Iris Flower Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Iris Flower Facts
The flower Iris, coming from the family Iridaceae, is a genus that has about 300 species – most of which are native to the Mediterranean and central Asia. The name is derived from the Greek word for rainbow and comes in many forms, shapes, colors, and sizes with sword-like foliage. Its fragrance is contained in the roots. It is a popular subject for Japanese flower arrangement and the source of “orris root,” from which the Essence of Violet perfume is made.
Irises are perennial plants that can survive for more than 2 years in the wild. The flower consists of three upward petals called standards, and three downward sepals with bright lines (nectar guides) known as falls which serve as a “landing pad” for pollinators.
Here are some interesting facts about the Iris Flower:
⚫ The earliest known art that depicts Irises is a fresco in King Minos’ palace which dates back to 2100 B.C. and located in Greece on the island of Crete.
⚫ Irises are also represented in Van Gogh’s notable work, Irises.
⚫ Some Irises can bloom twice a year – either in late spring or early summer, and another time in late summer.
⚫ The fruit of the Iris Flower is consisting of seeds that takes a form of a pod.
⚫ The two largest gardens in the world dedicated to the cultivation of Irises are the Iris Garden in Florence, Italy, and the Presby Memorial Iris Garden in New Jersey.
⚫ The purple Iris is Tennessee’s state flower.
⚫ According to the American Iris Society, cultivated Irises are divided into three groups namely: bearded (having hairs in the center of their falls), beardless (the ones lacking the hairs), and aril (having a white cup or collar around their seeds).
⚫ The hybrids between aril and bearded Irises are called, arilbreds.
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Iris Flower Uses
Irises have more purpose than just embellishing your gardens. The uses and benefits of this flower have been recorded throughout history. It has been used over the ages which has been passed down to the younger generation.
Many parts of the plant have been beneficial for both cosmetics and medicines. Its rhizomes are called orris roots. Having said that the flower’s fragrance comes from its roots, it is used to make perfumes. In addition, it can also be used for certain skin conditions like eczema and acne. Even more, to remove freckles.
When blended, it can also be useful in creating cough syrups as well as to add flavor to food and beverages. Its seeds can be prescribed for digestive problems.
The oil was said to help with congestion and boost one’s mood, which is how it risen in popularity when it comes to aromatherapy. Moreover, although one of its species – the yellow flag – can be invasive, it has been used as a water purifier.
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Iris Flower History
The Iris Flower has had a long and rich history dating back to 1469 B.C. during Egypt’s pharaoh – Thutmose III. As it turned out, the pharaoh was an avid gardener. He found Irises when Egypt conquered Syria and brought them to his gardens. The flower soon rose in popularity and was regarded as the country’s symbol for the renewal of life, with its three petals standing for faith, wisdom, and valor. Stylized versions of these flowers were even used to decorate scepters of pharaohs as a representation of victory and power.
If you’re familiar with the “fleur-de-lis,” then you’ll recognize some similarity to the Iris Flower which is of no coincidence is the flower itself as the inspiration for this emblem. The Christians associated this with purity and the Virgin Mary which was adopted by the Frankish King, Clovis I in 500 A.D. During that time, the fleur-de-lis was a symbol used by the French Monarchy which appeared on their coat of arms, coins, shields, and many more. It was believed that the three petals represented three social orders: nobility, clergy, and peasants. Throughout the ages, the Irises then found their way to Europe and the rest of the world.
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Iris Flower Positive Symbolism
The Iris Flowers carry so much meanings such as eloquence, royalty, and many more. Just as it comes in a variety of colors, the Irises also bring different symbolisms depending on the flower’s color such as follows:
⚫ Purple Irises symbolize royalty, wisdom, and admiration.
⚫ Blue Irises symbolize faith and hope.
⚫ Yellow Irises symbolize passion.
⚫ White Irises symbolize purity.
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Iris Flower Negative Symbolism
The Iris Flower is one of the few that only carries positive symbolisms such as passion, hope, purity, and even royalty.
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Iris Flower Cultural Symbolism
Iris Flowers are well-loved all over the world but their meaning varies depending on the location which is usually rooted in the country’s mythology.
The ancient Greeks viewed the flower as a symbol of clear and sophisticated communication as it is tied to the goddess Iris who acted as a messenger between heaven and earth.
Because of their beautiful and delicate petals, Irises are sometimes referred to as butterflies by the Chinese and is believed to symbolize spring and change. It has been a belief in ancient times that placing the flower inside the house or around the door will promote protection to keep negative energies away.
For the Japanese, the Iris symbolizes strength, clarity, and kindness, and is a popular gift for those in need of positive energy or for a family moving into a new home.
Egyptians are no exception as they view Irises as a symbol of power and protection. Ancient Egyptians used to place Irises in the tombs of pharaohs to pay their respects and to protect them as they enter the afterlife.
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Iris Flower Zodiac Sign
Irises are spring flowers that symbolize ambition. They are attention-grabbing and the embodiment of eclectic, quirky, and funky. It is unusual within the floral sphere which is the perfect match for the Aquarius who honors her unique takes on the world.
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Iris Flower in Dreams
Dreaming of Iris Flowers carries different meanings depending on what you dreamt of. Here are some situations of dreaming the flower with its corresponding meanings:
⚫ Plucking Irises – this is a sign of confidence and a new relationship.
⚫ Bouquet of Irises – this means you’ll be rewarded and or become successful.
⚫ Rotting Irises – this means you’ll be getting kicked out of a place.
⚫ Yellow Irises – this either suggests that you get well from a health issue or find a solution to an old problem.
⚫ Lavender Irises – this means happiness and success. It could also mean marriage and a new birth.
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Iris Flower Omens and Superstitions
Iris rhizomes have been used for medicinal purposes and for manufacturing perfume even during ancient times. The Indians and Egyptians used these perfumes as offering to the gods. Even orris roots were thrown into the fires to create scents that would be pleasing to the gods.
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Iris Flower Mythology and Folklore
Many believed that the flower is named after Iris – the Greek goddess of the rainbow, given that its bloom comes in so many colors. In Greek mythology, the goddess acts as the messenger to the gods. It is believed that she acts as a bridge between heaven and earth, carrying messages back and forth through a rainbow.
To this day, Greeks plant Irises on the graves of their loved ones in hopes to summon the goddess and help guide the souls to their final resting place in heaven.
