuality. Meanwhile, the compact Dwarf Korean lilac symbolized joy and happiness. The Hungarian lilac, which produces smaller but abundant blooms, conveyed gratitude and appreciation.
Lilacs in Modern Culture
Although less commonly known today, lilacs still carry wisps of their Victorian meanings and symbolism. They retain their connotations of love, passion, purity, and tranquility.
Lilacs have inspired many artists and writers. British painter John Singer Sargent captured their beauty in his famous painting Lilacs in a Vase. Amy Lowell wrote an evocative poem titled Lilacs that connects the flower to memory and love.
Lilacs frequently appear in pop culture today. The popular fiction novel series Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly features the flower in its title. Syringa leilacs are the official state flower of New Hampshire. And lilac designs and perfumes remain popular.
The lilac’s signature color, scent, and ruffled blooms give it an undeniable romantic charm that continues to be celebrated.
Conclusion
Since Victorian times, lilacs have held rich symbolic meaning in the language of flowers. Their colors, from white to purple, convey innocence, love, passion, and tranquility. The number and arrangement of blooms given also sends a specific message to the recipient. And different lilac varieties have their own special significances.
While the intricacies of flower language may not be widely understood today, lilacs still evoke poetic, amorous sentiments. A bouquet of beautiful lilacs represents affection, desire, and a deep emotional connection. Lilacs have inspired artists and writers for centuries through their grace, elegance, and symbolic associations. So while their coded meanings may have shifted, lilacs continue to charm and fascinate.
