~ In The Garden ~
Flowers in the Bible are symbols of delicate life and beauty. They are used to convey messages of God’s comfort as well as messages of the perishable nature of man.
Song of Solomon 2:13 is part of a love story. This passage uses the fragrance of “blossoming vines” to beautify the text and add sensual images to the love poem. In two other examples of more cosmic proportions, Hosea 14 describes Israel’s repentance toward God for having worshiped other gods. In return, God showers Israel with healing. The following description of the renewed Israel uses images of beautiful lily and vine blossoms. Then 1 Kings 6:18 describes how the first temple was decorated with flowers. The temple was where the Israelites encountered God; considered the most holy place on Earth. Flowers were seen as a fitting decoration for such a setting. No specific flower is mentioned here, merely the general phrase “open flowers.”
Do Not Worry
Perhaps in one of the most well-known New Testament references to flowers, Matthew 6:28-29 compares the care God shows in providing for the lilies with the care God shows in providing for his people. The language is beautiful, saying that the lilies are even more beautiful than King Solomon himself, and if God cares that much for a flower that will perish in a day, imagine how much more he will care for his people. This text is in the midst of multiple parables that attempt to help the listener learn the lesson, using concrete images. In this specific text, the method is the same. Flowers are used as a concrete example to show the listeners that they do not need to worry about having enough clothing or food.
Picture of a Short Life
Contrary to being a picture of beauty, flowers are also known for their short life and delicate nature. Nahum 1:4 uses this characteristic to convey a message of God’s anger against Nineveh. In essence, the picture communicated here is that in the face of God’s righteous power, people who sin against him are like flowers that wither quickly, just like the “blossoms of Lebanon.” The short life of a flower is compared on a more individual level to man’s lifespan on Earth in Job 14:2. Similarly, Job 15:33 likens the life of a wicked man to an “olive tree shedding its blossoms.” One interesting thing to note is that even while these examples are obviously conveying a message of death, there is still beauty associated with the imagery.
Bible Verses about Flowers
Psalms 103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
Song of Solomon 6:2-3 My beloved is gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies. I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.
Song of Solomon 5:13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
Psalms 103:16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Song of Solomon 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;
Hosea 14:5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.
Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
Song of Solomon 2:1 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
1 Kings 6:18 And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
Song of Solomon 5:13 His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.
Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
Psalms 103:15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
~ The Meaning of Flowers ~
Flower Meanings can be of any nature. Be it Everlasting love, Friendship, Concealed love or Innocent love, you can express range of emotions through flowers. Flowers are meant for all occasions. When words are unable to convey thoughtfulness and love, flowers easily pass the message and express feelings on sender's behalf.
It is generally believed the practice of assigning meanings to flowers began in Turkey during the seventeenth century. Lovers began using floral exchanges to convey particular messages. The Victorian era witnessed rise in the popularity of flower language and corresponding meaning assigned to different flowers. In England, dozens of dictionaries of "florography" were published during that period. Suitors carefully studied these guidebooks to select appropriate bouquets for their sweethearts.
There has been common perception related to feelings and expression attributed to different flowers. Still, it's very tough to assemble a list of flower meanings as each flower has many different connotations depending on the reference. Also, different cultures ascribe different qualities to various blooms. So, you'll probably get a different answer depending on which geographical location the person belongs to whom you ask. There can be specific flower meanings that are associated with flower types or colors but mostly the flower meanings can be personalized or heartfelt. When giving the gift of flowers, people tend to personalize the experience by offering the types and/or colors that carry a significant meaning to the person or occasion.
Flower meanings express a milieu of emotions and sentiments. Your love is reciprocated, Splendid Beauty, Timidity, Forsaken, Expectations, Pure of heart, Innocence, Hope in love, Felicity, Delicacy, Single blessedness, or Good luck - you name it - flowers touch every string of emotions. Similarly, sunflowers can mean either haughtiness or respect. The iris, being named for the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, still represents a message being sent. A pansy flower means thoughts, a daffodil regard, and a string of ivy signifies fidelity.
~ Rose Flower Meanings ~
Roses are the most eloquent love expression one can convey to beloved ones. Roses are popular all around the globe for its eternal beauty and exceptional fragrances. Different colors and hues of roses correspond to different love statement. Naturally, various varieties and colors of roses carry different flower meanings when they are gifted.
Have you ever wondered that anagram of rose is EROS - the Greek god of love. That's why Valentines Day epitomizes the expression and feeling of love with a Rose only. In lovers' lexicon, roses have always a special place to mark the occasion and feeling of love. It has been prized for thousands of years throughout varied range of cultures, and has come to symbolize many different things. A perfect way to say "I love You" - it has been the choice of lovers in every culture and century.
Individual Flowers & Meanings
ACACIA- Concealed Love, Beauty in Retirement, Chaste Love
AGAPANTHIS- Concealed Love, Beauty in Retirement, Chaste Love
AMBROSIA- Your Love is Given Back/Returned
AMARYLLIS- Pride, Pastoral Poetry
ANEMONE- Forsaken, sincerity
ARBUTUS- Thee Only Do I Love
ASTER- Symbol of Love, Daintiness
AZALEA- Take Care of Yourself for Me, Temperance, Fragile Passion, Chinese Symbol of Womanhood
BACHELOR BUTTON- Single Blessedness
BEGONIA- Beware
BELLS OF IRELAND- Good Luck
BITTERSWEET- Truth
BLUEBELL- Humility
CACTUS- Endurance
CALADIUM- Great joy and delight
CAMELLIA- Good luck gift for a man
PINK CAMELLIA- Longing for you
RED CAMELLIA- You're a Flame in My Heart
WHITE CAMELLIA -You're Adorable
CARNATION FLOWER- FLOWER MEANINGS Fascination, Woman Love
PINK CARNATION- I'll Never Forget You
RED CARNATION- My Heart Aches For You, Admiration
PURPLE CARNATION- Capriciousness, Whimsical
SOLID COLOR CARNATION- Yes
STRIPED CARNATION- No, Refusal, Sorry I Can't Be With You, Wish I Could Be With You
WHITE CARNATION- Sweet and Lovely, Innocence, Pure Love, Woman's Good Luck Gift
YELLOW CARNATION- You Have Disappointed Me, Rejection
CATTAIL FLOWER- Peace, Prosperity
CHRYSANTHEMUM- You're a Wonderful Friend, Cheerfulness and Rest.
WHITE CHRYSANTHEMUM- Truth
YELLOW CHRYSANTHEMUM- Slighted Love
CROCUS- Cheerfulness, gladness
CYCLAMEN- Resignation and Good-bye
DAFFODIL- Respect, Regard, Unrequited Love, You're the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining when I'm with You
DAISY- Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity
FERN- Magic, Fascination, Confidence and Shelter
FIR- Time
FLAX- Domestic Symbol
FORGET-ME-NOT- True Love, Good Memories
FORSYTHIA- Anticipation
FREESIA- Trust
GARDENIA- You're Lovely, Secret Love
GERANIUM- Stupidity, Folly
GLADIOLI- Give Me a Break, I'm Really Sincere, Flower of the Gladiators
GLOXINIA- Love at First Sight
HEATHER (LAVENDER)- Admiration, Solitude
HEATHER (WHITE)- FLOWER MEANINGS Protection, Wishes Will Come True
HOLLY- Defence, Domestic Happiness
HONEYSUCKLE- Happiness
HYACINTH- Games and Sports, Rashness,
BLUE HYACINTH- Constancy
PURPLE HYACINTH- I am Sorry, Please Forgive Me, Sorrow
RED OR PINK HYACINTH- Play
WHITE HYACINTH- Loveliness, I'll Pray for You
YELLOW HYACINTH- Jealousy
HYDRANGEA- Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness
IRIS-Fleur-de-lis- Your Friendship Means so Much to Me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valour, My Compliments
IVY- Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship, Affection
JONQUIL- Love Me, Affection Returned, Desire, Sympathy, Desire for Affection Returned
PINK LARKSPUR- Fickleness
WHITE LILY- Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You
YELLOW LILY- I'm Walking on Air, False and Gay
CALLA LILY- Beauty
DAY LILY- Coquetry, Chinese Emblem for Mother
EUCHARIS LILY- Maiden Charms
TIGER LILY- Wealth, Pride
LILY OF THE VALLEY- Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility, You've Made My Life Complete, beauty, gaiety
MAGNOLIA- Nobility
MARIGOLD- Cruelty, Grief, Jealousy
MISTLETOE- Kiss me, Affection, To Surmount Difficulties, Sacred Plant of India
MONKSHOOD- Beware, A Deadly Foe is Near
MOSS- Maternal Love, Charity
MYRTLE- Love, Hebrew Emblem of Marriage
NARCISSUS- Egotism, Formality, Stay as Sweet as You Are
NASTURTIUM- Conquest, Victory in Battle
OLEANDER- Caution
ORANGE BLOSSOM- Innocence, Eternal Love, Marriage and Fruitfulness
ORANGE MOCK- Deceit
ORCHID- Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children, Thoughtful, Maturity, Charm
CATTLEYA ORCHID- Mature Charm
PALM LEAVES- Victory and Success
PEONY- Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage
PETUNIA- Resentment, Anger, Your Presence Sooths Me
PINE- Hope, Pity
POPPY- Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination
RED POPPY- Pleasure
WHITE POPPY- Consolation
YELLOW POPPY- Wealth, Success
PRIMROSE- I Can't Live Without You
EVENING PRIMROSE- Inconstancy
WEDDING ROSES- Happy Love
DARK CRIMSON ROSE- Mourning
HIBISCUS ROSE- Delicate Beauty
LEAF ROSE- You May Hope
PINK ROSES- Perfect Happiness, Please Believe Me
RED ROSES- Love, I Love You
TEA ROSE- I'll Remember Always
THORNLESS ROSE- Love at First Sight
WHITE ROSES- Innocence and Purity, I am Worthy of You, You're Heavenly, Secrecy and Silence
WHITE AND RED ROSES MIXED- Unity, Flower Emblem of England
YELLOW ROSES- Decrease of Love, Jealousy, Try to Care
ROSEBUDS- Beauty and Youth, A Heart Innocent of Love
RED ROSEBUDS- Pure and Lovely
WHITE ROSEBUDS- Girlhood
ROSE Bouquet of Mature Blooms- Gratitude
ROSES Single Full Bloom-I Love You, I Still Love You
SMILAX- Loveliness
SNAPDRAGON- Deception, Gracious Lady
SPIDER FLOWER- Elope with Me
STEPHANOTIS- Happiness in Marriage, Desire to Travel
STOCK- Bonds of Affection, Promptness, You'll Always Be Beautiful to Me
SUNFLOWER- Pride, Sunshine
SWEET PEA- Good-bye, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time
TULIP FLOWER- Perfect Lover, Frame, Flower Emblem of Holland
RED TULIP- Believe Me, Declaration of Love
WHITE TULIPS- Beautiful Eyes
YELLOW TULIPS- There's Sunshine in Your Smile
VIOLET- Modesty
BLUE VIOLET- Watchfulness, Faithfulness, I'll Always Be True
WHITE VIOLET- Let's Take a Chance
VISCARIA- Dance With Me
WISTERIA- Welcome
ZINNIA (MAGENTA)- Lasting Affection
ZINNIA (MIXED)- Thinking (or In Memory) of an Absent Friend
ZINNIA (SCARLET)- Constancy
ZINNIA (WHITE)- Goodness
ZINNIA (YELLOW)- Daily Remembrance
