Violet Flowers: Meaning, Symbolism, and Proper Occasions

Violets are pretty common flowers. Even if you don’t consider yourself a “flower fan,” you probably know what a violet is. After all, they have a whole color named after them!

These delicate blossoms have captivated hearts and minds for centuries, finding their way into gardens, art, literature, and rituals across the globe. Beyond their enchanting beauty, violet flowers hold a depth of meaning and symbolism that has been complicated by centuries of history.

Before you plant violets in your garden or give them to someone as a gift, it’s important to understand the symbolism behind these beautiful flowers. In this article, we’ll discuss exactly what the symbolism of these flowers are, as well as the color they represent.

The Meaning of Violet Flowers

As you might expect, the meaning of these flowers depends on who you ask. Different cultures had different ideas about what this flower represented, and all of those have bled into the modern meaning.

Violets were revered by the ancient Greeks and Romans. They believed violets symbolized love and fertility. The myth of Ion and Apollo’s love affair is often connected to violets. Therefore, the flower played a key mythological role.

In the Victorian era, the meanings behind flowers really began to take off. It was during this time when the “language of flowers” became a thing. Violets were no exception and were tied to modesty. However, they were also given to others with different flowers to represent “hidden meanings.”

Today, they are often associated with modesty and humility. This derives from the Victorian meaning. Their unassuming appearance and delicate scent is thought to be why this meaning was given to them.

Violet flowers are often seen as a symbol of faithfulness and loyalty in relationships. Gifting violets can convey a message of unwavering commitment and devotion. This meaning comes from the Greek and Roman meanings, specifically.

Sometimes, violets are often linked to remembrance and nostalgia. They are sometimes used to honor those who have passed away, especially if they were lovers of something of that sort.

Violets hold significance in various spiritual and religious traditions, too. For example, they are associated with humility and devotion in Christianity, and in Hinduism, they are offered to deities as a sign of reverence.

Symbolism of Violet Flowers

Violet flowers possess a remarkable versatility when it comes to symbolism, making them a favorite choice for artists, writers, and those seeking to convey deeper meanings. Of course, how the flower is used really matters, as they do have many different meanings.

Violet flowers are featured prominently in literature and art. They are often used to symbolize love, innocence, and beauty. Using flowers in this way was very popular during Victorian times, as this is when the language of flowers was the most popular.

In Christianity, violets are sometimes associated with the Virgin Mary’s humility and purity. In Buddhism, violet lotus flowers represent spiritual enlightenment. Understanding the role of violets in these contexts can deepen our appreciation for their symbolism. In many cases, figuring out exactly what symbolism the author meant when using a violet flower is extremely important to understand the deeper meaning of the text.

Floriography is where much of the symbolism of flowers comes from today. The Victorian era saw widespread use of flowers to convey messages, and violets were used for this. Today, much of their symbolism comes from this.

Proper Occasions for Gifting Violet Flowers

Violet flowers are often well-suited for a variety of occasions. However, there are a lot of contexts that are important here. Your relationship with the person matters, too, for instance.

For example, violet flowers are an excellent choice for celebrating milestones like birthdays and anniversaries, especially if you want to convey sentiments of loyalty, love, and commitment. They’re a good option for your significant other, but maybe not your mother!

These flowers also work well for funerals and memorial ceremonies if you are particularly close to the person. For instance, this works well for your significant other but maybe not for a coworker.

Violet flowers can be incorporated into wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces. They symbolize love and faithfulness, making them a meaningful addition to wedding celebrations. However, they’re also just beautiful, so many people use them at other times, too.

The style of the arrangement also matters. For instance, a simple bouquet of modesty may symbolize modesty, but more elaborate arrangements can symbolize love instead. Pairing violets with other blooms can also help make their meaning clear. Combining them with roses can make it clear that you’re meaning to symbolize love, as an example.