Meredith Grey has been the lead character on the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy since the show first aired in 2005. She is known for her dedication to her patients, surgical skill, and tendency to have tumultuous romantic relationships. One of Meredith’s most iconic features is her collection of floral scrub caps that she wears during surgery. In particular, a lavender scrub cap with small purple flowers is her go-to for important surgeries. So why does Meredith like to wear purple scrub caps in the operating room?
The History of Meredith’s Purple Scrub Cap
When Grey’s Anatomy first began, the costume designer wanted attendings like Meredith to have a signature look for surgeries. For Meredith, they chose a purple scrub cap with small embroidered flowers on it. This specific cap has been a staple of her surgical attire from the very first episode. It differentiation between her caps and the solid color caps worn by residents. Over 17 seasons, the purple floral scrub cap has become an iconic part of Meredith’s surgical persona. She even kept wearing it after the hospital switched to solid blue caps for staff in later seasons.
The purple scrub cap also ties to Meredith’s femininity. While surgery is a male-dominated field, Meredith proudly wears feminine scrub caps in a sea of blue. It’s a subtle way she asserts her identity as a woman in a demanding career. The floral patterns soften her look in contrast to the hyper-masculine atmosphere of the OR. After wearing that original purple cap for so many groundbreaking surgeries, it’s become a lucky staple for Meredith.
The Significance of the Color Purple
Purple is not a random choice for Meredith’s iconic scrub cap. In color psychology, purple is associated with leadership, creativity, and ambition. As the lead surgeon at Grey Sloan Memorial, purple perfectly encapsulates Meredith’s abilities and drive. The color also represents wisdom and intuition, two qualities Meredith develops over 17 seasons as a surgeon, teacher, and innovator. Her purple scrub cap is a visual reminder of her status as a surgeon at the top of her field.
There may also be a meaning in the specific shade of purple. Light purple or lavender represents feminine energy, grace, and elegance. This soft shade works beautifully with the delicate floral embroidery on the cap. It helps Meredith stand out as a woman in charge without losing her inherent femininity. The purple is also calming and soothing, which keeps Meredith focused in stressful surgical situations.
The Flowers Have Significance
The flowers embroidered on Meredith’s iconic scrub cap also carry symbolism. The tradition of embroidering scrub caps began as a way for nurses and doctors to express their individuality. Meredith’s cap features tiny purple and white flowers, with green leaves and stems. These miniature blooms pay homage to her femininity and gentleness. The flowers convey Meredith’s warmth and compassion for her patients.
The floral scrub cap could also be a tribute to her mother. Ellis Grey was a trailblazing surgeon who mentored Meredith, but their relationship was troubled. Ellis was known for wearing a scrub cap covered in cherry blossoms. Meredith’s purple cap seems inspired by her mother’s love of botanical embroidery. The blooms are a subtle callback to Ellis and everything Meredith learned from her complex legacy.
It’s Part of Meredith’s Brand
After 17 seasons, Meredith’s purple floral scrub cap has essentially become part of her brand. It’s one of the most recognizable components of her surgical persona. Along with her skills and work ethic, the lavender cap is a key part of what defines Meredith as a surgeon. Even as the medical drama has evolved, the cap remains an iconic piece of Meredith’s identity.
The purple scrub cap also separates Meredith from the other doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial. It quickly differentiates her as an attending surgeon amongst a sea of blue caps. The pop of color and floral femininity makes Meredith stand out in the operating room. After so many epic surgeries wearing that cap, it’s no wonder she remains loyal to it.
It’s Her Lucky Charm
For Meredith, the purple floral scrub cap likely serves as a good luck charm at this point. She has worn it for countless groundbreaking surgeries over her long career. Meredith even kept it close during her near-death experience from COVID-19. After surviving and recovering to operate again, that scrub cap must feel like an invincible talisman. It reminds her of her past successes and motivates her to achieve more medical milestones.
Many surgeons develop superstitious attachments to pieces of their surgical attire. After wearing it during her most challenging moments as a surgeon, Meredith’s purple scrub cap has become an important lucky charm. Even on difficult surgeries, it boosts her confidence and comfort to wear something familiar.
It’s a Future Keepsake
Meredith’s scrub cap will likely remain an heirloom even after she retires from surgery. Her children may want to keep the iconic cap as a memento of their mother’s groundbreaking career. It could even inspire Meredith’s daughter Zola to follow in her footsteps and become a surgeon one day. The purple floral cap will be forever tied to Meredith’s legacy as one of Grey Sloan’s most talented and dedicated surgeons.
The scrub cap is also a symbol of how much Meredith has overcome in her personal life and career. Keeping it will remind her of the obstacles she powered through on her journey to becoming an extraordinary surgeon, teacher, and pioneer. As a keepsake, it celebrates how Meredith consistently achieves the extraordinary in the face of challenges.
Conclusion
Meredith’s purple floral scrub cap is deeply meaningful to her character and journey as a surgeon. The color, embroidered flowers, and history behind it reveal so much about Meredith’s skills, femininity, and resilience. After 17 seasons, the cap has become an iconic and lucky charm that motivates her through each groundbreaking surgery. It differentiates Meredith as a talented leader in the OR and will likely remain a keepsake of her legendary career long after she scrubs out for the last time.
| Season | Key Moments with Purple Scrub Cap |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | First appearance of the purple floral scrub cap |
| Season 3 | Worn during the ferry boat crash crisis |
| Season 5 | Present during Izzie’s cancer surgery |
| Season 10 | With Meredith during Derek’s operation |
| Season 17 | Seen during Meredith’s COVID-19 illness |
Meredith’s iconic purple scrub cap has been present for most of the show’s biggest storylines. It is a testament to her resilience and skills as a surgeon. Over 17 seasons, the floral cap has become an indelible part of Meredith’s identity. It makes a bold feminist statement in the OR and demonstrates her growth into an extraordinary leader, teacher, and pioneer. For loyal Grey’s Anatomy fans, Meredith just wouldn’t be Meredith without her trusty purple scrub cap by her side.
