Flowers have long been used as symbols to represent abstract concepts and ideas. When we think of innocence, one of the first flowers that comes to mind is the daisy. With its bright white petals and yellow center, the daisy evokes images of purity, simplicity, and childhood. But while the daisy may be one of the most iconic symbols of innocence in the Western world, it is by no means the only flower associated with this meaning.
The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers
Since ancient times, humans have assigned symbolic meaning to different plants and flowers. Evidence suggests the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used specific flowers to represent concepts like love, death, and fertility. Over time, a rich symbolic language developed around botany. Flowers like roses and lilies took on layered symbolic meanings related to romance, mourning, motherhood, and more.
This tradition of using “floral emblems” continued into the Victorian era. Victorian flower poetry and artwork popularized the symbolic associations for flowers like pansies (thought), sunflowers (loyalty), and violets (modesty). The Victorian use of “the language of flowers” led to published dictionaries that listed the symbolic meanings for hundreds of flowers. This formalized many of the flower symbolisms still recognized today.
Flowers Symbolizing Innocence
When we look at flowers named as emblems of innocence throughout history, several stand out:
- Daisy
- Lily of the valley
- White rose
- Baby’s breath
- Orange blossom
Let’s explore why each of these flowers has been tied to innocence and purity.
Daisy
With its delicate white petals and bright yellow center, the daisy is a picture of childlike simplicity. Daisies evoke images of children in flowery meadows and feelings of nostalgia for childhood’s innocence. The daisy’s meaning comes from its scientific name, Bellis perennis, derived from the Latin “bellus” meaning “pretty.”
Daisies have symbolized innocence for centuries. In Medieval times, the Virgin Mary was sometimes called “Mary Daisy” to highlight her purity. Daisies appear in Renaissance paintings symbolizing the innocence of the Baby Jesus. More recently, daisies represent childhood in art, poetry, and movies. The daisy’s meaning is so tied to innocence that the flower is rarely used to symbolize other concepts.
Lily of the Valley
The dainty, bell-shaped lily of the valley flower represents purity and humility. Also known as Our Lady’s Tears or May Lily, lore says the flower sprung from the tears of the Virgin Mary as she wept at the crucifixion of Jesus. The lily’s meaning comes from its clean white color and delicate form, which evoke innocence and maidenhood.
In the Victorian era, lily of the valley symbolized the return of happiness. The flower is still used today in bridal bouquets and arrangements as an emblem of joy, innocence, and purity.
White Rose
White roses have numerous symbolic associations, but innocence is chief among them. The rose’s delicate beauty serves as a metaphor for innocent love, while its thorns symbolize loss of innocence through experience. White roses represent purity and virginity, making them a traditional symbol of brides. The white rose meaning can also include honor and reverence.
During England’s Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, the white rose was the emblem of the House of York. The white rose symbolized Yorkist beliefs in peace, innocence, and purity. In alchemy, the white rose represents purification and removal of sin.
Baby’s Breath
The tiny cloud-like blooms of baby’s breath offer an image of wide-eyed wonder and innocence. Also known as Gypsophila, legend says baby’s breath flowers sprang up where the breath of babies touched the earth. Less poetically, the name comes from “gypsos” meaning chalk in Greek.
Baby’s breath adds an airy innocence and playfulness to floral arrangements. The small blooms evoke delicacy and youth. In bridal bouquets, baby’s breath conveys festive feelings about the bride’s purity and innocence.
Orange Blossom
The sweetly fragrant orange blossom represents purity and innocence, especially bridal innocence. Orange trees bloom abundantly in spring, making orange blossoms a symbol of fertility and fruitfulness. Their pure white color emphasizes the meaning of innocence and virginity.
In the Victorian era, orange blossoms featured in bridal headdresses and bouquets as symbols of fertility and purity. Brides today may still incorporate orange blossoms for their traditional symbolic meaning. The flower is also the state flower of Florida, the “Bride’s State,” where many honeymooners celebrate their new union.
Conclusion
Historically, flower symbolism has assigned meanings of innocence specifically to the daisy, lily of the valley, white rose, baby’s breath, and orange blossom. The shared meanings come from the flowers’ delicate white blooms, evoking purity and simplicity. While many flowers represent innocence across cultures, these hold particularly strong symbolic ties.
Next time you see one of these flowers, take a moment to reflect on their meaning and timeless associations with purity, humility, and childlike wonder. Let the simple beauty of their petals remind you of innocence preserved.
| Flower | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|
| Daisy | Childhood, simplicity, purity |
| Lily of the valley | Purity, humility, joy |
| White rose | Purity, virginity, reverence |
| Baby’s breath | Delicacy, wonder, innocence |
| Orange blossom | Fertility, bridal purity |