The Lily, a flower of passion, rebirth and purity
Unlike most other flowers, the perennial lily is never asleep. The strength and beauty of this international flower has taken root in cultures around the world. With such an elegant appearance, it's no surprise that the flower signifies royalty, rebirth and purity.
There are hundreds of true lilies, but they all fall under the genus Lilium.
Lilium is a Latin term derived from the Greek term leirion, a word that takes us back through many civilizations to one of the earliest words for the flower. This shows the importance of the fleur-de-lis through centuries and millennia.
Both the Greeks and the Romans held the lily in very high regard, including it in dozens of their religious myths and cultivating it intensely. The alchemists considered it a lunar plant with feminine qualities, while in China the lily is in great demand for weddings because its name sounds like the beginning of a sentence wishing the couple a happy union for a century. And don't forget the enduring sign of European royalty known as the "fleur-de-lis." Common today on silverware or wallpaper, this decorative floral design symbolizes a majestic allure and was loosely inspired by a member of the lily family.
White lilies are an obvious symbol of purity, especially since many Christian denominations use the white lily to represent the Virgin Mary. The pink flower known as the Stargazer lily is one of the most popular flowers for bouquets these days, and it signifies ambition and encouragement in the face of a difficult challenge. Yellow and gold lilies most often symbolize good health and healing while bright red flowers evoke passion and are perfect for wedding or marriage proposal bouquets.
The Camellia, symbol of longevity, fidelity and happiness
This flower speaks to the heart and expresses positive feelings. Among the most common meanings are passion, refinement, perfection and excellence, loyalty and longevity.
Etymological meaning of the camellia flower
Like many flowers, the camellia is both the scientific and common name for this magnificent flower. Its name comes from Father Georg Joseph Kamel when Carl Linnaeus, creator of the taxonomy, standardized plant names in 1753. Ironically, Kamel, who was a botanist, did not work on the camellia itself.
Camellia Flower Symbolism
The camellia flower has a rich history, including its inclusion in the secret gardens of Chinese emperors.
In China, the camellia flower is highly respected there and is often considered the national flower of the south of the country. It symbolizes young boys and girls.
In Japan, the camellia flower is called “Tsubaki” and symbolizes the divine. Often used in religious and sacred ceremonies, it also represents the arrival of spring.
In Korea, it is a symbol of loyalty and longevity. It has been part of traditional wedding ceremonies since 1200 BC.
The camellia is native to Japan and China and has been part of their culture for thousands of years. In fact, the Chinese were already cultivating it in 2737 BC. These shrubs did not arrive in Europe until the middle of the 17th century and in the United States just before the end of the century. This evergreen shrub produces an abundance of showy flowers against a dark green background. It generally measures between 1.5 and 5 m but can go up to 7 m if you don't prune it regularly. The flower looks like a rose and can be single or double.
Meaning of camellia colors
The camellia's message depends in part on its color. Here are the common meanings of its flower colors.
White camellias signify purity, the love between a mother and her child, or even mourning if used at funerals. Presented to a man, it is supposed to bring good luck.
Pink camellias signify envy. Red camellias are synonymous with passion or desire.
Jasmine, a flower of love, beauty and prosperity
The jasmine flower is native to the tropical regions of Asia, but it can currently be grown all over the world. Although the tropical jasmine flower cannot be grown in temperate regions, some modern growers are able to do so. Some cultivated species are also sold as houseplants. Many gardeners plant jasmine in their flower gardens or grow it in pots on decks or patios to scent the night air.
Most species of jasmine have very fragrant white flowers, but some species have yellow or pink flowers and some are even lacking in fragrance.
Jasmine flower is used as a fragrance in cosmetics, including perfumes, soaps, and lotions, and is even used to add its signature intoxicating scent to jasmine tea.
Jasmine flower buds are used in medicine for the treatment of skin and eye diseases, while the leaves are used to treat breast tumors.
Jasmine is a popular flower whose meaning is often associated with love and romance. Its flamboyant white flowers and heavenly scent are ideal for moon gardens where lovers would spend time whispering sweet nothings under the stars.
Jasmine flower is associated with love, beauty and sensuality. In some cultures, the jasmine flower is a symbol of prosperity and luck.
The jasmine flower belongs to the "Jasminum" family and includes more than 200 species, most of which are native to tropical and subtropical regions. Its name comes from the ancient Persian “ Yasmin ” which means “ Gift of God ”.
Jasmine is the national flower of Pakistan. During wedding ceremonies, the newlyweds wear garlands of white jasmine and red roses. Bouquets of jasmine flowers and roses are also used to celebrate special events such as burial ceremonies (meaning the last farewell).
In the Philippines, participants in religious ceremonies wear jasmine garlands, while in Indonesia, jasmine is always present in wedding ceremonies. In Thailand, jasmine is synonymous with maternal love and respect. In the United States, jasmine symbolizes beauty, love and romance.
The acanthus, symbol of control and overcoming the trials of life
The acanthus is the symbol of control and overcoming the trials of life, especially because of its thorns and its vigor.
Acanthus (Akantha) was a nymph. Apollo, god of the sun, wanted to take her away and she scratched him in the face. In revenge, he transformed her into a thorny plant that loves the sun, and which bears his name ever since.
In the language of flowers, acanthus does not mean "nothing can separate us." »
But the acanthus leaf is best known for being the motif used by the Greeks on the graceful Corinthian column.
Indeed, its flared shape, decorated with deeply cut, flexible and undulating leaves, which characterizes the Corinthian capital, made its appearance in Egypt, Assyria and other Eastern countries, before being adopted by the Greeks. These purified and enriched the pre-existing types, while applying them to a new order of architecture.
If the soft Acanthus leaf (Acanthus mollis) inspired Greek and Roman artists, it also inspired those of the Renaissance and Modern Times by imitation of Antiquity.
By Camille MARTINOT-LAGARDE
September 12, 2022