In many cultures or societies, there is a belief that certain things can bring peace to a person, a place, or an entire family. This is also true about flowers, too. Different flowers can mean many things. Roses mean love, but what about the rest of them? There are 15 amazing flowers that symbolize family. Which ones are they? Let’s explore each of them.
Note: This is important to say that the following article is not scientifically proven. Some statements are seen as myths, part of tall tales told from generation to generation, or cultural traditions steeped in folklore or history.
Azalea
Many cultures associate the azalea as an important flower, with several Asian countries throwing azalea festivals during the spring. In terms of symbolism, azaleas represent family and unity. These flowers can grow in clusters, which enhances the meaning of staying close to family. They also represent unions that should last, which is believed to be with family or your true love.
Queen Anne’s lace
Native to specific temperature regions in Europe and southwest Asia, Queen Anne’s lace is also known as the European wild carrot. This tiny flower with white buds symbolizes sanctuary, which is what a family can represent. Family is the epitome of your comfort zone and safe space.
Orange blossom
The orange blossom isn’t actually orange, it’s white, but it gives off a citrus aroma when you smell it. The flower symbolizes fertility which can equate to having a fruitful and abundant family. In the Victorian Era, it was a popular flower to have at weddings. Likewise, China, India, and Persia would use orange blossoms in weddings.
Hydrangea
Hydrangea is a diverse flower of many colors, ranging from blue to purple, with greater diversity in Asia. Hydrangeas symbolize family, especially in Japan, where they also symbolize grace and harmony. Having a harmonious home is important for all families. It is a flower that means understanding and heartfelt emotions, so it can also be used as an apology flower.
Chrysanthemum
This flower has “mum” in its name, making it obvious that chrysanthemums mean family. The flower can symbolize family unity and fidelity, which is important for couples. It is a flower that embodies loyalty and faithfulness. Next time you cross your path with a chrysanthemum, grab a bouquet for your partner to ensure you’re faithful and that your relationship means the world to you.
Buttercup
These cute, small yellow flowers can brighten up any room. They can provide lots of cheer to anyone sad about relationships or other goings-on in their lives. This flower is perfect to give to a family member or someone you love. Buttercups can be found in the wilderness and are perennial flowers.
Gardenia
Gardenia flowers are usually associated with purity and children, making them perfect to have at baby showers. In many cultures, they can also represent long-lasting unions such as marriages or partnerships. In France, men would usually wear gardenias as their boutonniere on special occasions.
Daisy
These are cute, little, white, and yellow flowers that originated in Europe. There are also red daisies, too. These delicate flowers symbolize unity and family, as well as dependability. And it’s true, daisies are one of the few dependable and stable flowers that grow anywhere. Even in its scientific name, Bellis perennis, you can spot the word perennis, which means everlasting.
Iris
There are over three hundred species of this flower and they range in colors from blue and yellow to purple and pink. These elegant flowers are often depicted in coats of arms, but they can also symbolize unity and family. Iris is a symbol of strength, which conveys the tight family unit that is unbreakable.
Carnation
Many colors of carnations can symbolize several things. For example, red carnations mean respect. Pink carnations mean a mother’s pure love, white white carnations are usually associated with purity. Carnations make a perfect gift for mothers on their special day. China associated carnations with love and long-lasting unions, which was the reason they used them at weddings.
Tulip
Tulips are beautiful flowers that can be found all over the world. In the Netherlands, there are fields of tulips that bloom in spring. Tulips are flowers that symbolize love, so the next time you find yourself showing affection to your partner, you can buy them tulips to signify your love toward them.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine. Furthermore, they symbolize dedication and the essence of family. This is why Ukranians hold the sunflower in such high regard when fighting for their country against their Russian invaders. When it comes to family, showing your dedication to another member is a perfect way to show you love them.
Peony
Native to China, peonies can be found all over the world and in many different colors. These beautiful flowers represent familial prosperity, as well as a symbol of a happy marriage. So if you want a prosperous new chapter in your life, peonies are a good flower to get.
Poppy
The poppy is a beautiful flower that comes in various colors, however, the red and golden poppies are more well-known. The flower is a symbol of motherhood, most likely it is related to the Greek goddess Demeter, who is the goddess of harvest. All of this makes the poppy the main symbol of mothers and the togetherness of a family unit.
Geranium
Geraniums are beautiful flowers that come in many colors like purple, and pink. It is a quintessential flower that symbolizes fertility and family. Also, the strength of the geranium can mean that families need to be strong and stable.
Conclusion
There are flowers for every occasion and event and there are flowers that symbolize different things. If you believe that a certain flower can bring you peace or offer you rebirth, then all the power to you! And if you want to show that you love your family, then the next time you pass by a flower shop, ask the florist for a bouquet of poppies.
If some of your family members don’t appreciate the effort you put in to make the flower arrangements at your next family reunion, take comfort that they will make great centerpieces on your dining room table. They will also provide a more relaxing, colorful atmosphere at home.
15 Flowers That Symbolize Family
Number | Flower | Scientific Name |
---|---|---|
1 | Azalea | Rhododendron |
2 | Queen Anne’s lace | Daucus carota |
3 | Orange blossom | Citrus aurantium var. amara |
4 | Hydrangea | Hydrangea macrophylla |
5 | Chrysanthemum | Chrysanthemum |
6 | Buttercup | Ranunculus |
7 | Gardenia | Gardenia jasminoides |
8 | Daisy | Bellis perennis |
9 | Iris | Iris |
10 | Carnation | Dianthus caryophyllus |
11 | Tulip | Tulipa |
12 | Sunflower | Helianthus |
13 | Peony | Paeonia |
14 | Poppy | Papaver |
15 | Geranium | Geranium |
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sumikophoto/Shutterstock.com
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