Flower Meanings & History The charming and delicate beauty of flowers has fascinated people of all nations and backgrounds for centuries. Flowers have been bred and cultivated for their decorative beauty as well as their ability to heal diseases. Flowers are
subject of poems and myths, and religious symbols are associated with flowers as well. Many girls are named after flowers. The main reason for
popularity of flowers though is their ability to bring good cheer. For all fellow lovers and admirers of flowers here is some background information about flowers. This will help give your flower gift giving and buying a greater context.
Asters There are over 600 species of asters,
most popular being
Monte Casino. Ancient societies believed that
odor of its leaves, when burnt, drove away serpents. While this might not be as applicable today, perhaps its connotation is still relevant: Giving asters means, "I am not sure whether you have been faithful to me". Be careful who you send asters to! Meanings: charming, patience
Bells of Ireland Although
name suggests these flowers come from Ireland, they originated in western Asia. Bells of Ireland have a spicy/peppery scent and are part of
mint family. They stand for good luck. Meanings: good luck, whimsy
Carnations Turn of
century dandies would not leave
house without a white or red carnation in
buttonhole of their suit. With
end of this tradition and
fact that carnations are so easily cultivated and grown,
flower has lost some of its popularity. However, carnations are not only beautiful and long lasting flowers, they also send a message: When you receive a red carnation bouquet, it means, "My heart aches for you" and when you receive white carnations
sender is saying: "I am still available." Meanings: fascination, devoted Love
Chrysanthemum Imagine, chrysanthemums have been cultivated in Chinese gardens for almost 3000 years! The name chrysanthemum comes from
Greek chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower). Today some of
meanings associated with this flower are: innocence, cheerfulness and loyal love. Meanings: cheerfulness, innocence
Dahlias The dahlia is
national flower of Mexico and this is also its birthplace. An old Aztec document states that
Aztecs used dahlias as a treatment for epilepsy. Only in
19th century did
flower come to Europe where it was bred and cultivated into today's varieties. Meanings: dignity, elegance
Iris Did you know that there are so many different varieties of iris that they can be grown wild year round, in water and on land? Iris was most significant in history as
emblem of France -- Fleur-de-Lis -- established in
11th century by
king of France. Today, it is
state flower of Tennessee and its meanings are faith, hope and wisdom. Meanings: faith, hope, wisdom
Lilies Lilies have been associated with many ancient myths. They are mentioned in
Old Testament, and in
New Testament, and symbolize chastity and virtue. Even today, lilies are associated with purity and faith.
Meanings: purity, faith Peruvian lilies or alstroemeria are named after
Swedish botanist Baron Klas von Alstroemer. He brought
flower seeds back from a trip to South America in
18th century. Meanings: friendship, devotion
Calla lilies were first imported from South Africa to America in
mid-nineteenth century. The waxy white blooms and spearheaded leaves of
calla lily stand for radiant beauty and sophistication. Meanings: sophistication, beauty