Do You Know the Symbolism Behind These Eight Popular Flowers?

A bouquet of flowers is much more than meets the eye—each bloom has its own special meaning. For example, daisies and sunflowers are known to represent cheerfulness, while hydrangeas, according to Feng Shui, bring bad luck. 

Plant symbolism is tied to various folk cultures and traditions, and although old folk cultures have faded away over time, the history of plant symbology is documented in older books and drawings. The next time you want to buy someone (or yourself) a bouquet, take it up a notch by finding one that is not only beautiful, but also has flowers that represent the emotions you want to convey.

Lilies. Beauty, purity, and rebirth are commonly symbolized by the lily. The oriental lily is known to be a universal symbol of beauty, giving an impression of wealth and luxury. Scarlet lilies are tied to lofty aspirations, and orange lilies are associated with desire and passion. The white lily, on the other hand, represents innocence, commitment, and birth, making it a great gift option for new mothers.

Calla Lilies. You might be thinking cala lilies are in the same family as other lilies, but—despite the name—they belong to the Araceae family, which includes common houseplants like monsteras and pothos. White calla lilies are often used to represent resurrection and rebirth, which is why you often see calla lily bouquets around Easter. 

White calla lilies are most common, but yellow calla lilies which represent gratitude, and pink blooms which express appreciation and admiration, are also beautiful choices. Some etymologists believe calla lilies are named after the Greek goddess Calliope, who was known for her beauty and elegance.

Sunflowers. When you look at a sunflower, it’s hard not to feel instantly happier. Sunflowers are known to represent optimism, peace, longevity, and devotion, and they make a great gift for friends or anyone in your life that gives you that warm and happy feeling. 

But something you may not know about sunflowers is that they had many different uses for early American Indian tribes. The pretty flower we use in bouquets was once an essential part of daily life: sunflower seeds were eaten or ground into flour to use for cakes and bread; some tribes also used the plant to make dye and body paint. Parts of the sunflower plant were also used medicinally as ointments, and sunflowers were commonly used in ceremonies. 

Daises. Daises are thought to represent innocence and purity. They are often associated with babies and would make a great bouquet for a new or expecting mother. Daises can also represent hope and new beginnings, making them a good option for people beginning a new chapter in life.

Roses. Everyone knows that roses (especially red roses) are a timeless and romantic symbol for love. But did you know that the significance of red roses comes from Greek mythology? As the story goes, Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, created the red rose when her tears fell into the dirt, mixing with the blood of her doomed lover, Adonis. 

Yellow roses have a very different meaning—these bright blooms convey warmth and happiness and are a great option to give a good friend. White roses are associated with innocence, purity, and eternity, making them a go-to choice for brides on their wedding days. Pink roses, like red roses, symbolize love, but they represent a more playful and youthful sort of love. 

Peonies. These soft and sweet flowers originate in China and date back to 1000 BC, making them about 4,000 years old! Despite their old age, they’ve remained a timeless flower with many meanings. If you want to bring some prosperity into your life, legend has it that peonies are the flowers of good fortune and luck. Peonies also can represent bashfulness, bravery, honor, and love.

Alstroemeria. Though a bit less popular than daises and roses, these bright and playful flowers are many peoples’ favorite. Also known as the Peruvian lily, alstroemerias symbolize friendship and devotion, making it a great flower to give a friend. If you know someone in need of some extra support, this flower can also make a good option as it also symbolizes success and following your dreams. 

Snapdragon. Have you ever wondered where the name for snapdragon comes from? Apparently, when you squeeze the top of the flower, it resembles a dragon’s head. But don’t let the fierce name fool you—snapdragons are soft, beautiful flowers that represent fortitude and strength. They are known for their ability to thrive even in rocky and typically unhabitable places. 

Now that you know the meanings of these popular flowers, you can buy a special bouquet perfect for the occasion you need. Treat yourself to La Boutique Rouge for a lily-filled luxurious and elegant bouquet, or give a good friend some sunflowers in cheery and bright Forever Italy bouquet. Check out all the unique and artistic bouquets at Field Bouquet to find one that speaks to you!