The Symbolism of Flowers: 9 Flowers Explained
This week, the Sessile editorial team invites you to discover the symbolism behind 10 very popular flowers. While you probably already know that the rose is the quintessential flower of passionate love, we’ll tell you more about poppies, lilies, and daisies!
The Rose
As is well known, the rose symbolizes budding and passionate love. The quintessential flower of passion, it is often seen in the arms of young lovers. It is especially popular on Valentine's Day.
The Peony
The peony is one of the most beautiful flowers there is, with its full petals and vibrant colors. In some Eastern cultures, particularly in China, it can symbolize honor and royalty. In the West, it’s a little different! On the contrary, the peony represents modesty and shyness: in mythology, nymphs used it to conceal their curves. After all, don’t we say, “red as a peony”?
I find my bouquet of seasonal flowers
Lily of the Valley
As you know, lily of the valley is considered a good-luck charm…That’s why it’s traditionally given on May 1 to bring good luck and attract success in both career and love!
The Tulip
Tulips were extremely prized in the 17th century—so much so that their bulbs could be traded for a house! Speculation was so rampant that it triggered one of the first economic crises in history. Still very much in vogue today, the tulip symbolizes lasting and unwavering love.
The Iris
It takes its name from the Greek goddess who served as the messenger of the gods and was believed to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. Consequently, the iris has a very deep symbolic connection to the heavens: in Greece, purple irises were used to adorn women’s graves and help them on their journey to paradise.
The White Lily
The white lily, with its elegant shape, exudes an air of luxury and splendor. Considered the queen of flowers in ancient Greece, the lily has long been the symbolic flower of the kings of France. As a Marian symbol, it represents purity and harmony. Giving white lilies is therefore a way of declaring the purity and sincerity of one’s love.
The Buttercup
With its full, lush form, the buttercup is often associated with splendor and luxury. It is often given as a gift to win over a loved one!
The Daisy
The daisy is another unpredictable element in floral arrangements. With its delicate appearance and the fragility it conveys, it is, naturally, a symbol of purity and innocence.
The Poppy
Poppies, with their silky petals, evoke an atmosphere of calm, serenity, and rest; the poppy can also symbolize the concept of forgetting. This symbolism dates back to Greek mythology, where Morpheus, the god of sleep, is said to have given poppies to Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, to help her sleep after her daughter Persephone was abducted, bringing her peace and rest.
Jasmine
The jasmine flower is also associated with love; but while the rose symbolizes a budding, passionate love, and the hibiscus an intense yet fleeting love, the jasmine, on the other hand, symbolizes a tender love. In Eastern cultures, it also symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
