Flowers and pollination sustain most of the world’s plant life, in turn providing food and shelter. Flowers are also beautiful, and their colors and scents can lift our moods. Despite their importance, there are many myths and misconceptions about flower.
Hyacinth: A symbol of Sorrow
The hyacinth is a mythological flower native to Asia and symbolizes sorrow. The name “hyacinth” comes from the Greek word for “funeral.” This flower is often associated with death and grieving. In some cultures, the hyacinth is also a symbol of rebirth.
Jasmine: A symbol of Love
Jasmine is a mythological flower that symbolizes love, purity, and grace. Malaysia is home to many species of jasmine, including white jasmine and yellow jasmine. Jasmine is also the national flower of Pakistan.
Hibiscus: A symbol of Beauty
The hibiscus is a mythological flower symbolizing beauty, femininity, and grace. It's the national flower of Malaysia, Haiti, and South Korea and also the Hawaii state flower. There are over 200 species of hibiscus, and they come in wide-ranging colors.
Lotus Flower: A symbol of Spiritual
The lotus flower is a Malaysian favorite. It grows in muddy ponds and symbolizes beauty, grace, and spiritual purity. Despite its beautiful appearance, the lotus flower is quite delicate. It can only bloom for a few days before it dies.
This mythological flower also has a deep meaning in Chinese culture. In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Orchid: A symbol of Luxury
The orchid is a luxurious flower that symbolizes wealth and status. In Malaysia, the Normah Orchid is the official state flower of Sarawak. It is also the national flower of Panama. The Orchidaceae family is one of the largest families of plants in the world, with over 25,000 species.
The daffodil is a mythological flower that symbolizes renewal and hope. It is the official national flower of Wales and the birth flower for March. Daffodils are also known as “jonquils” and “narcissus.” In Malaysian mythology, the daffodil is associated with good luck and fortune.
Peonies: A symbol of Wealth
The peony is a mythological flower that symbolizes wealth and prosperity. In Malaysian culture, the peony is often associated with royalty and status. The peony is also the national flower of China. There are over 1,000 species of peonies, and they come in varying colors.
Lilies: A symbol of Purity
The lily is a mythological flower that symbolizes purity, innocence, and beauty. In Malaysian culture, the lily is also associated with motherhood and femininity. The lily is the national flower of Bermuda and Dominica.
Chrysanthemum: A symbol of Longevity
The chrysanthemum is a mythological flower that symbolizes longevity, health, and happiness. Chrysanthemums are often used in traditional Chinese medicine. In Malaysia, the chrysanthemum is the official state flower of Johor.
Some Misunderstood Meaning of Roses
Roses are beautiful flowers that have many different meanings. Roses represent love, appreciation, and friendship. The color of a rose can also add to its meaning. For example, red roses are often given as a sign of love, and yellow roses signify friendship.
Roses are popular because of their beauty and also their unique aroma. The fragrance of a rose can vary depending on the variety, but all roses have a sweet, floral scent.
Unfortunately, varying social contexts infer different connotations for roses, despite their use in events like graduations, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day. In some cases, roses have even symbolized hatred.
The thorned stem of the rose is also significant, as it can represent both the love and pain that comes with relationships. Whether given as a sign of affection or appreciation, roses are sure to make any occasion special.
Misunderstandings can arise when gifting roses, especially in Malaysia. For example, how do you give your sister-in-law roses at her graduation without unintentionally sending the wrong message?
One misunderstanding about roses is that they are only for special occasions. It's simply not true! Roses can be gifted for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or just to say "I love you."
Another misunderstanding is that roses are only given to women. While it's true that women do tend to receive more roses than men, there are no hard and fast rules about who can and cannot receive them. Roses can be given to anyone, regardless of gender.
The meaning of roses can also vary depending on the number of roses given. For example, a single rose is often given as a sign of love, while a dozen roses is a traditional way to say "I'm sorry."
What Do Rose Colors Imply?
The colors of roses have always had symbolic meaning associated with them. For example, red roses are often given as a sign of love, while yellow roses are associated with friendship. But what do the different colors of roses actually mean?
Here's a list of the most popular rose colors and their traditional symbolism:
- Red roses are the traditional symbols of love and passion.
Red roses convey deep emotions: be it love, longing, or desire.
- Pink roses are often given as a token of appreciation and gratitude.
Pink roses also symbolize elegance and refinement.
- Yellow roses are associated with joy and friendship.
Yellow roses often convey positive feelings of warmth and happiness.
- White roses are traditionally associated with purity and innocence.
White roses also symbolize new beginnings and everlasting love.
- Orange roses represent excitement and enthusiasm.
Orange roses are often used to convey passionate feelings of desire and excitement.
- Lavender roses symbolize love at first sight.
Lavender roses are often given as a sign of enchantment and wonder.
- Blue roses are very rare.
As such, they’re often associated with rarity and uniqueness. Thus, blue roses often convey feelings of mystery and wonder.
The Meaning of Roses by Number
So, how else do you avoid common misunderstandings about roses? Well, know their meaning by numbers. The number of roses given can also carry significance.
For example, a single rose often signifies love, while two roses suitably represent friendship. Here are some other popular rose number combinations and their meanings:
- Three roses: I love you
- Six roses: Infatuation
- Nine roses: I want to be with you forever
- Ten roses: Perfection
- Eleven (11) roses: You are my treasured one
- Dozen roses: I'm sorry, often given to jilted lovers
- Thirteen roses: Forever friends
Pure Seed: Best for Online Malaysian Flowers Deliveries and Consultation
Need help deciding what flowers to get? Fret not; we are here to help! If you're unsure what message you're sending with the number of roses you're giving, it's always best to ask beforehand.
Pure Seed offers the best flower delivery and consultation service in Malaysia. We have a wide range of beautiful flowers perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something romantic, something to show your appreciation, or even something to apologize for, we have the perfect flowers.
Contact us today for more information on our services.