Every flower has a vastly different meaning, and sometimes, even the various colours of the same type of flower can mean completely different things.
The following looks at some of the meanings behind popular flower choices to help you decide on which to purchase:
The Pansy and White Carnations
The pansy has long been used to stand for a declaration of loyalty, and is an especially popular choice among young lovers in the early stages of their relationship. The pansy is also the traditional flower given to mark the first wedding anniversary.
These gorgeous flowers are a central part of every traditional Mother’s Day gift basket, and represent the qualities of strength and purity. White carnations also represent innocence and faithfulness, as well as good luck.
The Daffodil and the Gladiolus
The daffodil – the national flower of Wales and of those born in the month of March –signifiesrebirth and new beginnings, as well as eternal life. The meaning of giving daffodils varies depending on how many you give, with a single daffodil representing misfortune, whereas a bunch represents joy and happiness. It is also the traditional flower given to mark the 10th anniversary of marriage.
It’s blade-shaped leaves give this impressive flower its name, and to give it means you are absolutely infatuated with a person, and that they have pierced your heart, as though with a sword. The Gladiolus also embodies strength of character and sincerity, and has long been referred to as the ‘flower of the Gladiators’.
The Violet and the Lily of the Valley
The violet represents modesty, innocence and faithfulness, and is the traditional flower given to mark 15 years of marriage. Violets were also used in ancient Greece to help calm tempers, and even induce sleep.
Legend has it that when Eve was kicked out of the Garden of Eden, the tears she shed became these gorgeous flowers. Lily of the Valley represents purity of heart, humility and happiness, and some even view these beautiful flowers as offering protection against evil spirits. It is also the flower of those whose birth month is May.
The Iris and the Paperwhite
The Iris is the national flower of France, and symbolisesfaith, hope, valour, passion and wisdom, as well as being the traditional flower representing 25 years of marriage. Each colour of the Iris means something different too, with the blue Iris representing faith, purple meaning wisdom, yellow denoting passion and the white Iris signifiespurity.
Giving these flowers makes your intentions very clear, as this gorgeous flower has long been considered an aphrodisiac due to its enchanting and intoxicating smell.
The Orchid and the Sunflower
This delicate flower stands for rare beauty and refinement, and in Chinese culture, it is the symbol for having many children. The orchid is also the traditional flower marking 28 years of marriage.
This bright and cheerful flower signifies devotion and adoration, and this meaning comes from the devoted way that sunflowers will track the sun throughout the day, and will always face the direction of the most light. To give sunflowers to someone is saying that you will follow them anywhere, just as the sunflowers follow the sun.
