Purple flowers have long been associated with qualities like spirituality, tranquility, and calmness. Many different purple blooms convey a sense of serenity and relaxation when used in flower arrangements, gardens, ceremonies, and more. But one purple flower in particular is most closely linked to calmness and inner peace – the lavender.
Let’s take a look at why lavender has become such a symbol for tranquility and how its color and fragrance promote a feeling of calm. We’ll also explore some of lavender’s other symbolic meanings and its uses throughout history. Understanding the soothing symbolism behind the lavender flower can give us insight into how plants and their attributes can impact human emotion and perception.
The Soothing Symbolism of Lavender
Of all purple blooms, lavender has the strongest ties to calmness and serenity. Both the visual appearance and the aromatic qualities of lavender flowers convey a sense of relaxation and peacefulness.
The soft, pale purple color of lavender has a gentle, soothing effect on the eyes and mind. Purple is a color associated with spirituality, imagination, and mysticism. Light purple shades, like lavender, are less intense than darker plums and purples. This pale purple evokes a sense of delicate tranquility and relaxation.
In addition to its calming color, lavender has an aroma that induces feelings of relaxation and comfort. The sweet, floral, herbal scent of lavender oil has long been used in aromatherapy to promote peacefulness, ease anxiety, aid sleep, and more. Multiple studies have shown that lavender fragrance can help lower stress, anxiety, and tension levels in both men and women.
So both the visual and olfactory properties of lavender flowers contribute to its calm and soothing symbolism. The light purple blooms look tranquil and the pleasant aroma induces a serene state of mind.
Other Symbolic Meanings of Lavender
In addition to calmness, lavender has several other symbolic associations:
– Purity – The color white is linked to purity, while purple was historically a color of royalty and luxury. Lavender’s pale purple hue combines the two to symbolize spiritual purity, innocence, and grace.
– Devotion – In the Victorian era, lavender’s fragrance and appearance led to it being a symbol of devotion. Lavender flowers were given to express everlasting or undying love.
– Caution or Distrust – Because lavender’s Latin name Lavandula means “to wash”, it has been associated with being cautious, suspicious, or distrustful towards others throughout history.
– Luck and New Beginnings – Some cultures see lavender as a symbol of good fortune and luck. It is thought drinking lavender tea can bring luck and fortune. And many people incorporate lavender into New Year’s traditions to symbolize new beginnings.
So in addition to calmness, lavender has had an interesting range of symbolic meanings throughout various cultures and eras, from purity to distrust. But its association with tranquility and serenity has persisted over time.
The History of Lavender as a Calming Plant
The use of lavender to induce calmness and relaxation dates back thousands of years:
– Ancient Egyptians used lavender for mummification and perfume. Its pleasant scent was thought to please the gods and ensure safe passage into the afterlife.
– Romans infused lavender in their baths, believing its aroma had healing and calming powers. Soldiers bathed in lavender to relax before battle.
– Lavender appeared in medieval herb gardens and monastery medicinal gardens across Europe. Monks utilized it for its healing properties.
– During the Victorian era, lavender became a popular fabric scent and was used to make sachets for dresser drawers. Its fragrance was thought to instill a sense of virtue.
– Today, lavender essential oil remains one of the most popular and commonly used oils in aromatherapy for its sedative, anxiety-reducing qualities.
So for thousands of years, across many civilizations, lavender has maintained its reputation as an herb that can soothe nervousness, induce sleep, and create an overall sense of tranquility.
Lavender Flower Species and Varieties
There are dozens of different lavender species and varieties, but some commonly used in flower arrangements and gardening for their calming appearance and aroma include:
| Species | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | Most popular type; short, compact; fragrant grayish-green foliage; lavender-blue flowers; highly aromatic |
| French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) | Fern-like foliage; bright purple-blue blooms; strong camphorous scent |
| Spanish Lavender (Lavandula stoechas) | Large pink or purple flower heads; not as fragrant; tolerates heat |
| Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia) | Hybrids; vigorous growers; bold scents; prolific bloomers |
This chart gives an overview of some of the most common types of lavender and their distinct characteristics, although there are many other lesser known and hybrid varieties. English lavender and French lavender are among the most aromatic and frequently used in floral displays.
How to Use Lavender to Promote Calmness
If you want to harness the soothing, relaxing qualities of lavender, here are some ways to incorporate it into your life:
– Keep fresh or dried lavender flowers in your home or office to add a tranquil element to your decor. The light purple blooms have a calming visual impact.
– Make your own lavender potpourri by drying the flowers and mixing with other herbs. The aroma promotes relaxation.
– Place lavender essential oils or dried buds in small pillows or sachets. Keep them in your car, office, bedroom, or anywhere you want to create a sense of calmness.
– Make lavender tea by steeping dried lavender buds in hot water. Sip this soothing tea to relax before bedtime.
– Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bathwater for a relaxing soak. The aroma fills the steamy air.
– Use lavender candles or reed diffusers to fill any space with a light, calming fragrance.
– Plant lavender in your garden or outdoor pots. Having the live plants nearby creates an aura of relaxation and tranquility.
Lavender is easy to incorporate into your home, office, car – anywhere you want its soothing qualities nearby. Both seeing and smelling lavender can quickly induce feelings of calmness and relaxation.
Conclusion
With its soft purple blossoms and sweet, herbaceous fragrance, the lavender flower has been a symbol of tranquility and serenity for thousands of years. Its appearance and aroma induce feelings of relaxation and comfort. Although it has had many other symbolic associations in different eras and cultures, lavender’s ties to calmness have persisted over time. There are many ways to harness lavender’s soothing qualities – through flower arrangements, essential oils, teas, candles, and more. Keeping lavender close by can promote inner peace, relaxation, and an overall sense of harmony in your environment. The next time you need to unwind or find your calm center, turn to the tranquil symbolism of the lavender flower.
