The Language of Flowers: What Do They MeanWe use flowers as gestures and symbols to communicate with our dear ones. Whether it’s a birthday or a funeral, or a deep love for someone, we express our emotions through flowers. Flowers have taken on a special meaning because we can send all kinds of messages with flowers. For example, blue salvia will indicate ‘I think of you’. The real flower meaning, of course, will be up to the person giving it and the one receiving it. Here’s a list of flowers and what they symbolize. Acacia – Secret loveAmbrosia – Love returnedAmaryllis – Pride or splendid beautyAnemone – Unfading love (on a positive note it symbolizes anticipation)Aster – Love and daintinessAzalea – Fragile passion (it’s also a Chinese symbol of womanhood) Anthurium – Hospitality (indicates happiness and abundance)Aster – PatienceBlue bell – Delicacy and humilityRed carnation – Love and admirationPink carnation – Love of a womanPurple carnation – CapriciousnessYellow carnation – Disdain or rejection White carnation – Innocence and pure loveChrysanthemum – Fidelity and optimism, ‘You’re a wonderful friend’Daffodil – Regard and chivalry (a single daffodil indicates misfortune and a bunch of daffodils indicates joy and happiness)Daisy – Indicates loyal love and ‘I’ll never tell’ Gardenia – Secret loveGerbera – CheerfulnessGladiolus – Strength of character, ‘I’m sincere’Purple hyacinth – SorrowYellow hyacinth – Jealousy Hydrangea – Heartfelt emotions or gratitude, funeral flowersPurple Iris – Wisdom Blue Iris – Faith and hope Yellow Iris – PassionWhite lilac – Innocence and humility Purple lilac – First love White lily – Modesty and virginityOrange lily – PassionYellow lily – GaietyLotus – Mystery and truthMarigold – Affection or grief Marjoram – Comfort and consolationPansy – Thoughtful recollectionPeony – Healing, happy marriage or lifeDark pink rose – Thank youLight pink rose – AdmirationRed rose – Love and desireYellow rose – Friendship, ‘Welcome back’ or ‘Remember me’Spider flower – ‘Elope with me’Sunflower – Homage and devotionSweet basil – Good luckTulip – Declaration of loveViolet – Modesty and simplicityYarrow – HealingZinnia – Lasting affection References:Katz SR, Newman RA, Lansky EP. Punica granatum: heuristic treatment for diabetes mellitus. J Med Food. 2007 Jun;10(2):213-7.Chen HN, Hsieh CL. Effects of Sophora japonica flowers (Huaihua) on cerebral infarction. Chin Med. 2010 Sep 27;5:34.The Flower Workshop in psychosocial rehabilitation: a pilot study - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19148821) Published on Mar 01, 2011Last Updated on Sep 25, 2020
