Colors and Flowers – Symbolic of Feelings, Thoughts and Intentions

Colors and flowers have their own symbols and meanings. Learning what each represents will create layers and texture to the decor  at the showers, wedding and reception. Since each culture has its own interpretation, some of the symbolism may be different. Also, the age of the person may play a part in how she perceives the meaning behind the colors or flowers.

Color Symbolism

• Black—This is one color that has more than one meaning. It may be considered an elegant color, fit for a sophisticated event, or it may represent evil. Some people also associate it with power, sensuality, wealth, sadness or mourning.
• White—A symbol of purity, white is often chosen to portray innocence. The color white is often used for an angelic theme. It may also be considered sterile, cold and devoid of depth or feeling.
• Black and White—Combining black and white represents sophistication and offers a nice backdrop for an occasional splash of color. It also provides balance between purity and evil, joy and sadness, and life and death.
• Blue—Symbolic of water and cleanliness, blue shows qualities of purity, peacefulness, security, loyalty, the sky and depression.
• Green—Nature, the environment, energy, good fortune and eternal life are symbolized by the color green. On the flip side, it may also show jealousy and envy.
• Red—The color of strength, red symbolizes power, intense emotion and love. Since it’s the color of blood, it also shows life, vitality and sensuality.
• Pink—Symbolic of childlike innocence, pink is feminine and fresh.
• Yellow—Joy, optimism and idealism symbols are countered by dishonesty, danger and illness in the color yellow.
• Purple—Representative of nobility, royalty, mystery and wisdom, purple is a symbol of strength.
• Brown—The earth, comfort, hearth and home are symbolized by the color brown.
• Gold—The color gold symbolizes royalty.
• Silver or Gray—Security, reliability, maturity and intelligence are balanced by symbols of old age and boring in the color gray.
• Orange—The color orange may represent warmth and enthusiasm or needy for attention.

Flower Symbolism

• Symbols of love—Flowers that are symbolic of love include the aster, carnations in all colors, red chrysanthemum, daffodil, forget-me-not, honeysuckle, lilac, moss rose, myrtle, Queen Anne’s lace, peach blossom, primrose and tulip.
• Symbols of friendship—The flowers that show friendship are blue periwinkle, gerbera daisy, ivy, pear blossom and zinnia.
• Symbols of joy or happiness—Bird of paradise, larkspur, lily of the valley, pansy, sweet pea and rosebuds represent happiness.
• Symbols of purity, honesty or innocence—Flowers that represent purity, honesty or innocence include baby’s breath, white chrysanthemum, daisy, freesia, white lily, sunflower and water lily.
• Symbols of beauty—The flowers symbolizing beauty include the calla lily, camellia, cherry blossom, gerbera daisy, hibiscus and orchid.
• Symbols of fidelity, promise, devotion, and commitment—Bachelor’s button, blue violet, white clover, orange blossom and blue violet symbolize faithfulness.
• Symbols of wealth, riches and good fortune—The flowers that represent wealth and good fortune include buttercup and wheat.

Other floral symbols include amaryllis for pride, dahlia for elegance and dignity, gladiolus for strength of character, heliotrope for devotion, jasmine for grace and elegance and jonquil for affection returned. Magnolias symbolize the love of nature, while marigolds show affection and grief. The tuberose is symbolic for forbidden pleasure.

Each color of rose has its own symbolism.

• Red—true love
• White—purity
• Pink—grace and happiness
• Dark pink—gratitude
• Yellow—joy and friendship
• Coral—desire
• Deep red or burgundy—beauty
• Blue—mystery
• Black—death or rebirth

Wedding—Perfect Place for Symbolism
As the couple chooses colors and flowers for their wedding, paying attention to symbolism may help in their decision. This adds depth to the meaning behind the selection of the wedding website, decorations, centerpieces and bridesmaid gowns. suite101