Orchid: the meaning of the flower symbol of elegance
Each flower has a meaning. In fact, according to the language of flowers, giving a certain floral species to someone goes beyond the simple gesture of giving. All plants convey a message that can completely change also based on the color of their buds and for this reason we must pay attention to all the various aspects. Today we will discover the history and the meaning behind the orchid, the symbol par excellence of elegance.
The orchid between history and legend
"Orchids: prodigious, unlikely beings, daughters of the sacred land, of the impalpable air and of the warm light."
Guy de Maupassant
According to Greek mythology, the appearance of the orchid on Earth would derive from a drama. Orchis was the son of a Nymph and a Satyr. He was distinguished by his beauty, his courage and also his passion. However, he was just the audacity to betray Orchis. In fact, the boy fell in love with a priestess of the god Dionysus and tried to seduce her against her will. This gesture unleashed the wrath of Dionysus who made him tear to pieces by the animals of the forest.
The other gods, however, felt sorry for Orchis and decided to turn him into a flower that would be the symbol of all the qualities that the young man did not have. Orchis was contemptuous, while his flower would have been delicate. His exuberance would be transformed into frailty. So for the ancient Greeks the orchid was born. The only traits that were preserved of the boy were the beauty and a minimal strength, placed in the roots of the plant. Not surprisingly, Orchis means "testicle", a definition that still remains today the term "orchid. "precisely because its roots are strong and represent masculinity. This aspect would also be demonstrated by the particular shape of the flower.
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The general symbology of orchids
The Greek myth about the birth of the orchid is certainly interesting and fascinating. However, orchids are flowers that have gradually entered the culture of very different countries and for this reason they have not only a single meaning and a vast symbolism.
- Passion flower
The myth of Orchis and the origin of the name for orchids explain why for many interpretations these flowers are the emblem of passion, the most carnal one. Not surprisingly, it is one of the plants most exchanged between lovers and transmits a lasting message of love over time, with all its aspects, from the emotional to the more physical.
- Flower of pure love
Again referring to Western and Greek cultures, it would seem that one of the most particular varieties of orchids, namely the Paphiopedilum, owes its name to the term Paphos. It indicated the temple where the goddess Aphrodite was venerated and so this meaning was extended to all Orchidaceae. Being the flower of the divinity par excellence of love, it represents this feeling but from the purest and most immaculate perspective.
- Flower of purity
Studying the oriental culture, in particular that of China and Japan, we notice how the meaning of orchids changes significantly. It is no longer a plant for lovers, but a species that best symbolizes the whiteness of children. With its slender stem and refined flower, in the East the orchid becomes synonymous with purity and innocence.
- Spiritual flower
The particularity of some varieties of orchids have not escaped even the Christian culture. In fact, it may happen to see the altar of churches adorned during the Christmas or Easter period with these floral plants, without perhaps knowing why. The explanation is to be found in the stains present on some flowers which for some represent drops of blood. of Christ.
The meaning of the orchid according to its color
As already mentioned, the various meanings attributed to the orchid can vary according to its color.
- Bianca: the white orchid has always been a symbol of purity and innocence. Normally it is given to someone towards whom you feel a deep affection, even if within the couple it can be mistaken as a seal of a love that goes beyond the mere passion. If there are veins of another color the meaning may change slightly. For example, a "white orchid with yellow veins is a symbol of pure love with also some mental affinities between the two lovers.
- Pink: when it is pink the orchid is the emblem of femininity, grace and joy. It is normally given as a gift on the occasion of the 14th wedding anniversary.
- Orange: not so easy to find, these orchids symbolize courage and pride, just like the color that characterizes them.
- Yellow: The yellow orchid represents friendship and the relationship of trust and loyalty between two true friends. For this reason, it is normally given to a friend when he has achieved an important goal, but many find it perfect as a present on the occasion of the 28th wedding anniversary.
- Blue: in general, blue is the color of tranquility and reflection. Combined with the orchid, it makes it the flower of peace. So it turns out to be the perfect gift to make peace after a quarrel.
- Purple: when the most refined flower meets the mystical color par excellence, one cannot fail to be fascinated by it. The purple orchid is a symbol of royalty and admiration for the person to whom it is given.
- Black: What may look like a black orchid is actually dark brown. This very rare species indicates authority and can be a perfect gift to someone who has just achieved a position of prestige.
When choosing the orchid as a plant to give
We have seen how the true meaning of the orchid also derives from its color and how this aspect can greatly affect the message that is transmitted when you give this flower. In general, if you pay attention to the language of flowers and their shades, donating an orchid is always a good idea.
Normally, white orchids are found in brides' bouquets, a well-established tradition over time. In fact, according to some cultures, a bouquet of white orchids should be given to the bride who remained pure and pristine until her wedding day. This would be a sign of respect and gratitude from the rest of the family.
In addition, it is often recommended to choose an orchid as a present for Mother's Day. The favorite species would be the Cattleya, whose flowers range from white to shades of lilac and purple.
