Meaningful Blossoms: Exploring the Symbolism Behind 10 Different Flowers

Take your time to contemplate the various nuances of these 10 "flower-power" icons in a symbolic perspective and discover their true meanings

Meaningful Blossoms: Exploring the Symbolism Behind 10 Different Flowers

Flowers and meanings have been the subject of conversation for as long as humankind has taken the time to behold the beauty enfolded in each petal.

Symbolism is endless in flowers, and meanings range from protection to love, warnings, and wealth.


Granted, certain types of flowers are rife with symbolic meaning. However, the flower itself unfolds worlds of deeper meaning. From stem, petal, leaves, color, stamen, and pistol, there is so much to consider in the deeper realms of flower meanings. Take the time to contemplate the various nuances of "flower power" from a symbolic perspective. You'll be delighted at every turn.

As flowers are the actual reproductive systems of plants, most generally, flower meanings deal with rebirth. But there are a lot more symbolic highlights to flowers and meanings, such as:

  • Hope
  • Love
  • Birth
  • Unity
  • Growth
  • Elegance
  • Connection
  • Inspiration

Over the ages, humans have devised symbolic languages of flowers, which became popularized in the Victorian era. In the 1600s, Lady Mary Wortley was pivotal in bringing flowers and meanings to public attention. Before her research and observations, the symbolism of flowers was quite esoteric.

Flower meanings will vary according to the type of bloom, how it is arranged, how many flowers are in the arrangements, and combinations of flowers. Effectually, a floral bouquet as a gift could have endless symbolic meanings. Only someone savvy in the language of flowers and meanings could crack the secret code.

"When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one and a lily with the other." ~Chinese Proverb


The Victorian era wasn't the only phase of intense floral discovery. Deeper meanings of flowers were used and interpreted by different resources such as:

  • Native American Indians
  • Ancient Egyptians
  • Ancient Greeks
  • Ancient Celts
  • Japanese
  • Chinese

...and many more cultures worldwide have their own specialized flower language.

In the end, whether you are a Wortley devotee, or ascribe to the Chinese flower meanings of flowers, remember they are always a symbol of generosity and love when given away.

Take the time to share a deeper symbolic meaning and give some flowers to someone you know today. Below are a few flowers and meanings to get you started:

Amaryllis Flower Meanings

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Amaryllis is a beautiful flower to give to the creative and artistic people in your life. It symbolizes achievement and success won after a struggle, particularly in areas like scholastics, writing, and the arts. By giving a bunch of amaryllis, you show support for their creative talents and recognize their hard work. Additionally, the amaryllis carries a message of renewal, making it a perfect gift to inspire and motivate the recipient. If you want to encourage someone's creativity and give them a kick-start, consider giving them a bunch of amaryllis.

Apple Blossom Flower Meanings

The beautiful apple blossoms are known for their intoxicating nature and represent heady love, peace, sensuality, and fertility. The ancient Celts regarded apple blossoms (and trees) as a symbol of love, and they would decorate their bedchambers with these blossoms to entice amorous nights. Furthermore, the apple blossom signifies long life and the concept of life continuing, even after we endure a 'death' during the winter of our lives.


Camellia Flower Meanings

The camellia flower symbolizes desire, passion, and refinement, with delicate soft, round petals and gentle curves that capture your heart's deepest longings. It represents perfection and excellence and is a perfect gift for your sweetheart. For those who want to express their secret admiration, camellias are an elegant way of saying, "You have caught my attention, and I would jump at the chance to know you more deeply."

Daffodil Flowers and Meanings

The daffodil means faith, honesty, truth, forgiveness, and forthrightness. They are ever vigilant in returning each spring. With their return, we are reminded that their beauty can follow on the shirttails of even the harshest winters (or tribulations). Give daffodils to someone as a token of forgiveness or give them away as a token of appreciation for a person's honesty.

Dahlia Flower Meanings

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The dahlia is a spicy flower, and its meanings range from a sign of warning, to change, to travel, to even a portent of betrayal. The varied symbolic importance of the dahlia makes this flower a wild card. Give to that unique, eclectic person you wish to compliment their wild side. Combine them with slender flowers like irises or tulips for a striking visual display and a combined symbolic message that says, "Temper your adventures with a kind heart." A mix with other flowers also tempers the bold message that naturally comes with the dahlia.


Lily FLower Meanings

Lilies are a flower that holds great significance for many people. They are often associated with spiritual advancement and are considered a totem flower for mothers, particularly new mothers. Lilies are also popular for weddings as they represent the idea of partnerships, unions, and long-lasting relationships. If you're looking for a thoughtful gift for a new mother or a bride-to-be, consider giving them lilies. They are beautiful and carry a powerful symbolism that can light up their faces with delight. Interestingly, lilies are also sometimes seen at funerals in different cultures, which speaks to their symbolism of faith, hope, peace, and life beyond this earthly realm.

Pansy Flower Meanings

Pansies have long been flowers of remembrance. Indeed, they have often been placed on memorial markers and stones to honor and remember those no longer on the physical plane. They are also a symbol of togetherness and union; perhaps this is why they are appropriate for remembering those who have passed from our lives. Their beauty is the perfect testimony to the love we have shared with others. Keep pansies around you when you wish to remember the fond memories and kindnesses of loved ones who have passed from this earth.

"Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light." ~Theodore Roethke

Rose Flower Meanings

Rose meanings vary according to color. However, roses symbolize deep love, concentration, intelligence, balance, and passion. They are sometimes seen as a message for healing, revitalization, rejuvenation, and courage. Roses are very complex in their features, so they have complex meanings. More than just Valentine's Day favorites, roses bear the mark of honor, devotion, and intense commitment on many levels. Give roses only when you are serious about your intentions.


Sunflower Meanings

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How they move their massive heads to meet the sun makes them a flower of spiritual attainment, flexibility, and opportunity. They are also symbolic of good luck, wealth, and ambition. Give sunflowers away to someone working toward a goal who needs a big break. Sunflowers symbolize joy, specifically, the joy found through following our bliss. Sunflowers are also a perfect gift for loved ones who must be reminded that the sun will always rise - it offers a message of endurance and perseverance. These flowers are also an excellent housewarming gift as the receiver embraces new opportunities in the form of a hearth and home.

Tulip Flower Meanings

Tulips are also voracious sun seekers (like the sunflower) and will sway their heads in crazy contortions seeking out the best angle for light. This makes them a symbol of opportunity, adjustment, advancement, and aspiration. They are commonly thought to represent the attainment of spiritual awareness too. Because they are from bulbs and return yearly (like the daffodil), tulips symbolize resurrection and determination. Tulips are also a symbol of spiritual awareness. Give to someone who may feel a little lost - it will encourage inspiration and help that person regain a sense of deep serenity.

We hope you have enjoyed these flowers and their meanings. Take the time to research the symbolism of flowers in various cultures. Share your findings with those around you. You will find the energy of flowers is high-voltage and incredibly beneficial.

May all your flower insights blossom and grow.