What is the meaning of flowers?

Flowers, with their beauty and fragrance, have been symbols of love, joy, sympathy and many other emotions throughout human history. Although we often admire them for their charming appearance, each flower carries with it a deeper and more symbolic meaning.

The Floral History

Flowers have been appreciated by humanity since time immemorial. Depictions of flowers are found in ancient cave paintings, and ancient civilizations used them in rituals, celebrations, and decorations. However, the concept of assigning specific meanings to flowers developed in the Victorian era, a period in history known for its obsession with flower symbolism and language. This era, which spanned from 1837 to 1901, saw the popularity of the "flower languages" or "floriography."

During the Victorian era, people exchanged bouquets of flowers with hidden messages, as they could not always freely express their feelings. Each type of flower had a specific meaning and, depending on the combination of flowers in a bouquet, complex and often secret messages could be conveyed. Floriography books became popular manuals for understanding these messages and were used to communicate love, friendship, apology, and other feelings.

Although interest in floriography waned over time, flowers remain a powerful medium for expressing emotions and feelings today. Each flower has its own meaning and can communicate a wide range of emotions, from love and gratitude to grief and regret.

Roses: The Emblem of Love

Roses are possibly the most recognized flowers associated with love throughout the world. Their unique beauty and fragrance have made them a universal symbol of love, passion and romance. However, within the category of roses, there are different colors and varieties, and each of them has a slightly different meaning:

• Red Roses: Red roses are the epitome of passionate love. They represent deep and sincere love, passion and respect. They are a common gift on anniversaries and romantic occasions.
• White Roses: White roses symbolize purity, innocence and new adventure. They are often used at weddings and religious occasions to represent purity of heart.
• Pink Roses: Pink roses convey admiration, gratitude and appreciation. They are a common choice to show non-romantic love and affection, such as love between friends and family.
• Yellow Roses : Yellow roses express joy, friendship and happiness. They are often given as gifts to close friends to show appreciation and gratitude.
• Orange Roses: Orange roses symbolize passion and desire. They are a popular choice to express love and attraction in a romantic relationship.
• Lavender Roses: Lavender roses suggest love at first sight and charm. They are an ideal gift to express feelings of love and admiration in the initial stages of a relationship.
• Blue Roses: Blue roses represent the unattainable and the mysterious. Although not common in nature, blue roses are often used to express the desire for the impossible.
• Black Roses: Although not common, black roses can symbolize sadness, loss and grief. They can also represent the end of a relationship or a farewell.

The rose, with its diversity of colors and meanings, has been a powerful symbol in literature, poetry and art throughout history. Their beauty and symbolism endure in contemporary culture, and roses remain a popular gift at special moments.

Lilies: Purity and Renewal

Lilies, with their elegant petals and soft scent, are another flower with a rich history of symbolism. Lilies are commonly associated with purity and renewal, making them a popular choice for religious events, such as weddings and funerals.

The best-known varieties of lilies are white lilies, which symbolize purity and innocence. They are commonly used at weddings and religious occasions, as a symbol of purity of heart and mind.

Known for its delicate fragrance and small bell-shaped flowers, the lily of the valley symbolizes happiness and the return of happiness. It is a popular choice in bridal bouquets and spring floral arrangements due to its beauty and meaning associated with joy.

Lilies have also been considered a symbol of renewal and resurrection. In Christian culture, they are often associated with the Virgin Mary and are considered a sign of the Annunciation. In Egyptian culture, lilies were associated with resurrection and regeneration due to their ability to bloom again after the rainy season. In addition to their symbolism, lilies are known for their classic beauty and enchanting fragrance, making them a popular choice for flower arrangements for a variety of occasions.

Tulips: Declarations of Love

Tulips are beautiful flowers that are commonly associated with the declaration of love and passion. Originating in Turkey, tulips became an important part of Ottoman culture in the 16th century and spread throughout Europe, where they became popular symbols of love and romance.

Red tulips represent passion and deep love, while yellow tulips symbolize love and joy. White tulips suggest purity and forgiveness, while pink tulips express admiration and affection. Orange tulips can represent desire and enthusiasm.

In Turkish culture, the deep red color of tulips is commonly associated with eternal love. It is said that the Ottoman Sultan Selim II, in the 16th century, was a great lover of tulips and promoted their cultivation in the royal palace. Tulips are a popular choice for expressing love and affection on a variety of occasions, from anniversaries to birthdays. In addition to their beauty, their unique shape and vibrant range of colors make them admired flowers around the world.

Daisies: Innocence and Friendship

Daisies are simple and charming flowers that are commonly associated with innocence and friendship. Their pure appearance and open disposition make them symbols of simplicity and goodness.

• White daisies symbolize innocence and purity. They are commonly associated with youth and unadulterated beauty.
• Pink daisies express gratitude and appreciation. They are a popular choice for showing appreciation to friends and loved ones.
• Yellow daisies suggest joy and happiness, making them a suitable choice for conveying feelings of joy and optimism.

Daisies, with their fresh, natural look, are a popular choice in wildflower bouquets and simple floral arrangements. They are also flowers that children often collect and give as gifts as tokens of affection.

Sunflowers: Happiness and Vitality

Sunflowers are stunning, cheerful flowers that symbolize happiness, vitality and positive energy. Their name comes from the tendency of their heads to follow the sun as it moves across the sky, suggesting a sense of orientation toward light and joy. Sunflowers are known for their bright yellow color and large, round flowers that look like the sun. This color is commonly associated with joy and happiness. These flowers also represent vitality and positive energy. Its imposing shape and size suggest a positive attitude and optimism.

In many cases, sunflowers are given as gifts to express wishes of happiness and joy. They are a popular choice for occasions such as birthdays, graduations and moments of celebration.

Orchids: Beauty and Elegance

Orchids are known for their unique beauty and elegance. They are exotic and mysterious flowers that symbolize beauty, love, refinement and luxury.

• White orchids express purity and beauty. They are a common choice in bridal bouquets and wedding floral arrangements.
• Pink orchids symbolize love and admiration. They are an appropriate gift to express affection and appreciation.
• Purple orchids suggest luxury and refinement. They are a popular choice for elegant occasions and high-end gifts.
• Yellow orchids represent friendship and joy. They are a suitable choice to express feelings of joy and friendship.

Orchids are flowers that are often associated with sophistication and luxury. Their unique appearance and symbolism make them a popular choice for special occasions and high-value gifts.

Lilies of the Valley: Sweetness and Happiness

Lilies of the valley are small flowers with a sweet and delicate fragrance. They are commonly associated with sweetness, humility and happiness. White lilies of the valley represent purity and innocence. They are a common choice in bridal bouquets and religious occasions. These are considered lucky flowers and are often used in wedding bouquets and spring arrangements to attract happiness and good fortune. The fragrance of lilies of the valley is known for its sweetness, making them a popular choice for perfumes and fragrances.

Lilies of the valley are flowers that evoke a feeling of innocence and joy. Their beauty and fragrance make them a popular choice in floral arrangements for special occasions.

Cherry Blossoms: Ephemeral Beauty

Cherry blossoms, known as "sakura" in Japanese, are a symbol of the ephemeral beauty and impermanence of life. These delicate pink or white flowers are commonly associated with spring and renewal.

In Japanese culture, cherry blossom marks the beginning of spring and is a highly anticipated moment. Cherry blossoms are admired for their fleeting beauty, as they bloom for a short period of time before falling to the ground.

Cherry blossoms symbolize the impermanence of life and the importance of appreciating the present moment. They are also associated with beauty, simplicity and grace.

In Japan, the tradition of "hanami" involves observing cherry blossoms in full bloom. People gather in parks and gardens to enjoy the beauty of sakura and celebrate the arrival of spring.

Cempasúchil Flowers: Remembering Loved Ones

Cempasúchil flowers, also known as "flower of the dead" or "cempasúchil" in Mexico, are a symbol of Day of the Dead and are used to remember loved ones who have passed away.

Day of the Dead, celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American cultures, is a time to honor and remember the deceased. Cempasuchil flowers are used to decorate altars and tombs on this day, and are believed to guide the souls of the dead back to the world of the living. Cempasuchil flowers are bright orange and are associated with light, life and celebration. Its aroma and color are believed to attract the spirits of the dead. These flowers are a powerful symbol of the connection between the living and the deceased in Mexican culture. They are used in offerings and altars to remember and honor deceased loved ones.

Meanings in Contemporary Floriculture

Although the language of flowers and their symbolism have evolved throughout history, they remain an important part of contemporary floriculture. People still choose flowers based on their meanings and the emotions they want to express. Here are some examples of how flowers and their symbolism are used in modern culture:

• Bridal Bouquets: Brides often choose flowers for their bridal bouquets based on their meaning. White roses represent purity, lilies beauty and innocence, and red tulips symbolize deep love.
• Gifts and Special Occasions: Flowers are a common gift on birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. The choice of flowers can express love, friendship, gratitude or happiness.
• Funerals and condolences: In times of grief, flowers are a way to express sympathy and support. Lilies, chrysanthemums and white roses are common choices in funeral arrangements.
• Religious and spiritual events: In many religious traditions, flowers are used in events and ceremonies as symbols of purity and spirituality.
• Decoration of homes and public spaces : Flowers are used to beautify and give life to homes, offices and public spaces. The choice of flowers can reflect the personality of the owner or the purpose of the space.
• Valentine's Day: Red roses are the classic gift on Valentine's Day, symbolizing love and passion.

Flowers are a silent but powerful language that transcends linguistic barriers. Throughout history, they have been a form of communication that allows people to express their emotions and feelings in a beautiful and symbolic way.

While the meanings of flowers may vary by culture and context, the emotional impact of a well-chosen flower is universal. Whether to express love, gratitude, sympathy or joy, flowers remain a special and appreciated gift around the world. So the next time you receive or give flowers, take a moment to consider their meaning and the message they convey. Flowers are not just beautiful objects; They are carriers of emotions and deep meanings that make each occasion more special.