The Peony: Symbolism and Meaning
Every spring, it lights up florists’ displays with its extravagant beauty and warms the hearts of mothers on Mother’s Day. Fascinating, hypnotic, mysterious… The peony holds deep and powerful symbolism. The editorial team at Sessile.fr reveals the hidden meaning behind these flowers, which are emblematic of feminine beauty.
The Symbolism of the Peony: Between Myths and Legends
Brought to Europe from China by the German botanist Peter Pallas, the herbaceous peony first appeared in Europe in the late 18th century. It is associated with various legends and myths around the world, and its symbolism varies from one culture to another.
The Symbolism of the Peony in Greek Mythology
Etymologically, the name “peony” is derived from the Greek word “Paeon,” a physician who was a disciple of Asclepius, the god of medicine. According to legend, the young physician had discovered a remedy to alleviate women’s suffering during childbirth—which did not fail to irritate his teacher, who was jealous of his disciple’s talent. The god Zeus is said to have saved him from certain death by transforming him into a peony! In honor of Paeon, the plant with medicinal properties was named Paeonia.
The Symbolism of the Peony in Chinese Beliefs
In China, the peony is a symbol of wealth, good fortune, and prosperity. According to Chinese legend, peonies were considered the “Queens of Flowers” and were associated with Yang Guifei, the goddess of beauty, love, and femininity. According to popular belief, peonies bloomed abundantly in the garden of this ancient Chinese beauty.
The Symbolism of the Peony in Japanese Mythology
In Japan, the peony is associated with nobility, masculinity, and bravery. The Pentecost Rose is often depicted in Japanese art, particularly in ukiyo-e prints, and is considered a flower of great value and beauty.
I find my bouquet of peonies
The Meaning of Peonies by Color
As with all flowers, the meaning of peonies can vary depending on their color. Giving a bouquet of multicolored peonies is a great idea, as their combination helps convey your message in a more nuanced way.
Here are a few tips to help you understand the meanings of peonies based on their color.
The Meaning of Pink Peonies
Let's be honest, who can really resist it? Your local florist from the Sessile.fr network can attest to this: the pink peony is undoubtedly THE star of the spring flower stands! The flower that heralds the official return of sunny days captivates us every year with its lavish beauty and intoxicating fragrance. The ultimate symbol of nobility, the pink peony also representsthe sacred bond of marriage and love at first sight.
The Meaning of Red Peonies
To understand the meaning of red peonies, we must journey to the Land of the Rising Sun. In China, the color red holds special significance: a symbol of prosperity, respect, and nobility, it was also the favorite color of Chinese emperors.
Red as a peony: This popular expression is attributed to one of its historic varieties, the *rubra plena*, recognizable by its carmine-red petals, which are reminiscent of the flush that appears on the cheeks during moments of intense emotion.
The Meaning of White Peonies
The white peony is associated with shyness,caring friendship, and pure love, but also with feelings of shame. White peonies are therefore given as birthday gifts, at weddings, and to express regret to a loved one.
The Meaning of Yellow Peonies
A symbol of happiness and vitality, the yellow peony is also perfect for marking a new beginning or a major life event, such as a wedding, a birth, or a move.
The Meaning of Mauve Peonies
In the language of flowers, mauve peonies symbolize femininity, spiritual richness, and creativity. Your florist will recommend giving them to celebrate a professional achievement or to pay tribute to the beauty of a beloved woman.
Sessile's thoughts on the meaning of peonies
Peonies, beloved by the French, are highly sought after as soon as the warm weather returns.
Mother's Day, weddings, birthdays—these stunningly beautiful flowers warm our hearts and infuse our homes with their unique charm.
As a result of this craze, poor-quality peonies can be found on the shelves of supermarkets at unbeatable prices.
At Sessile.fr, we recommend choosing a peony of the freshest quality, grown in harmony with the seasons, to convey your messages of affection to your loved ones.
Trust your local florist from the Sessile.fr network to provide you with a high-quality, beautiful, and fragrant peony that you can enjoy day after day!
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.
