Stop To Smell The Roses: Modern Flower Symbolism

The funny thing about flowers is that we find them everywhere, but we never choose to learn anything more about them. Scientifically, their history, where they came from- but flowers have a long and tangled relationship with human beings. 

When you think of flowers, how likely is it that you first thought of the rose? Used on valentines day to signify love, the rose originated in central Asia before spreading through the rest of the world. While the red rose is used most often, the rose comes in many different shades, and each shade represents different feelings. Unlike roses, which grow on bushes, sunflowers grow in fields and are tall, far taller than people. Due to this height, they have been associated with haughtiness and pride, but when no sun is out, this flower turns to a friend to search for sun. A smaller flower, but still a common favorite, the daisy originated in Europe and parts of Asia, and came to represent innocence and hope, which are also commonly associated with the color white, the petal color of daisies. Daisies are small flowers, so they are not often in bouquets, but are found in different variations, especially as wildflowers. Daffodils are a common flower as well, and along with many other yellow flowers, represent desperate, unrequited love. They originated in Spain and Portugal, and are now grown for bouquets. 

Many flowers found in a floristry shop did not originate in the area they are sold in. Flowers are native to different areas, and some are picky in conditions while others have no preference for where they settle. This is certainly true for the dandelion, a weed, and a clever, clever flower. The dandelion originated in Europe and Asia, and has since spread all throughout the world. It is regarded unkindly due to its ability to settle anywhere, but one could argue that that is the true appeal of the dandelion: its ability to settle, spread, and dream it can be anywhere. Blow a dandelion tuft full of seeds, send them off, and make a wish that is bound to come true. Dandelions themselves signify faithfulness and happiness, which is a contrast to the meanings of other yellow flowers. Another commonly seen plant is the clover, in empty fields, we can see it lining the ground, and it signifies the thoughts of another person. 

A delicately beautiful wildflower we see often in Illinois is Queen Anne’s lace, with a cluster of small white flowers adorning the top. This flower means haven, sanctuary, complexity, and delicateness, things that go along with not only the structure, but the white color of the flowers themselves. Illinois’ state flower is the violet and can be found as a wildflower. This small purple flower signifies humility, devotion, faithfulness, and forgiveness, and as a purple flower, it has a history of being associated with royalty and religion. Marigold, another yellow flower, is a stubborn wildflower that repels rabbits. It represents despair, grief, and jealousy, a fascinating contrast to the small, unassuming bloom it seems to be. While tall sunflowers signify haughtiness, dwarf sunflowers signify adoration due to their height, always looking up. Coreopsis, otherwise known as tickseed, may sound unfamiliar, but one is sure to recognize its small yellow flower, usually with multiple petals in a sun-like formation, sometimes with red hues bleeding into yellow from the center. This wildflower means always cheerful, a beautiful meaning for the little flower. 

Violets originated as a symbol of love between two women with the poet Sappho, from the island of Lesbos. Her appreciation for nature caused her to mention flowers, and associate the violet with her work with and desire for women. In addition to the violet signifying love between two women, the carnation was taken up as a symbol of followers of Oscar Wilde and came to represent the love between two men. After Wilde instructed a group of friends to wear them to the opening night of a production, wearing a green carnation was adopted to represent that a person was a man who loved other men. Negatively, the pansy was associated with queer men and used as a derogatory term in the early 20th century, which allowed the pansy to become associated with queer history. Flowers have often been associated with effeminate and delicate things, and therefore with the queer community due to outside views of the community and the simple, queer joy of loving flowers. 

There’s always more to learn about flowers and what they have done for humanity. Look out for flowers when you’re outside, take pictures, learn about them, and don’t forget to appreciate their place in nature. 

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