The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Flower Types and Symbolism

Narcissus ~ Narcissus Pseudonarcissus

Symbolises ~ New beginnings, Renewal, Hope and Eternal life.

The Narcissus flower, also known as Narcissus Pseudonarcissus, belongs to the Amaryllidaceae Family. It is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and Asia and is also known as the wild Daffodil or the Lent Lily. It is characterised by its vibrant yellow or white flowers, which are often surrounded by a halo of petals in shades of orange or pink. The Narcissus flower is typically associated with springtime and is often used as a symbol of new beginnings and renewal.

The Narcissus flower has a long history dating back to ancient times, where it was revered by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its beauty and symbolism. In Greek mythology, the Narcissus flower was named after the handsome youth Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and was turned into a flower as punishment. The flower is named after him as it shares the same characteristics of vanity and self-obsession. In Roman culture, the Narcissus flower was often associated with the goddess of love, Venus, and was believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Therefore, in some cultures, the Narcissus flower is associated with the idea of vanity and self-love.

In European culture, the Narcissus flower is often associated with Easter and is used as a symbol of resurrection and renewal. It is also associated with the idea of renewal and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also seen as a symbol of hope and optimism, and is often given as a gift to bring joy and happiness to others.

In Latin American culture, the Narcissus flower is seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. In the Philippines, the Narcissus flower is known as the “Tulipan” and is associated with purity and innocence. In Japanese culture, the Narcissus flower is associated with the coming of spring and is often used in traditional tea ceremonies.

In Italian culture, the Narcissus flower is associated with the goddess of beauty, Venus, and is seen as a symbol of femininity and grace. In Vietnamese culture, the Narcissus flower is associated with the new year and is often used in traditional decorations and rituals to bring good luck and prosperity. In Chinese culture, the Narcissus flower is associated with the winter solstice and is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

The main flower colours of the Narcissus are white and yellow, with some variations in colour such as orange and pink. Narcissus flowers were used or known to have been used at a gravesite or cemetery in historical times. The flower was often planted on graves in ancient Greece and Rome as a symbol of the dead’s journey to the afterlife.

When purchasing and placing a Narcissus flower at a cemetery or grave site, the symbolic meaning can vary depending on the context and the individual. In general, however, the flower is often seen as a symbol of spring, renewal, and the afterlife. It is also a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and purity.

It is also worth noting that there are faux versions of Narcissus flowers available for use at gravesites and cemeteries. These artificial flowers can provide a lasting and low-maintenance alternative to fresh flowers, while still maintaining the symbolic meaning of the Narcissus.

In conclusion, the Narcissus flower is a symbol of vanity, self-love, spring, renewal, and the afterlife. The flower is associated with many cultures and religions, including Greek, Roman, European, and Asian cultures. The main colour of the flower is white and yellow, with variations such as orange and pink. Artificial versions of the flower are also available for cemetery and grave sites.

Nasturtium ~

Symbolises ~ Victory, Triumph, Loyalty and Devotion.

The Nasturtium flower is a beautiful and vibrant bloom that has been celebrated and revered in various cultures around the world for centuries. It is characterised by its bright and bold colours, including shades of orange, red, yellow, and pink. The Nasturtium flower is native to South and Central America, but it has been widely cultivated and naturalized in many other parts of the world.

In history, the Nasturtium flower was first used in Europe in the early 18th century, where it was prized for its ornamental qualities and used in formal gardens and landscaping. It was also used as a medicinal herb in many cultures, including the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, who believed it had healing properties.

In many cultures, the Nasturtium flower holds deep symbolism and meaning. In European culture, it is often associated with cheerfulness and joy, and is often given as a gift to celebrate special occasions and bring happiness to the recipient. In Japanese culture, the Nasturtium flower is seen as a symbol of courage and strength, and is often used in traditional medicine to boost energy and vitality.

In Latin America, the Nasturtium flower is often used in traditional medicine and is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the Philippines, the Nasturtium flower is known as the “katuray” and is considered a symbol of love, devotion, and purity. It is often used in wedding bouquets and is believed to bring good luck to the newlyweds.

In Greek culture, the Nasturtium flower is associated with feminine beauty and grace, and is often given as a gift to honour and celebrate women. In Italian culture, the Nasturtium flower is a symbol of fertility and abundance, and is often used in religious ceremonies and rituals. In Vietnamese culture, the Nasturtium flower is seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

In Chinese culture, the Nasturtium flower is associated with the goddess of beauty and is seen as a symbol of femininity and grace. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to have calming and soothing properties. In English culture, the Nasturtium flower is often used in formal gardens and landscaping, and is associated with cheerfulness and joy.

When a Nasturtium flower is purchased and placed at a cemetery or gravesite, it is typically seen as a way to honour and remember the deceased. The symbolism and meaning of the flower can vary depending on the cultural context, but in many cases, it is seen as a symbol of love, respect, and tribute to the person who has passed away. Regardless of its cultural significance, the Nasturtium flower is a beautiful and meaningful way to pay respects and honour the memory of a loved one.

Nelumbonaceae Family ~

The Nelumbonaceae family is a small family of flowering plants that includes only one genus, Nelumbo, which contains two species: Nelumbo Nucifera, commonly known as the Lotus Flower, and Nelumbo Lutea, commonly known as the American Lotus. These plants are found in freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers, and they are native to Asia and North America.

The Nelumbo Nucifera, or Lotus Flower, is perhaps the most well-known and widely cultivated species in this family. It is an aquatic perennial plant that is known for its large, showy flowers, which can be pink, white, or yellow. The leaves of the lotus are large and round, and they float on the surface of the water. The plant also has a long stem that extends down into the water, where it anchors the plant to the bottom.

The Nelumbo lutea, or American lotus, is native to North America and is found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. It is a perennial plant that is known for its large, showy flowers that can be yellow or orange. The leaves of the American lotus are large and round, and they float on the surface of the water. The plant also has a long stem that extends down into the water, where it anchors the plant to the bottom.

The Lotus Flower is a highly revered and sacred flower in many cultures, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism. It is often used as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. In Buddhism, the lotus is often depicted with the Buddha sitting on or holding a lotus flower, symbolising the Buddha’s spiritual purity and detachment from the material world. In Hinduism, the lotus is associated with the god Brahma and is often used as a symbol of creation and the unfolding of the universe.

In addition to its religious and spiritual significance, the lotus is also highly valued for its medicinal properties. The roots, stems, and leaves of the lotus are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including fever, inflammation, and skin disorders. The seeds of the lotus are also edible and are often used in cooking and as a source of food.

In conclusion, The Nelumbonaceae family is a small family of flowering plants that includes only one Genus, Nelumbo, which contains two species: Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as the Lotus, and Nelumbo lutea, commonly known as the American lotus. These plants are known for their large, showy flowers, which can be pink, white, or yellow, and their ability to grow in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They are also highly revered and sacred flower in many cultures, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism, and have medicinal properties. They are popularly cultivated in many regions of the world.