Flowers speak a universal language. Not only do they offer inherent beauty, but they help us communicate sentiments and mark celebrations and important life moments. Each flower carries a unique meaning and ancient symbolism.
Blooms have been cherished for centuries as messengers of love, hope, passion and devotion. From the simple rose that bloomed along Aphrodite’s path to the garlands in Homer’s Odyssey welcoming heroes home. Flowers hold timeless tales, and the right flower can tell a story that’s unique to your own journey.
Here are seven romantic flowers and their unique meanings:
Snapdragon:The Bloom of Grace and Strength
This flower’s very name evokes a sense of power and strength. Snapdragon is said to resemble the mouth of a dragon, and in many European cultures, it’s believed that this bloom holds supernatural powers. Ancient legends speak of a flower that’s able to ward off curses, while modern legends tell of a flower that’s the epitome of strength and grace.
Its whimsical, dragon-like shape invites playful interpretations, making it a perfect addition for couples looking to share their spirited natures. If you’re incorporating this bloom into your wedding day, it’s a wonderful addition for bouquets, pairing beautifully with roses or peonies to create a romantic, textured composition.
Red Rose: The Undisputed Symbol of Love
There’s no flower that so perfectly encapsulates the expression ‘I love you’ quite like red roses. No bloom has quite the recognition that a red rose does, and it remains the quintessential emblem of romance, timeless in its beauty and meaning. In ancient Greece, red roses were associated with the Greek and Roman Goddess of love. It’s no wonder then that this flower has gone on to evoke feelings of deep love, unravelling passion and unwavering devotion.
Throughout history, red roses were often placed on tombs as symbols of eternal love. This meaning has endured, carried tenderly throughout the years, going on to capture the imaginations of romantics. Whether you’re incorporating this bloom into your wedding day or impressing someone on Valentine’s Day, it’s a flower that pairs well with greens, giving it a modern yet timeless look.
Carnation:The Language of Admiration and Devotion
These long-lasting flowers remain beautiful for days after being cut, so perhaps it’s unsurprising that these fluffy flowers are symbolic of enduring affection. Carnations have a fascinating history that spans nearly 2000 years, having been discovered as far back as ancient Rome. The beauty of carnations has endured through the ages, with many famous Renaissance painters using the carnation flower in their engagement scenes in the 15th and 16th century.
Their soft, ruffled petals have certainly inspired countless love stories, inspiring devotion along the way. Through centuries, carnations have come to be known as the flower of devotion, love and distinction, making it a timeless addition to weddings and floral arrangements crafted for special moments. This is a versatile bloom, its unique petals lending a soft, romantic touch to bouquets and arrangements.
Tulip: A Timeless Declaration of Perfect Love
Tulips are beloved for their unique beauty and deep symbolic meaning, which has been intertwined into history and folklore. In Persian mythology, tulips are considered the flower of eternal love and are often associated with the legend of the sculptor Farhad, who fell deeply in love with the princess Shirin. Unfortunately, their love was fraught with obstacles, including the jealousy and interference of King Khosrow, who also desired Shirin. Driven by love, Farhad laboured tirelessly, cutting through the rocks of a mountain and making a stream flow through to the place. Yet heartbreak struck when he was falsely told that Shirin had died. Overcome with grief, Farhad died, and from the spots where his blood touched the earth, red tulips are said to have sprung.
While this bloom is often associated with deep and perfect love, its brief blooming season also provides us a gentle reminder to appreciate the fleeting beauty of the present moment. Tulips are celebrated for their vibrant array of colours, each one holding its own unique meaning. Yellow tulips symbolise cheerfulness and hope, red tulips evoke passion and eternal love, while blue tulips inspire tranquility and inner peace. These are elegant blooms that offer a classic touch to any floral arrangement, including wedding bouquets for those cooler months.
Peony:The Flower of Romance and Prosperity
The Peony has a beautiful story rooted in Greece, one that perfectly embodies the romance and healing strength of this bloom. Long ago, Paeon, a skilled healer among the gods, discovered the secret of the peony root. From it, he extracted a milky liquid with the power to heal, using it to cure Pluto. The act of saving the god stirred up envy in the god of medicine, who grew jealous and sought to get rid of Paeon.
In the face of danger, it was Zeus who came to Paeon’s aid. In a gesture of protection and admiration, the king of gods transformed Paeon into a peony flower, ensuring that his healing spirit and gentle courage would bloom for all eternity.
Throughout the ages, the peony’s symbolic meaning of strength and healing has evolved to include prosperity, good luck, love and honour. Their lush, dramatic petals have gone on to inspire countless couples to express grand gestures of love. While in the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, these blooms are also cherished for their ability to attract love and romance.
Beyond love and devotion, this flower has been known to live and flourish in gardens for nearly 100 years, demonstrating another symbolic meaning – longevity. Beloved by bridal couples, this flower’s lush, romantic petals create a mesmerising focal point in bouquets and table arrangements alike.
Orchid: Elegance and Desire in Full Bloom
The delicate beauty of orchids are unmatched. It’s a flower that embodies beauty, luxury and charm, representing wealth and prosperity in many cultures, including China and Japan. Its timeless beauty has captivated the imaginations of numerous cultures across the world, finding its place in stories, ceremonies, and celebrations throughout the decades.
This graceful bloom embodies love and beauty, harmony and spirituality, luxury and elegance, meanings woven into the fabric of history and celebrated across cultures. While not a typical choice for events or weddings, this flower’s minimalist design makes it wonderfully versatile, which can be paired with soft roses for a lush, organic atmosphere.
Sweet Peas: Whispers of Blissful Memories
Sweet Peas have a delicate and airy appearance that stirs the imagination. Some people say they resemble ruffled feathers, while others may say they look like tiny butterflies ready to take flight. Whatever it reminds you of, these sweet flowers offer a delightful fragrance that enchants all who encounter it. This is a bloom that’s long been associated with gratitude and blissful pleasure, a fitting meaning when you consider its fragrance evokes a sense of happiness and serenity.
These blooms were historically used in love letters and secret bouquets to convey delicate longings. Even today, Sweet Peas carry whispers of blissful memories for all who encounter their gentle fragrance and petals. Delicate, nostalgic, and steeped in memory, this flower carries the whispers of romance, a sentiment preserved in its symbolism. It’s a playful bloom that can be beautifully incorporated into events and weddings, especially when paired with greenery for a flowing bouquet that offers a hint of magic.
Your Story, Told with Flowers
From ancient myths to modern weddings, flowers have been love messengers for centuries. Whether you’re celebrating special moments or honouring love, finding the perfect bloom has the ability to evoke feelings of boldness, purity, devotion and passion.
Templem curates each arrangement with intention, pairing seasonal beauty with meaning design that tells your unique story through the language of flowers. Blooms are more than their visual beauty, they craft moments, carry meaning, and leave memories that weave through past, present, and future.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating an anniversary or trying to create a magical moment, let Templem help you find the perfect flowers that carry the perfect message and symbolism for your intentions.
