Last Updated on June 10, 2021 by Avia

Blooming Over Flowers and Meanings

Flowers and meanings have been the subject of conversation for as long as humankind has taken the time to behold the beauty enfolded in each petal.

Symbolism is endless in flowers and meanings range from protection, to love, to warnings, to wealth.

Granted, certain types of flowers, are rife with symbolic meaning. However, the flower itself unfolds worlds of deeper meaning.

From stem, petal, leaves, color, stamen and pistol, there is so much to consider in the deeper realms of flower meanings. Take the time to contemplate the various nuances of “flower-power” in a symbolic perspective. You’ll be delighted at every turn.

As flowers are the actual reproductive systems of plants, most generally flower meanings deal with rebirth. But there are a lot more symbolic highlights to flowers and meanings, such as:

Flowers and Meanings Keywords

Hope
Love
Life
Birth
Unity
Growth
Vitality
Elegance
Devotion
Inspiration
Connection

“When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and buy flowers with the other.”
~Chinese Proverb

Over the ages humans have devised symbolic languages of flowers, which became popularized in the Victorian era. In the 1600’s, Lady Mary Wortley was pivotal in bringing flowers and meanings to the public attention. Prior to her research and observations the symbolism of flowers was quite esoteric.

Flower meanings will vary according to the type of bloom, how it is arranged, how many flowers in the arrangements, and combinations of flowers. Effectually, a floral bouquet as a gift could have endless symbolic meanings. Only someone savvy in the language of flowers and meanings would be able to crack the secret code.

flower meanings and symbolism of flowers — Flower meanings and symbolism of flowers

The Victorian era wasn’t the only phase of intense floral discovery. Deeper meanings of flowers were used and interpreted by different resources such as…

Flowers and Meanings Expressed by Ancient Cultures

Native American Indians
Ancient Egyptians
Ancient Greeks
Ancient Celts
Japanese
Chinese

…and many more cultures around the world have their own specialized flower-language.

In the end, whether you are a Wortley devotee, or ascribe to the Chinese flower meanings of flowers, keep in mind they are always a symbol of generosity and love when they are given away.

Take the time to share a deeper symbolic meaning and give some flowers to someone you know today. Below are a few flowers and meanings to get you started.

symbolic flower meanings — More about flowers and meanings

Common Flowers and Meanings

Amaryllis Flower Meanings
Symbolic of success won after a struggle. These were often given in recognition of a job well done – particularly in scholastic, writing, and artistic endeavors. Give the poet in your life a bunch of amaryllises and you are encouraging his/her creative muse. You are also recognizing his/her achievements in artistic, creative endeavors. Furthermore, the amaryllis is a great flower to give when you want to share a message of renewal. It can kick-start the recipient in inspiring ways.

Apple Blossom Meanings
Intoxicating by their very nature, apple blossoms are symbolic of heady love, peace, sensuality, and fertility. Apple blossoms (and trees) were honored by the ancient Celts as a symbol of love, and they would decorate their bed-chambers with these blossoms to entice amorous nights. The apple blossom is also symbolic of long life. More to the point, it stands for the concept of life continuing, even after we endure a ‘death’ during the winter of our lives.

Camellia Flower Meanings
With its delicate soft, round petals and gentle curves the camellia is considered a symbol of desire, passion, and refinement. It indicates a deep longing in the heart for your beloved. It is also a symbol of perfection and excellence. Give camellias to your sweetheart. Better yet, give some of these lovely flowers as a secret admirer! A gift of camellia is a classy way of saying “you have caught my attention, and I would jump at the chance to more deeply know you.”

“Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.”
~Theodore Roethke

Daffodil Flowers and Meanings
The daffodil has meanings of faith, honesty, truth, forgiveness, and forthrightness. They are ever vigilant in returning each spring, and with their return, we are reminded that their beauty is capable of following on the shirttails of even the harshest winters (or tribulations). Give daffodils to someone when as a token of forgiveness or give them away as a token of appreciation for a person’s honesty. See more on Daffodil Flower Meanings here.

Dahlia Meanings
The dahlia is a spicy flower, and its meanings range from a sign of warning, to change, to travel, to even a portent of betrayal. The varied symbolic meanings of the dahlia make this flower a wild card. Give to that unique, eclectic person whom you wish to compliment his/her wild side. Combine them with slender flowers like irises or tulips for a striking visual display as well as a combined symbolic message that says “temper your adventures with a kind heart.” A mix with other flowers also tempers the bold message that naturally comes with the dahlia.

Lily Meanings
Lilies are the flowers of the spiritually advanced. They are also the totem flowers of mothers (especially new mothers), fertility and nurturing. Lilies are also appropriate flowers to present during weddings as they are symbolic of unions, partnerships, and long-lasting relationships. Give lilies to new mothers and brides-to-be; share the symbolism of these beautiful blossoms with them, and watch their faces light up with delight. Ironically, lilies are sometimes seen in funerals in different cultures. This points to the lily being a symbol of faith, hope, peace, and living life beyond this earthly realm. Click here for a full symbolic meaning of the lily.

Pansy Flower Meanings
Pansies have long been flowers of remembrance. Indeed, they have often been placed upon memorial markers and stones to honor and remember those who are no longer on the physical plane. They are also a symbol of togetherness and union, and perhaps this is why they are so appropriate for remembering those who have passed from our lives. Their beauty is the perfect testimony to the love we have shared with others in the past. Keep pansies around you when you wish to remember the fond memories and kindnesses of loved ones who have passed from this earth. Get more about pansy symbolic meanings here.

Rose Meanings
Rose meanings vary according to color. On the whole, however, roses are symbolic of deep love, concentration, intelligence, balance, and passion. They are also sometimes seen as a message for healing, revitalization, rejuvenation and courage. Roses are very complex in their features, and so therefore have complex meanings. More than just Valentine’s Day favorites, roses bear the mark of honor, devotion and intense commitment on many levels. Give roses only when you are serious about your intentions. Click here for more rose meanings, including color symbolism of the rose. You may also like symbolic thoughts about rose tattoo ideas here.

Sunflower Meanings
The way they move their massive heads to meet the sun makes them a flower of spiritual attainment, flexibility, and opportunity. They are also symbolic of good luck, wealth, and ambition. Give sunflowers away to someone who is working toward a goal and needs a big break in their lives. Sunflowers are a symbol of joy…specifically, the joy found through following our bliss. Sunflowers are also a perfect gift for loved ones who need to be reminded that the sun will always rise – it offers a message of endurance and perseverance. These flowers are also an excellent housewarming gift as the receiver embraces new opportunities in the form of hearth and home. Learn about Sunflower Symbolic Meanings here.

Tulip Flowers and Meanings
Tulips are also voracious sun seekers (like the sunflower) and will sway their heads in crazy contortions seeking out the best angle for light. This makes them a symbol of opportunity, adjustment, advancement, and aspiration. They are commonly thought to represent the attainment of spiritual awareness too. Because they are from bulbs and return every year (like the daffodil) tulips are symbolic of resurrection and determination. Tulips are also a symbol of spiritual awareness. Give to someone who may feel a little lost – it will encourage inspiration and will help that person regain a sense of deep serenity.

Chinese flower meanings — Closing thoughts about flowers and meanings

“Flowers are the music of the ground.
From earth’s lips, spoken with soul.”
~Edwin Curran

I hope you have enjoyed these flowers and meanings. Take the time to do some research on the symbolism of flowers in various cultures. Share your findings with those around you. You will find the energy of flowers is high-voltage and incredibly beneficial.

Check out the links on this site for more flower meanings and natural symbolism. Thanks for reading!

May all your flower insights blossom and grow.

Mighty brightly,