For centuries we have loved and appreciated flowers. From admiring the lavender fields in the Netherlands, to farmers’ market stalls, we can’t get enough of them. We even see them as a gift of love and thanks as we gift them on special days, decorate our homes and gardens and even say goodbye on the saddest of days. Flowers offer picturesque views, beautiful scents and an abundance of tones to fill our repetitive lives. With spring around the corner, we’re ready to see them bloom in all their glory. Flowers are not only used for medicinal purposes, but they also carry individual meanings and representations. We’ve listed our top flowers and their deeper meanings, allowing you to have a stronger connection to nature but any jewellery which features floral elements.
Lotus Flower
The Lotus flower adopts various interpretations across many cultures. Within Eastern religions they are seen as a symbol of purity, enlightenment and rebirth. In Egyptian culture, the flower represents the universe due to its life cycle process of submerging into river water every night. Like most flowers it comes in various tones. The white relates to purity whilst the yellow in Buddhism means spiritual ascension.
Blue Bells
Its vibrant purple tones definitely makes it stand out against natures softer hues. Whilst its name comes from its portrayal of other objects, how does that reflect into its meaning? The flower has adopted many magical tales relating to dark fairy magic, with woods of such flowers having fairy enchantments woven into the soil. If you are to hear a Bluebell ring or pick one, you’ll be faced with negative circumstances at the hand of a bad fairy. Within the non-fiction world, the Bluebell is a symbol of constancy, gratitude and everlasting love.
Cosmos
A flower said to replicate stars and galaxies, the Cosmos flower adopts many meanings to its pretty pink petals. Commonly known as a symbol for order and harmony, it stretches further and can represent balance, tranquillity and peace. It also carries strong connections to the heart with feelings of love, joy and beauty. Also available in many colours, they singularly adopt their own unique meaning. The red signifies love and passion, yellow is for friendship, whilst white stands for purity and faithfulness.
Calla Lily
Elegant in colour and shape, the Calla Lily is truly a unique flower. Naturally chic, the traditional flower is linked to purity and beauty. Once again, coming in various colours, each flower adopts its own meaning. The white relates to innocence and youth, the yellow symbolises a sense of gratitude and the pink relates to romance, love and appreciation. Moving onto the more vibrant tone, the rich purple represents royalty, loyalty, wisdom and admiration. Whilst many may relate the red flower to love and lust, for the Calla Lily it symbolises courage and determination. Last but not least, the black Calla Lily is an image of elegance, beauty and mystery.
Sunflower
One of the most iconic flowers there is, the sunflower is a fan favourite amongst everyone. But what does this beloved flower actually symbolise? Its famous vibrant yellow relates to loyalty and adoration. Like many flowers, the sunflower has adopted different meanings from country to culture. In China they see the flower as a symbol for long life, vitality and good luck. For Native Americans it is a symbol for the harvest and provision. It also provides spiritual symbolism across many religions, being a sign of loyalty and/or following a spiritual guide.
Red Roses
Another iconic flower amongst the bunch; famous for its relation to love and St. Valentine’s Day, the Red Rose encapsulates the emotions and bond between lovers. A deep and opulent tone, the Red Rose is a symbol for passion, true love, romance and desire. Unlike the other flowers, the Red Rose also provides symbolism due to the number of roses given. One rose is either love at first sight or ‘the one’. Two roses are for mutual love and affection. Six roses are for infatuation, ten is perfection, eleven is for true and deep love that is treasured. Fifteen is an apology for a loved one whilst fifty roses are for a love that has no bounds.
Tansy
Brightening any field with yellow polka dot like bouquets, the Tansy flower is naturally understated. The flowers symbolism is derived from its name, meaning immortality. This leads the flower to symbolise protection, health, resistance and immortality. It can also relate to hope for good health. Doing a full 360, the Tansy has some negative connotations relating to hostile thoughts. It could mean, when giving someone a Tansy flower, the unofficial declaration of war.
Dahlias
A full flower which are standouts in any garden or bouquet, for some they may intrinsically relate the flower to the Black Dahlia, but on a lighter note the flower includes more positive meanings. Due to the flower’s diverse nature, this has bled into its meanings across cultures. Firstly, it can relate to finding inner strength, being graceful and standing out from the crowd. They also signify commitment and honesty.
Daisy
Probably the most common flower that we spot on our walks or in our garden, the Daisy has been used for flower crowns and to test if your like butter for decades. Whilst it has its novelties, it also carries some deeper meanings. Commonly, it relates to purity and innocence. They also symbolise beauty, love, fertility as well as motherhood, childbirth and new beginnings. Furthermore, it represents transformation alongside chastity and true love.
Freesia
A unique flower originating from South Africa, the Freesia features vibrant pink tones that are difficult to miss. With all its vibrancy, does it adopt bold meanings? Generally, it symbolises friendshipshopp, trust, thoughtfulness and innocence. Through various years and avenues, it has been given various meanings. For example, in the USA, it’s the official flower to commemorate a seven-year wedding anniversary.
