Lilac Flower Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Lilac Flower Facts
Lilac, or known as Syringa in its scientific name, is a subfamily of about 25 species of aromatic and lovely northern shrubs that bloom in the spring. It is a little, four-petalled, pale-violet toned plant with dark mauve hues and deep green leaves that grows along a long stem. Lilacs are a beautiful addition to any garden and can quickly brighten your day, especially in the spring when they are at their peak.
The origin of the name “Lilac” is deeply rooted from the Greek word, syrinks, which means pipe. It is also known as a pan flute or syrinx — a musical instrument typically made from bamboo, and has been known as a folk instrument. It has an endearing yet tragic origin narrative about the Greek god of the wild, Pan, and a beautiful nymph named Syrinx.
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Lilac Flower Uses
A Lilac blossom can be used for a wide range of purposes and can also be pleasing to the senses.
Lilacs can be used as décor to appeal to the sense of sight. Lilacs are primarily used as decorations because of their alluring color and gracefully rounded shape, especially after being dried and pressed. It makes a beautiful art creation, especially when added to cards for special occasions like holidays, gift tags, or journal embellishments. Lilacs can also be used as a flower decoration in a vase or as part of a bouquet.
Lilacs are a delicious component that may be used in recipes! They are edible blooms that can also be used to make tea or baked goods. It is important to pick the ones from clean, safe place away from exposure to toxic substances. Once you have your clean and fresh Lilacs, you can crystallize them, which you can then use to decorate cakes and pastries with candied blossoms. They can also be included in fresh, organic green salads.
Lilacs are frequently used in the creation of perfumes as well. These blossoms are reported to have a delicate scent that many likened to a rose blended with a hint of vanilla. Lilac Path by Aerin is a well-known perfume with Lilac notes. The perfumer quoted, “Lilac Path captures the spirit of spring and makes it last,” which best reflects the allure of using Lilac as a fragrance.
Additionally, Lilac can be used medically, and…magically! It is believed that placing Lilacs in a haunted house helps clear away bad energy. In the medical field, Lilacs were utilized in colonial America as a treatment for parasitic intestinal worms, as well as a means to lower fever, and treat malaria.
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Lilac Flower History
Lilacs are indigenous to Europe and regions of Asia with moderate climates. But syringa vulgaris or the most common Lilac is believed to have originated on the Balkan Peninsula. American historians believed that the first Lilacs graced the continent during the Colonial period around 1750, were it was planted at the Governor Wenthworth Estate in New Hampshire, which is now a state park.
In 1767, Former US President Thomas Jefferson first planted old-fashioned Lilacs at his childhood home in Shadwell. He later planted more Lilacs in Monticello in 1771.
However, cultivars of Lilac have successfully evolved because of dedicated breeders. Irene Lekstutis, a landscape architect at Cornell Botanical Gardens in Ithaca, claims that throughout the previous four centuries, breeders have improved the shape, color, and perfume of the Lilac bloom.
But before all of that, the history of Lilacs is deeply steeped in Greek mythology. According to legend, Syrinx was a wood nymph who Pan, the satyr god of nature and the wild, was madly in love with. Syrinx fled in terror until she reached a river, where she frantically begged for her water nymph sisters to help her in escaping the goat god’s eager approaches and physical appearance, which included two little horns, shaggy hair, and hooves in place of regular feet. Syrinx was about to be embraced by Pan when the wood nymph disappeared and transformed into a cluster of Lilac bushes.
Pan shook the bush, and a lovely sound came from its woods. He felt a little calmed, thinking that the lovely music he had just heard was the voice of Syrinx, his beloved. Then, he grouped some of it, blew into the hollow pipes, and created music. Because of this, Lilac is known as syringa, and a pan flute is known as a syrinx.
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Lilac Flower Positive Symbolism
Lilac is a blossom that reminds us of spring, and spring reminds us of rebirth, renewal, or a start of a fresh beginning. Lilac represents the same. But aside from reminding us of starting anew, it also represents confidence, making it the ideal traditional gift for graduating students.
However, Lilac comes in a range of hues, each of which stands for something beautiful. Violet Lilacs are a symbol of spirituality, while white Lilacs stand for innocence and purity. The blue ones stand for happiness and peace, while the magenta ones represent passion and love. Last but not least, the color Lilac, after which it was named, represents first love.
Despite their differences in what they represent, Lilac has consistently maintained a strong association with love and romance throughout the century.
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Lilac Flower Negative Symbolism
While Lilacs are mostly associated with positive symbolism, in Old English tradition, Lilacs are considered bad luck when it is brought indoors. This is because of the belief that Lilac trees were favored by faeries, who were deeply feared because of their unpredictability and wildness. Faeries were thought to kidnap people, and putting Lilac indoors can attract and lure them.
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Lilac Flower Cultural Symbolism
Lilacs are inherently linked to warm and joyful symbolisms, and this connection holds true throughout cultures.
Due to their sweet and enchanting fragrance, Lilacs have long been revered in the Celtic culture as a magical flower. While in Russia, parents believed that holding Lilac Flowers over a baby’s head would impart wisdom.
In the Victorian era, Lilacs serve as a remembrance of a widow’s past love. In certain cultures, giving hydrangeas to a spouse in the fourth year of marriage is thought to be a great gesture. But in the Victorian culture, Lilacs are used to commemorate an eighth wedding anniversary.
It only goes to show that Lilacs are still somehow connected to love, regardless of culture.
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Lilac Flower Zodiac Sign
Lilac blossoms are a representation of Taureans, or people born under the sign of Taurus. They are also governed by Venus, the planet that rules over love, beauty, and wealth.
Since Lilac has a strong association with love and romance, it makes them the ideal flower for Taureans who naturally appreciate passionate love, tranquil environments, and calming aromas. Lilacs offer soothing and alluring aromas that can make a place look peaceful, complimenting a Taurus’ personality and preferences.
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Lilac Flower in Dreams
Dreaming of Lilacs represents upcoming changes in your personal life as well as exciting news regarding your romantic relationship. It is a wonderful sign since it is associated with love and denotes positive encounters with love, romance, or an increase in your sensuality.
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Lilac Flower Omens and Superstitions
White blooms are considered a bad flower in old traditions because they are linked to death. This myth about faeries favoring Lilac trees is where the notion came from. Although they are depicted in movies as cute, little creatures, they were once greatly feared. Because fairies are thought to kidnap humans, townspeople believed that bringing a Lilac indoors puts you at risk of inviting them inside.
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Lilac Flower Mythology and Folklore
The story behind the Lilac Flower originated in Greek mythology. Pan, the goat god of the wild, pursued a wood nymph named Syrinx. However, Pan is feared by the nymphs because of his appearance. In sheer desperation to get away from him, Syrinx ran until she ended up in the river where she begged for the water nymphs to help her escape.
With Pan just a couple of seconds behind her, the water nymphs have no choice but to act swiftly, and turned Syrinx into a Lilac bush. Pan, full of sorrow, embraced the Lilac bush instead. He learned that the Lilac’s wood can produce a beautiful sound, so he combined some of them to create music. To this day, it is called a Pan Flute, named after Pan. In the ancient Greek days, it was called a Syrinx, named after the wood nymph who turned into a Lilac bush.
