“Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” – Luther Burbank
The language and symbolism of flowers varies amongst cultures, countries, religion, and so much more. Read below to learn possibly what your favorite flower represents!
Bell Flower
The campanula, also known as the bellflower, is a flower that originated in southern Europe. It is widely cultivated across North America and other European countries, and is prized for its unique, bell-shaped blooms that are considered among the most beautiful flowers.
There is a myth surrounding the flower's alternative name, "Venus's Looking Glass." The story goes that the mirror belonged to the goddess Venus, allowing her to see beautiful images. When Venus lost the mirror, she sent Cupid to find it, but he accidentally dropped and shattered it. The shattered pieces fell to the ground, and campanulas then sprouted from where they landed.
The symbolism of the bellflower varies across cultures - it can represent gratitude, constancy, support, romance, or even vanity, with the specific bloom color influencing the meaning. Overall, the campanula is revered for its elegant, eye-catching appearance.
Red Rose
Red roses have long been a symbol of love, appearing prominently in movies, literature, and throughout history. Their association with romance and passion makes them a popular choice for gifts, especially during Valentine's Day. In addition to the classic deep red variety, red roses come in a range of shades from maroon to burgundy, and vary in size and shape.
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisies are native to South Africa, being the fifth most popular flower in the world! These perennial plants come in a vibrant array of colors, including deep red, yellow, pink, and white. Gerberas are admired for their exceptional beauty and their ability to radiate immense joy. These blooms serve as a reminder to embrace simplicity and cherish the purity that resides within.
Sweet pea
Sweet peas are one of the birth flowers for April, along with daisies. They are native to the eastern Mediterranean region and are prized for their fragrant, abundant blooms. During the Victorian era, sweet peas were exceptionally popular, often featured at weddings and formal gatherings.
In the language of flowers that became popular during this period, the sweet pea symbolized blissful pleasure. Other meanings include friendship, gratitude, and farewell. The flower was sometimes given as a parting gift, a way to express appreciation and well-wishes.
In France, sweet pea flowers are traditionally presented to brides on their wedding day. This custom is meant to ward off spitefulness, protect the bride's innocence, and bring her good luck.
Sweet peas come in an incredible range of colors, from soft pinks and peaches to vibrant fuchsias, mauves, and even periwinkle blues.
Ranunculus
At Bell's Flowers, we love all things about ranunculus and stock them year-round. This bloom is known across cultures and generations for symbolizing charm and beauty. In the Victorian language of flowers, the ranunculus conveys that its recipient is captivating and attractive. Its uplifting message expresses the giver's admiration of the recipient's grace and beauty. Suitable for celebratory occasions like achievements and promotions, the ranunculus is versatile, working equally well in formal and casual settings by virtue of its representation of both elegance and attraction.
Zinnia
The zinnia flower has evolved in its symbolic meaning over time. Originally, in Victorian times, it was associated with thoughts of an absent friend or a friend you haven't seen in a while. However, the modern meaning of the zinnia is more focused on themes of friendship, endurance, and daily remembrance.
Zinnias are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. The ability to bloom vibrantly even in the face of adversity, such as heat, drought, and pests. Continuously producing their bright, beautiful flowers no matter what trials they encounter. Zinnias may lack fragrance, but they come in a vibrant array of colors.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas can have different symbolic meanings depending on their color and cultural context.
Pink hydrangeas generally symbolize love, romance, and deep emotions. Blue hydrangeas can represent gratitude, patience, understanding, sincerity, forgiveness, rejection, or regret. White hydrangeas may symbolize purity, grace, abundance, arrogance, vanity, or boasting. Green hydrangeas can signify renewal, rebirth, good fortune, health, youthfulness, and prosperity. And purple hydrangeas can represent gratefulness, friendship, leadership, royalty, understanding, and prosperity.
Interestingly, hydrangeas hold a special significance for fourth wedding anniversaries. Their long-lasting beauty and fullness are seen as emblematic of a maturing partnership and the closeness that develops between a couple over time.
Carnation
Carnations are the official birth flower for January. Originally, carnations were found only in shades of pink. However, they have since evolved to encompass a wide range of colors, each with its own unique symbolic meaning. Generally, carnations represent love, devotion, distinction, and fascination. There are several different types of carnations, including standard, miniature, and spray varieties.
Lily
The lily is a flower with a rich history and symbolic meaning. Most lilies originated in parts of the northern hemisphere, including Taiwan, Japan, China, North America, the Middle East, and the Balkans. Today, the Netherlands is the world's largest producer of lilies for the flower trade, followed by France, Chile, and the United States.
Over time, lilies have come to represent purity, life, and remembrance. In Christian tradition, the lily is associated with purity, chastity, rebirth, hope, and the Virgin Mary. The lily is also seen as a symbol of Jesus Christ's resurrection, as it is said to have sprung from the ground on the third day after his crucifixion.The lily is a versatile and meaningful flower with deep cultural and religious significance.
Sunflower
Sunflowers radiate joy and happiness with their large, vibrant yellow petals. These cheerful blooms hold deep symbolic meaning across cultures - representing positivity, strength, admiration, and loyalty. Sunflowers are a beloved summer flower and a universal symbol of optimism that uplifts all who see them.
One artist in particular, Vincent Van Gogh, has become synonymous with sunflowers. In his iconic paintings, Van Gogh captured the essence of these resilient flowers, using bold brushstrokes and brilliant yellows to convey their natural beauty and endless creativity. The Dutch master admired the sunflower's bright, vibrant colors as a reflection of the natural world's vitality.