Periwinkle is a light bluish-purple or lavender color that is often associated with sentimental meaning and evokes certain emotions. The periwinkle flower and color have symbolic associations that connect it with remembering the deceased, blossoming friendships, spiritual awakening, and more. Understanding the origins and meanings behind periwinkle can provide insight into the emotions and ideas represented by this hue.
Meanings and Symbolism of Periwinkle
Periwinkle has long held symbolic meaning across cultures and eras. Here are some of the key symbolic associations of the periwinkle flower and color:
Remembrance
In several cultures, periwinkle flowers and color are symbolic of remembrance. During Victorian times, the periwinkle flower was often placed on graves and thought to represent eternal life after death. It is sometimes called the “flower of death” for this reason. The color periwinkle is commonly associated with remembering those who have passed away. Many people wear periwinkle-colored ribbons and flowers to remember loved ones they have lost.
Friendship
The periwinkle flower has also come to represent blossoming friendships. In Europe, young girls often wear wreaths made from periwinkle flowers as a sign that they are entering womanhood and looking for new friendships. The color periwinkle represents friendship and can convey trust, harmony, and affection between friends when used in an interpersonal context.
Positive Change
Periwinkle is linked to positive personal change and growth. In meditation practices, it is thought to awaken Higher Self and facilitate spiritual clarity and transformation. The color periwinkle inspires the acceptance of change and the modulation of thought or behavior to align with one’s ideals. It bridges the physical and spiritual realms.
Serenity
The light, airy quality of periwinkle evokes serenity. Its soft blue hue suggests tranquility, calmness, and peace. Periwinkle is thought to have a soothing, meditative energy that quiets the mind. Surrounding yourself with periwinkle can promote relaxation.
Wisdom
Periwinkle is also associated with wisdom, intuition, and inspiration. In color psychology, lighter shades of blue such as periwinkle symbolize clarity of thought and improved decision-making. Its spiritual connections tie periwinkle to enlightenment, premonition, and profound understanding.
Emotions Associated with Periwinkle
Based on its varied symbolic meanings, periwinkle represents and evokes several emotions:
Melancholy
The associations of periwinkle with remembering those who have passed away and permanence after death give this color a melancholy tone. Periwinkle can represent nostalgia and induce a meditative, poignant sadness when remembering a departed loved one.
Hope
Yet periwinkle also symbolizes the soul’s endurance beyond death, which provides a sense of hope. Its spiritual meanings relate to emerging clarity, serenity, and growth, which are also hopeful associations. Periwinkle inspires hope amidst loss.
Longing
Periwinkle can represent longing, both for the return of a missing friend or loved one and for new connections. Its ties to friendship symbolize the longing for companionship and affection. Periwinkle expresses both the joy and pang of longing.
Warmth
As an interpersonal color, periwinkle conveys warmth between friends and loved ones. Its light purple tone suggests the warmth of affection, harmony, and tenderness in relationships when used for gifts, wedding decorations, etc.
Peace
The soft, cool serenity of periwinkle can instill a feeling of inner peace. Associated with tranquility and spiritual wisdom, periwinkle promotes peace of mind, calm equilibrium, and steadiness of emotions.
Inspiration
By stimulating intuition and imagination, periwinkle can be inspiring. It represents the inspiration of personal breakthroughs and magical synchronicity that comes from spiritual alignment. Periwinkle sparks new ideas and clarity.
How Periwinkle Is Used to Convey Emotion
Periwinkle conveys symbolic meaning and emotion through various applications:
Remembrance Ribbons
Light blue periwinkle ribbons are worn or displayed to honor the memory of a deceased loved one. This gives the color a poignant meaning when used at funerals, memorials, and awareness campaigns.
Weddings
Bridesmaid dresses and flower arrangements with periwinkle can represent lasting friendship and affection between the bride and her closest friends. It conveys the warmth of friendship at weddings.
Feng Shui
Incorporating periwinkle into home decor is thought to promote serenity and wisdom. Periwinkle scented candles, wall accents, pillows, or table runners can inspire peacefulness.
Calming Spaces
Periwinkle is often used in calm, relaxing spaces like meditation rooms, spas, or bedrooms because of its tranquil vibe. Surrounding oneself with periwinkle can ease stress.
Memory Boards
Making memory boards or journals decorated with periwinkle and photos of departed loved ones provides a therapeutic outlet for grief while remembering meaningful connections.
Positive Reminders
Displaying periwinkle inspirational quotes or affirmations around the home reminds one to pursue clarity, change, hope, and tranquility even during difficult times.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils, candles, or incense with a periwinkle scent promote relaxation. Periwinkle calms the mind and evokes serenity.
Conclusion
In summary, periwinkle represents poignant emotions like melancholy, longing, and hope associated with honoring those who have passed. It also symbolizes the serenity, inspiration, wisdom, and warmth connected to friendship and spirituality. Periwinkle’s cool, tranquil energy can instill peace and clarity. Subtle incorporation of this delicate hue into ceremonies, gifts, clothing, home decor, and relax
