Your Guide to Flower Symbolism

There is much more to a flower than meets the eye. Not only are flowers beautiful, but they also carry deeper meanings. The next time that you buy flowers to display in your home or to give to someone else, don’t choose them based on their appearance alone. Instead, learn about what the different types of flowers symbolize. Here’s a look at the meaning behind some of the most popular flowers:

Roses

The meaning of the rose will vary depending on its color. Whereas red roses symbolize love and romance, yellow roses are associated with friendship and happiness. White roses symbolize purity, innocence, and spirituality, so they can often be found at weddings and funerals. If you want to say thank you to someone, choose a pink rose. But, make sure you choose a dark pink rose since light pink roses symbolize admiration, not gratitude.

Sunflowers

As its name suggests, the sunflower is closely associated with the sun, happiness, and the summer season. This meaning can be traced back to the ancient Incas, who worshipped this flower because of its association with the Sun God. Incas who were considered priestesses even wore sunflowers around their heads as crowns or pinned to their garments.

Carnations

The carnation is another type of flower that carries different meanings depending on its color. A red carnation is given as a symbol of love and pride, whereas a pink carnation specifically symbolizes the love of a mother or woman. Therefore, a husband who is gifting carnations to his wife should choose red over pink. Similar to white roses, white carnations can also symbolize purity and innocence.

If there’s one flower that you should never give to someone you love, it’s the yellow carnation. This flower symbolizes disdain and disappointment, so make sure you understand the message you are sending before giving yellow carnations to someone you love.

Daffodils

Daffodil flowers are often associated with the spring season, so it’s no surprise that they symbolize new beginnings and rebirths. However, many believe that the number of daffodils can also affect the meaning. A single daffodil is often seen as an indication of bad news or misfortune, while multiple daffodils indicate joy and positivity.

Daisies

White daisies signify innocence, but they also hold a much deeper meaning. These flowers, along with dandelions, can mean true and faithful love. Giving daisies to your significant other is a sign of your commitment, while gifting these flowers to a new mother is a great way to celebrate the unconditional love that exists between a mother and her child.

Hydrangeas

The beautiful hydrangea flower symbolizes deep, heartfelt emotions. This is an appropriate flower to give to someone who you have strong feelings for, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a romantic partner. For instance, the hydrangea can be given to the grieving family at a funeral as a symbol of your sincere condolences.

As you can see, flowers can mean many different things. Reference this list before you buy flowers to ensure that your selection is not only beautiful, but also sending the right message to the recipient.