Snapdragon Flower Symbolism Facts & Meaning: Zodiac, Superstitions, Dreams, and Legends
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Snapdragon Flower Facts
The Snapdragon Flowers are gorgeous plants with attention-grabbing name and eye-catching vibrant colors. Snapdragon Flowers belong to the Plantaginacaea family with the genus Antirrhinum, a Greek word that means “like a snout/nose”. The flower resembles the shape of a dragon’s mouth, especially when the pollinators have to open the petals to reach the pollen. Children love to squeeze the sides of the petals so that the flower opens like a mouth and snaps closed when released.
The flowers are called by other names such as dog flower, dragon flower, calf’s mouth, and simply by its genus Antirrhinum. Native to the Mediterranean, and northern Africa, Snapdragons come in a variety of sizes and vibrant colors. Though their origin is unclear, it is believed that they started as wildflowers in Italy or Spain.
Snapdragon Flowers vary in height ranging from 6 inches to 48 inches tall. They also come in multicolored patterns as well as full colors like orange, white, pink, red, and purple. These vibrant flowers emit a gentle floral scent that is sometimes described as apples or bubblegum that are stronger at night.
They thrive on moist, well-drained soil, in full sun, and in cool climates. Snapdragon Flowers are annuals that bloom in early spring. Cutting the stalk to encourage continuous new flowers to grow will keep them in bloom throughout summer. They are sensitive to ethylene gas so they should be kept away from fruits and vegetables.
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Snapdragon Flower Uses
Because of their beautiful shape and vibrant colors, Snapdragons are popular garden flowers ideal in flower beds and as border flowers. They also make beautiful cut flowers for decorative use.
The Snapdragon plant has medicinal benefits with anti-inflammatory properties and used in poultices to cure ulcers, tumors, and hemorrhoids.
Snapdragon seeds have also been used to produce edible oils with production mostly prevalent in Russia. Its flowers can produce green dye. When used with a mordant, a dye fixative, Snapdragon Flowers can also produce dark green and gold dye.
The edible Snapdragon Flowers have a bitter taste and used for garnish, mainly for dishes and drinks for a vibrant pop of color.
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Snapdragon Flower History
The Snapdragon Flower is native to the Mediterranean region, exactly where is still unclear, but it is speculated that they were originally wildflowers from Spain or Italy found in warm rocky areas. The Greek word for the Snapdragon Flower, Antirrhinum, translates to like a snout. Another Greek name for the flower is “kynokephelon” which means dog-headed.
These mystical-looking flowers played a role in the ancient world all the way back to Roman times. Both Greeks and Romans believed Snapdragon Flowers can bring protection from witchcraft. Dioscerides, a Greek physician, and considered today the Father of Pharmacognosy, wrote that Snapdragon Flowers will give protection to anyone who wore them around their neck.
Belief in the protection of the Snapdragon Flowers continued until medieval times. These flowers are planted near the gates of European castles and fortresses to be its guardians.
Women in the medieval period were said to use Snapdragon Flowers in poultices to use on their faces to preserve or restore their youth and beauty.
Snapdragon Flowers were introduced to the American continent by European explorers. American colonists brought the flowers to the USA and planted the adaptable easy-growing flower in every state. In the 1700s, Thomas Jefferson also grew Snapdragons in his garden.
Since then, Snapdragon Flowers are developed by breeders into the varieties we now recognize in our gardens. They are greatly popular flowers that in 1994, they were named Flower of the Year by the US National Garden Bureau.
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Snapdragon Flower Positive Symbolism
Snapdragon Flowers primarily have the positive symbolism of grace and strength. Given so because of their native habitat of rocky, sometimes harsh, environment where they grow gracefully against the landscape.
The flowers meaning changes depending on the color. Yellow Snapdragon Flowers mean happiness and good luck. Red ones symbolize love and passion, while white flowers symbolize innocence. Purple Snapdragon Flowers symbolize magic and spirituality.
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Snapdragon Flower Negative Symbolism
Snapdragon Flowers have the negative symbolism of deception, mystery, and secrets. This is usually used by secret or star-crossed lovers in the past.
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Snapdragon Flower Cultural Symbolism
Historically, Snapdragons were greatly associated with protection to ward off evil spirits, witchcraft, and bad luck. Ancient Romans and Greeks used it as charms for protection against those they cannot see.
Perhaps because of their dragon-like appearance, the association of Snapdragon Flowers with protection continues into Medieval times when they were planted to serve as guardians of castles and fortresses.
In the Victorian era, Snapdragon Flowers were symbols of truth-telling and to ward off falsehoods. They also represent grace in a hostile environment.
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Snapdragon Flower Zodiac Sign
In the Chinese zodiac, Snapdragons Flowers are the flowers for those born in the year of the Rabbit. Because of the flower’s interesting shape, it is thought that it represents the clever nature of people born in the year of the rabbit. They are also thought to live long lives, the same way Snapdragon Flowers can grow and adapt to different environments over time.
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Snapdragon Flower in Dreams
Dreaming of Snapdragon Flowers can mean several things. Snapdragon Flowers can mean that you are falling in love with someone who is generally well-liked. They may also indicate that kindness is needed from or to those around you.
Dreaming of Snapdragon Flowers can also mean forgiveness, mercy, and compassion.
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Snapdragon Flower Omens and Superstitions
The Snapdragon Flower is surrounded by superstitions due to its mystic look that reminds people of a dragon. The Romans and Greeks wore necklaces of Snapdragon Flowers for charms to ward off evil spirits, witchcraft, and bad luck.
Women in medieval times use poultices of the flower on their faces in the belief it will preserve their beauty. Snapdragon Flowers were also planted near gates to guard against evil spirits.
A bunch of Snapdragon Flowers was also hung near babies to protect them against evil spirits in early Germany.
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Snapdragon Flower Mythology and Folklore
Snapdragon Flowers are associated with mystical dragons because of their shapes. It was believed that the flower possesses supernatural powers. In a German myth, an elf put a woman under a spell and warned her not to step on the flowers. As they walked, the woman accidentally stepped on a Snapdragon Flower which freed her from the enchantment, this allowed her to escape the elf.
