Types of Flowers and Their Meanings

The idea of flower symbolism started very long ago, with several ancient religions. There were many flowers associated with ancestral gods and goddesses such as Jupiter, Diana, Venus, Apollo, etc. In the Renaissance period, nature was regarded as the reflection of divinity, and therefore it was very much respected. Because symbolism of flowers was included in many religious arts, there were many medieval gardens that were conceived both according to flower symbolism, and to the spiritual elements suggested by those flowers.

So, flowers do have a symbolism of their own, and the feelings that one may have when receiving a flower bouquet may be one of unexplainable inner joy. The color of a flower is another determining factor for the receiver's reaction. Each flower has its own significance, due to its origins, look and color. We generally offer flowers when we want to celebrate a special event, to express our feelings of sympathy, admiration or affection. There are many special meanings and symbols that the flowers we are giving to the dear ones may have.

We cannot say for sure who established these rules of flower symbolism, but their criteria must be beauty and fragrance. Also, the colors of a flower can have certain effects on the human perception, and therefore suggest different feelings.

Here is a list of different flowers and their meanings:

• Alstroemeria or the Peruvian lily is a symbol of friendship. This South American flower comes in very vivid, joyful colors that in themselves may suggest the warmth of the feeling of friendship.
• Amaryllis represents radiating beauty. It is also known under the name of belladonna or naked lady;
• Anemones are a symbol of anticipation and help calming down a person;
• Anthurium are the most popular exotic flowers that remain fresh for a long time. These flowers are also a symbol of hospitality;
• Aster symbolizes the feeling of patience;
• Bird of Paradise are a good choice for festivities and events because they are a symbol of the greatest joys in life;
• Bouvardia symbolizes the enthusiasm;
• Carnation is a flower dedicated to the feeling of pride and beauty;
• Chrysanthemum is known as a symbol representing the sun and the essence of fidelity;
• Daffodil her apparition is a sign that winter is approaching the end, it also represents the essence of chivalry;
• Delphinium symbolizes the essence and the feeling of celestial qualities;
• Freesia pictures the essence of innocence;
• Gladiolus in Latin has the meaning of sword and it symbolizes the strength of character;
• Heather pictures the element of admiration;
• Hyacinth represents stability and resolution;
• Hydrangea is representative for the feeling of honesty;
• Iris is a graceful flower which by its very essence makes compliments;
• Larkspur symbolizes unfaithfulness;
• Roses signify the feeling of eternal love and passion;
• White lily is majestic, picturing the elements of chastity and virtue;

Each flower, in one way or the other, has something to say to the person to which it is offered.

According to the flower symbolism of daisies, they suggest innocence, faithful love, purity, beauty, simplicity and patience. In medieval paintings these flowers often appear on green meadows, called "flowery mead". On the island of Crete for instance there have been found hairpins decorated with daisies from very ancient times, daisies being probably more than 4000 years old. In even more ancient times, there were Egyptian ceramics adorned with daisies.

Forget-me-nots suggest genuine love and memories. There is a legend according to which while the Christ child was sitting on Mary's lap, he made a wish that future generations could see them like that. So the child touched Mary's eyes and when he waved his hand towards the earth, those lovely blue forget-me-not flowers appeared.

Pansy symbolizes the feeling of joy and being in love with someone and thinking of that person a lot. In fact, the word "pansy" comes from the French word "pensée" which means "thought". It was given this name because the shape of the flower is similar to a human face.

Due to their beauty and femininity, flowers inspired many girls' names in many cultures from ancient times until today. Thus, there are many girls' names inspired from flowers, such as: Heather, Jasmine, Rose, Daisy, Lily, Violet, Lavender, Holly, Fern, Myrtle, Camellia, Petunia, etc.

With or without flower names, may we all as humans, beautify all places we go to!