10 Flowers That Represent Freedom

Flowers are a beautiful gesture to give to someone on any special occasion. However, each flower has a specific meaning and symbolism, making them unique. After writing this article, I understand why certain flowers are placed together in a bouquet. Each flower listed in this article originates somewhere in the world, and all represent freedom! Freedom can appear different for everyone. It can mean letting something go, breaking free of a burden, or taking back independence!

1. Nerine

The Nerine flower symbolizes freedom and good fortune. This flower drifted on the seas from South Africa, washing up on the Island of Guernsey Shores. In Greek mythology, Nerines or Nereids were the nymph offspring of Nereus, the sea God. This pink and violet flower is sensitive to cold weather. Nerines is also called the Guernsey lily because it thrives well on the English Channel Island of Guernsey.

2. Strelitzia

The Strelitzia flower represents freedom, independence, and the immortality of man. The flower obtained its name from a naturalist who became Queen of England in 1761. Strelitzia is also known as the bird of paradise flower because it resembles a tropical bird’s beak. It is also known as the crane flower because of its exotic, tropical appearance. This Strelitzia grows in Southern Africa and Cape Province but was introduced in England in 1773.

3. Freesia

In the Victorian language, freesia resembles trust, innocence, freedom, and independence. A German physician, Friedrick Heinrich Theodore Freese, discovered the flower and thus how the flower got its name. The Freesia flower is native to the eastern side of Southern Africa. This beautiful flower comes in white, cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, mauve, and purple. This flower thrives in hardiness Zones nine and ten.

4. Milkweed

The milkweed flower has its name because it releases milky fluid from its stem or leaves if damaged. The flower’s genus name, Asclepias, is derived from the son of the Greek god Apollo. In Greek mythology, Asclepias had the power to raise the dead, which is why the milkweed plant is associated with freedom and independence.

5. Dandelion

Dandelions symbolize becoming free from things that try to enslave us. It also represents the release of the past and living in the present. Religious and Ancient tribes believed dandelions had healing properties because the forming seeds help detox the body and improve cholesterol levels. The dandelion thrives in North America, Northern Europe, and Asia. This flower is the first sign of spring and is utilized by bees for nectar. The flower is yellow at first but then turns into a bundle of globe-shaped seed heads that are soft and white. Dandelions can produce 20,000 seeds!

6. Tulips

The tulip is native to Central Asia and Turkey. After World War ll, the Netherlands shared thousands of tulip bulbs with Canada to thank them for assisting them during the war. Because of this gesture, tulips represent freedom! Eighty percent of tulips are grown in the Netherlands. These vibrant flowers come in many colors, shapes, and sizes.

7. Sunflower

The sunflower played a role in the Greek mythology feud between Apollo and Clytie. Clytie was buried alive and turned into a sunflower by a nymph. No wonder why these flowers are so big! The beautiful sunflower represents joy and the desire for freedom. This flower is useful for fodder, yellow dye, seeds, and oil. This large flower is native to North and South America.

8. Yellow Roses

Roses come in many colors; however, the yellow rose represents freedom from following crowds or trends. The yellow rose is also unique because they do not have a scent, unlike the other colors. This rose was discovered during the 18th century and originated in the Middle East.

9. Edelweiss

The Edelweiss is a mountain flower that symbolizes freedom and independence. The 10th Special Forces Group of Airborne Soldiers of the United States Army has adopted this unique flower. Edelweiss serves as a national symbol on their uniforms. The German Army also wears the flower symbol on the left sides of their hats, whereas Australia wears it on the rear side of their hats. Edelweiss was associated with the Alps people’s purity and patriotic mindsets.

10. Lily

White lilies represent the rejuvenation of the soul and starting over. The red, orange, and yellow lilies represent freedom and independence. The lily flower grows in tropical areas of Europe, Asia, and North America. The word lily derives from the Latin word lilium.

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