The history of the creation of the language of flowers begins in the East, where women deprived of communication came up with the idea of using flowers, attributing to them a certain symbolism. This is the official theory, but the symbolism of flowers cannot arise out of nowhere. It’s impossible to just come up with a language of flowers. Of course, some things are fictitious and far-fetched, but basically the symbolism of flowers is collected from myths, legends and magical knowledge.
In Europe, they learned about the language of flowers in the 18th century from published notes on oriental knowledge by two authors, Aubrey de la Mottreuil (1727) and Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1763). In Russia, eastern knowledge about flowers appeared with the publication in 1830 of a book by the poet D.P. Oznobishina - “Selam, or the Language of Flowers.”
COLORS OF FLOWERS
White color is a symbol of youth, purity, tenderness, innocence and triumph.
Red is the color of life, love, freedom, the color of blood, a symbol of anger, anarchy and revenge, the color of war and revolution.
Pink is the most versatile color. Pink flowers can be given to people of any age and gender, for any occasion.
Orange color is a symbol of strength, power, pride, thriftiness, happiness and celebration.
Yellow color is a symbol of family hearth and marriage, prosperity and wealth, light and sun.
Green is a symbol of hope, life, calm and peace.
Greenish-yellow, sulfurous - hatred, envy, infidelity, self-will.
Blue color is a symbol of family.
Light blue is the color of faith and hope.
Blue is the color of longing and fidelity.
Blue and lilac are the colors of gentle and touchy people. Flowers of such colors are not considered festive and therefore are not given for weddings.
Purple color is solemn, a sign of friendship, greatness, dignity and luxury.
Blue color is a symbol of fidelity;
Purple is a symbol of greatness.
Lilac - expresses submissiveness
Motley - this color, like pink, is universal. Flowers of this color can be safely given for a wedding.
Black is the color of sadness and mourning.
Azalea(Azalea, Rhododendron) is a delicate, elegant, sophisticated flower and the one who received this flower as a gift, in the opinion of the giver, has these qualities. Azalea is a symbol of femininity, fragility, meekness, restraint, devotion, moderation, fidelity, passion and sadness. Azalea is given by lovers before the necessary separation, wanting to remain faithful to each other, they do not say goodbye, but look forward to meeting each other. Azalea can also be given as a sign of sincere love. You can give it not only in a bouquet, but also as a living one, and this indoor plant will remind you of you for a long time.
Acanthus(Acanthus, Branca ursina, Bear's Paw, Bear's Claws, Holly) inspires creativity. Decorative, garden plants suitable for making freshly cut and dry bouquets, appropriate in a men's bouquet. Many creative people were inspired by seeing this flower.
Acacia(Robinia pseudoacacia). By giving a bouquet with acacia, you declare your love, hope for reciprocity, want to restore your relationship and regret your lost love. The color of the acacia is important, so white acacia speaks of platonic love, pink emphasizes elegance and charm, yellow speaks of lost love. If the acacia flowers in the bouquet are open, this also speaks of secret love, chastity and loneliness.
Aconite, Fighter (Aconitum) - According to legend, Aconite grew from the spilled blood of the three-headed guardian of the underworld, Cerberus, captured and taken out of the kingdom of Hades by Hercules. Aconite is given as a sign of sympathy and friendship. This flower is suitable for men and women, for colleagues and business partners. Despite the beauty of the flower, aconite is very poisonous and you should be careful with the bouquet and possibly with the person who gave it. IN Ancient Greece and in Rome they poisoned those sentenced to death with aconite. There is a hypothesis according to which Tamerlane was poisoned with Aconite.
Alpine rose, Mountain Datura (Rhododendron) - “Be careful.” The shortest and most mountainous rhododendrons.
Alpine star, Edelweiss (Leontopodium) - is the flower of Happiness, Love and Courage. Only sincerely loving hearts are allowed by the mountains to pick edelweiss with impunity.
Alstroemeria(Alstroemeria) - this flower is given wanting to make an unobtrusive compliment, for example, to say that the person is sweet, charming. Alstroemeria beautiful ornamental plant, which sellers often pass off as a hybrid of orchids and lilies.
Amazon lily, Eucharis - “Love is dangerous.” The name of the flower is translated into Russian as beautiful.
Amaranth- a symbol of immortality, faith, fidelity, constancy in love.
Amaryllis(Amaryllis belladonna) means pride, inaccessibility, masculinity. A man who receives amaryllis as a gift can count on more than just friendly relations. Previously, the genus Amaryllis included species that are now allocated to the genus Hippeastrum; they are usually still called amaryllis.
Pineapple(Pineapples) – perfection. The person giving a pineapple in a bouquet is an extraordinary person who understands and appreciates your relationship. The Indians used Pineapple in magical rituals and treated many diseases with it; they compared it to a beautiful girl.
Angrekum(Angraecum) - greatness.
Anemone, Anemone, “daughter of the winds” (Anemone) - emotionality, sincerity, hope, joy. The person giving these flowers wants to try to start a relationship and hopes for reciprocity. According to legend, anemones appeared from the shed tears of Aphrodite at the site of the death of her beloved Adonis.
Anthurium(Anthurium), "Tailed Flower", masculine happiness expresses courage and passion. Anthurium is usually given as a gift to mature men.
Pansies
, Tricolor violet, Ivan da Marya (Viola tricolor) – “All my thoughts are about you”, I miss you, fun, entertainment. The shape and color of the flower resembles a man. In French the name of this flower is Pensée and is translated as thoughts, reflections. In Rus' it was believed that Pansies were not for the living and it was not customary to plant them in the garden. In England it was believed that if you pick these flowers on a clear day, it will certainly rain (although rain is not uncommon there).
Aralia, “Devil's Tree” (Aralia) - The giver of this flower hints at intimacy. Aralia was called the devil's tree because of the tooth-like thorns covering the stems.
Arbutus, Strawberry tree (Arbutus) - “I love only you.” Present in the symbols of the capital of Spain - Madrid.
Asparagus, Asparagus (Asparagus) - in the language of flowers symbolizes gullibility and innocence. Asparagus has decorative leaves Thanks to this, asparagus sprigs are added to bouquets and compositions.
Arum(Arum) - masculine strength, eloquence. Arum can be given as a gift to a good speaker. Some species of Arum are listed in the Red Books.
Artemisia, Wormwood, witches' grass (Artemisia) - feminine principle, dignity. It was believed that wormwood protects against witches and mermaids and drives out all evil spirits from the house. However, magicians use wormwood smoke to communicate with otherworldly entities.
Aster(Aster) is a symbol of love, grace, sophistication and nostalgia. The one who gives white asters thereby declares his love and waits for confirmation of reciprocity. According to one legend, asters grew at the site of the Apparition of the Weeping Virgin. In popular beliefs, the smoke of burning asters drives out reptiles.
Asphodelus, Asphodelus, Asphodel (Asphodelus) - is a symbol of oblivion, death, mourning, grief and the afterlife. It was also believed that Asphodel could expel evil spirits from homes.
Basil(Ocimum basilicum) - disgust, hatred. Basil is presented as a gift to, to put it mildly, an unpleasant person, if for some reason you cannot speak or remain silent. Hindus believe that basil helps the deceased go to a better place after death. Basil was often used in magic and alchemy.
Balsam, Impatiens noli-tangere - impatience.
Bamboo(Bambusa) - is a symbol of grace, constancy, flexibility, longevity, modesty, good breeding and friendship. Young bamboo shoots symbolize eternal youth and indomitable strength. In the east, they believe that bamboo attracts happiness and drives out evil forces. People who are passionate about the East will be very happy with this plant.
Periwinkle(Vinca) - symbolizes the happiness and harmony of young spouses, arouses passion. Periwinkle is also a symbol of vitality. If you place periwinkle in a bouquet of flowers, you will achieve love. Periwinkle helps preserve love in the family, makes marriage strong, and drives out evil spirits from the home.
(Tagetes) - beauty, fidelity, longevity. Marigolds were believed to ignite a love interest, passion.
Begonia(Begonia) - means “Beware!”, “You can trust me with others, be careful”, an offer of friendship. The asteroid (943) Begonia, discovered in 1920, is named after the begonia.
Elder(Sambucus) - sympathy.
Bouquet of dried flowers- rejected love, we cannot be together.
Knapweed, Cornflowers (Centaurea) - “I don’t dare express my feelings to you”, delicacy, grace, simplicity, as well as gaiety and loyalty, in some peoples - hatred. It is customary to give cornflowers to young girls, preferably blondes, as a sign of sympathy. Give this flower if you want to offer just friendship for now. The name of the flower comes from the mythical Centaur Chiron, who knew medicinal properties all plants. In Christianity, cornflowers indicated the hiding place of the cross on which Christ was crucified.
Lady's slipper(Cypripedium calceolus) - capriciousness, inconstancy. The lady's slipper who gives you says that you are a capricious, flighty person and he accepts you as such but is ready to tame you. The lady's slipper is listed in the red books of Europe and Russia.
Verbena, pigeon grass, iron grass (Verbena) – sensitivity. As a herb of love, verbena helps against anger, extinguishes emotions, and puts you in a cheerful mood. It was believed that vervain attracts wealth and is capable of fulfilling any desire, for which it is enough to rub it with it; it was used to cleanse the home.
Heather, Common heather (Calluna vulgaris) - protection, wishes will come true.
Birch branch(Betula) - On the one hand, the birch symbolizes sadness and death, on the other, the beginning of life and a talisman. Among the Slavs, birch is a symbol of light, purity, femininity, an image of Russian nature, a symbol of Russia.
Hawthorn branch(Crataegus) – hope. The name comes from the Greek. κραθαιος ("strong")
Pomegranate branch(Punica) - love and marriage with fertility, wealth, the grace of God, heavenly love. You can also give a flowering pomegranate tree in a pot.
Pear branch(Pyrus) - beauty, sadness, eternity, strong friendship.
Oak branch(Quercus). Oak is a symbol of longevity, spiritual and physical strength. In Ancient Greece, an oak branch symbolized the strength, power and nobility of the family; oak wreaths were awarded to the bravest warriors. Oak leaves symbolize friendship. Oak (Pirun tree) among the Slavs personified strength and power. Among the Gauls, the oak tree symbolized the axis mundi. The acorn is a Scandinavian symbol of life and immortality. Oak is present in the symbolism of Russian and European cities.
Spruce branch, Christmas tree (Picea) - Hope for change.
Almond branch(Amygdalus) - sweet hopes, charm, sensitivity, virginity, fertility, hope, caution. In Christianity, almonds are a symbol of the purity of the Virgin Mary and divine blessing. In China, this plant represents feminine beauty and patience.
Branch of a blossoming apple tree(Malus) – preference, eternal youth, fertility, peace and beauty. The Latin word malum, from which the name of the apple tree comes, means “evil.” The apple tree is protected by all the deities and lightning does not strike it. In one interpretation of the Bible, the apple tree is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Many myths and legends are associated with the fruits of this tree - apples. In general, apples symbolize immortality, salvation, strength, youth and beauty.
Evergreens- eternal life, youth. Palm leaves - victory and success. Branches and leaves of evergreens are often added to bouquets to add decorative value.
Water lily, Water Lily (Nymphaea) symbolizes eloquence, persuasiveness, sincerity, says “You should never deceive me,” “Feelings are raging in my soul.” They give it as a sign of seriousness of intention to connect their future destiny with you.
Convolvulus(Convolvulus) - beauty, pomposity. The giver of bindweed invites you to spend this wonderful evening with him, nothing more.
Vine(Vitis) - a symbol of truth, abundance, wealth and fertility, fun, joy, vitality, healing and transformation. According to the words of Jesus Christ in the Bible it is written: “I am the Vine” (“Gospel of John”, 15:1). The grapevine is present in the symbolism of the countries and peoples of the East and West.
catchment area(Aquilegia) - a symbol of healing from greed (greed) and selfishness, in Christianity a symbol of the Holy Spirit. U different nations the columbine flower was associated with an angel, dove or slipper of elves.
Cherry, Sakura (Cerasus) symbolizes the fragility of life, death, sacrifice and at the same time this plant is a symbol of female beauty, youth and hope.
Gardenia(Gardenia jasminoides) – admiration, secret love, grace, fragility. Gardenia is suitable for creative, artistic people. In nature, Gardenia flowers are pollinated mainly by bats.
Wintergreen, Gaultheria - harmony.
Carnation(Dianthus) - charm, woman's love, happiness, engagement and marriage. The color of the carnation has a meaning in symbolism, so pink means “I will never forget you”; red - admiration, sensual love, marriage, “My heart aches for you”; purple - impermanence; striped - “No!!!”, “I will not be with you”; single-color - agreement, approval, yes; white - sweet and beloved, pure love, symbol of talent; yellow - “You are avoiding me,” refusal, neglect. Cloves attract the attention of the opposite sex, protect against negativity, stop gossip, give energy, attract wealth, and help in realizing what you want.
Heliotrope(Heliotropium) - devotion, passion, eternal love.
Dahlia(Dahlia) - whim, inconstancy, passing fancy. When you receive Dahlias as a gift, do not expect a serious relationship.
Geranium(Geranium) - stupidity, recklessness. Know that if you were given a geranium, then most likely you are considered too frivolous. For some peoples, geranium symbolizes vigor, health and strength. In Rus' it was believed that white geranium scared away reptiles and evil spirits, while red geranium protected the harvest.
Gerbera(Gerbera) - euphoria, flirtation, optimism. The person giving gerberas expresses his sincere sympathy and wishes him a good mood.
Hyacinth(Hyacinthus) - determination, games and sports. Blue hyacinth - consistency, integrity; purple - farewell, sadness; red and pink - game; white - “I will pray for you, beauty”; yellow - “I’m jealous.” From the program “Blind” - “Getting a bouquet of hyacinths is a big deception”, in that case there was a blue hyacinth. According to some reports, the smell of hyacinth stimulates positive emotions, relieves stress and increases performance.
Hibicus(Hibiscus) - means long and eternal love, fragility and beauty. In the West, Hibiscus is considered the flower of death and the culprit of family quarrels and celibacy, while in the East they believe that Hibiscus energizes lazy people and pessimists, and awakens the fading feelings of couples who have lived together for a long time.
Gypsophila, Kachim (Gypsophila) – caution, shyness. In a mixed bouquet or composition, the meaning of Kachim is lost.
, Swordfish (Gladiolus) – sincerity, courage. Carnal love. The name Gladiolus translates as sword or small sword, in Russian it is called epee because of the shape of the leaves similar to a sword or sword. Gladiators carried a gladiolus bulb with them, believing that it would protect them from injury.
Wisteria(Wisteria) – “Welcome”, “I’m very glad to see you.”
Gloxinia(Gloxinia) - love at first sight, charm.
Hydrangea(Hydrangea) - coldness, modesty, heartlessness. According to popular belief, hydrangea wards off illness and misfortune.
Elecampane, Nine Forces (Inula) - mutual love, strength, sacrifice, health. It was believed that elecampane attracts suitors to the house. Among the Slavs, elecampane has nine super powers and cures nine diseases; in China they talk about 99 diseases.
Decembrist, Schlumbergera - “Reduce my suffering!” There are several signs: if the Decembrist dies - to death in this house; a flower withers in the presence of a negative person; healthy and blooms on time - there will be happiness and prosperity in the house.
Delphinium, Larkspur (Delphinium) - modesty, sadness, unpretentiousness. Pink delphinium – impermanence. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) – “Goodbye”, farewell, thank you for a great time.
Oregano, Oregano (Origanum) – joy, significance. Zeus gained his strength from the milk of a goat that ate oregano.
Angelica, Angelica (Angelica) – inspiration. Angel Grass.
Jasmine(Jasminum) – sensuality, femininity, grace, elegance and attractiveness, “Will you ever love me?” In India, jasmine is called “moonlight in love.” White jasmine - friendliness; yellow - modesty, timidity; red - stupidity, fun. Do not confuse with mock orange. Jasmine attracts a loved one and prosperity.
Honeysuckle(Lonicera) - generosity, generosity, sweet character, “You make the world a better place.”
Jonquilia, Narcissus jonquilla, jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) - return of affection, “Let's be together again,” desire, sympathy.
St. John's wort(Hypericum) – hostility. It pacifies the beast in a person, heals, brings happiness, courage, love, protection and good luck.
Strawberries(Fragaria) - perfect superiority, hint, “Pay attention: your happiness is nearby!” Symbol of prosperity and abundance.
goldenrod(Solidago) - success, “Appreciate any luck.”
Candytuft(Iberis) - indifference, indifference.
Iris, Iris (Iris) – friendship, wisdom, trust, faith, hope, fearlessness, eloquence, sadness. The Japanese character for “warrior spirit” is spelled the same way as Iris. The iris was often used in the symbolism of various peoples, including the Slavs.
Cactus(Family - Cactaceae) - perseverance, determination, self-sufficiency, constancy.
Calendula, marigold (Calendula) - victory of grace, “I am conquered,” jealousy, anxiety, fear, “Explain your behavior,” sadness, cruelty, despair.
(Viburnum) - uncontrollable emotions, painful attachment, dependence, “I can’t live without you!”
Calla- poise, “You are magnificent”
Camellia(Camellia) - admiration, perfection. Camellia rosea – “I miss you”; red - “You are the flame in my heart”; white - “You are amazing.” Japanese camellia- modest superiority.
Reed(Scirpus) - humility.
Cabbage(Brassica) - usefulness.
Potato flowers(Solanum) - “You outshine everything!”, originality. The Indians not only ate potatoes, but also worshiped them, considering them to be animate creatures.
Chestnut(Castanea) - independence, injustice, straightforwardness, “You need to be kinder,” “Learn to love.”
Cypress(Cupressus) – grief, sadness, mourning. In Christianity, Cypress is a symbol of eternal life.
Clover(Trifolium) - “I would like to know...”, expectation, fertility, homeliness, symbol of good luck. White clover - “Think of me.” Four-leaf clover - good luck and fulfillment of desires.
Bell(Campanula) - humility, submission, constancy; talkativeness; “Why do you torment me with your whims?”
Coreopsis, Lenok, or Parisian beauty (Coreopsis) - cheerfulness, fun, optimism. “Everything will be fine!”, “The best is yet to come!”
Coriander, Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) - burning desire.
Mullein(Verbascum) - good nature.
Nettle(Urtica) – slander, hostility.
Crocus(Crocus) - fun, freshness, joy, cheerfulness, revival, affection. Yellow Crocus - “Are your feelings true?”; purple - “Do you regret loving me?”
Corn(Zea) - abundance, wealth, generosity.
Irish bluebells, Moluccella laevis - good luck.
Lavender(Lavandula) - admiration, loneliness, chastity, longevity, happiness, peace of mind, money. White Lavender - fulfillment of desires, protection.
Laurel(Laurus) – success, triumph, victory, triumph, glory, peace, protection, purification, secret knowledge and immortality.
Lime(Citrus aurantiifolia) - fornication, betrayal.
Kelp(Laminaria) - sadness.
Lily of the valley(Convallaria) - reliability, reliability.
Flax(Linum) - family symbol, household chores, fate, stability, constancy.
Lily(Lilium). In the symbolism of lilies, color is very important, so: orange symbolizes - hatred, disgust; white - purity, virginity, majesty, it’s divine to be near you; yellow - frivolity, lies, brightness, gratitude.
Calla lily – beauty. Sacred lily - girlish charms. Tiger lily - pride, abundance, prosperity, well-being.
Lemon(Citrus limon) - freedom, prudence.
Burdock, Burdock (Arctium) – importunity and boredom.
Lobelia(Lobelia) - malice, ill will.
Lotus(Nelumbo) - symbolizes happiness, health and long life. Lotus is given to the closest and dearest people.
Onion(Allium) – benefit, masculine strength.
Lunaria, Lunaria (Lunaria) – wealth.
Buttercup(Ranunculus) - childishness, wealth.
Snapdragon(Antirrhinum) - deception, condescension, strength, cunning, flattery. The one who gives these flowers is ingratiating himself with you.
Lyadvenets(Lotus) - revenge.
Magnolia(Magnolia) - nobility, perseverance, perseverance, “I intend to win your favor.”
Marjoram(Origanum majorana) – calm and comfort.
Poppy(Papaver) - eternal sleep, oblivion, imagination, daydreaming, youth, sociability, desire for pleasure. Red poppy - pleasure; white - consolation; yellow - wealth, success.
Raspberry(Rubus idaeus) - repentance.
Mallow(Malva) - “torn by love.”
Daisy(Bellis) - purity, innocence, loyalty, love, “I will do anything for you.”
Coltsfoot(Tussilago) - maternal love and care; proven justice.
Mimosa(Mimosa) - sensitivity, bashfulness, shyness, “I hide my feelings.”
Myrtle(Myrtus) - love, Jewish wedding emblem.
Rejuvenated, Tenacious, Stone rose (Sempervivum) - thriftiness, thriftiness.
Monstera(Monstera) – determination.
Moss(Division: Bryophyta - Bryophyta) - maternal love, mercy.
Mint(Mentha) – chastity. Peppermint - warm feelings.
(Narcissus) - formality, “Remain as beautiful as you are” strong feelings, unrequited love, disappointed hopes, narcissism. Yellow Narcissus - attention, unrequited love, “You are my only one,” “When I am next to you, the sun always shines,” “Be my knight.” Pale yellow narcissus - meekness, humility, nobility, respect, unrequited love.
Forget-me-not(Myosotis) - memories, true love, sincerity, constancy, loyalty.
, Capuchin (Tropaeolum) - conquest, victory in struggle, patriotism.
Dandelion(Taraxacum) - happiness, fidelity, devotion. The person who gives the dandelion is cheerful and sociable, a little frivolous. For you, such a gift means: “Don’t be sad,” “I’m glad that we are together now,” “I want to stop this moment.”
Oleander(Nerium) - attention. Poisonous plant.
mistletoe(Viscum) - “Kiss me”, affection, overcoming difficulties, sacred plant India, magic flower Druids.
Orchid(Family: Orchidaceae - Orchidaceae) - love, sophistication, beauty, Chinese symbol of childhood, intimacy. It is customary to give an orchid only to loved ones.
Holly, Holly (Ilex) - family happiness, protection, hope, deity.
Fern(Department: Ferns - Polypodiophyta) - charm, magic, grace, trust and patronage. Fern will emphasize feminine magic and mystery.
Parsley- fun.
Petunia(Petunia) - irritation, anger, “Your gift calms me down.” Having received petunias as a gift, you should reconsider your behavior.
Peony(Paeonia) - happy wedding, fun life, compassion, shyness.
Our distant ancestors had no doubt that plants came to this world not by chance, they have special meaning. The ways of their appearance were shrouded in mystery, giving rise to numerous theories, including “magic” ones. The aster turned out to be one of these symbols. Legend of the flower appearance which served as the source of the name, attributes to it divine origin. So where did this beautiful plant come from?
Legend of the Flower: Aster from Persephone
The most beautiful description of the history of this “star” plant came to our contemporaries from the inhabitants of Ancient Greece. It was they who first wrote down an explanation of where the aster came from. The legend about the flower says that people should thank Persephone for it.
How is the eternally young goddess of spring connected with the appearance of this plant? Persephone is the unhappy wife of Hades, who ruled the underworld. He forcibly took her as his wife, kidnapping her from her mother Demeter. The gods ordered the young wife to spend at least half of her life (autumn and winter) in her husband’s abode, so year after year she sank underground with the arrival of cold weather.
What does the aster have to do with it? The legend of the flower claims that one day at the end of August the unfortunate goddess noticed a young man and a girl in love exchanging kisses, being hidden by the darkness of the night. Persephone, deprived of love and soon forced to go to Hades, began to sob in despair. The sufferer's tears turned into star dust, falling to the ground and transforming into wonderful asters. It is not surprising that the Greeks have associated this plant with love since ancient times.
Monks found the stars
Not only Persephone is “blamed” for the appearance on our planet of such a miracle as the aster. The legend about the flower, which is popular in China, contains another explanation. It all started with the journey of two Taoist clerics who decided to reach the stars. The path of the monks, as one would expect, turned out to be long and difficult. They had to penetrate through juniper thickets, fall, slip on icy paths, and wander through an inhospitable forest.
Finally, the clergy climbed Mount Altai. Once at the top, they decided to rest, since their legs were skinned with blood, and only rags were left of their clothes. The monks with difficulty descended into the valley, where they saw a clear stream and a flower meadow. What does the legend about the flower have to do with it? The aster turned out to be exactly the beautiful plant that the travelers found in the valley. Noticing this miracle, they realized that there are stars not only in the sky.
The monks could not resist taking plant samples with them. They began to grow them on monastery lands, having invented appropriate name. Translated from Latin, the word “aster” means “star”.
Aphrodite's Gift
The people who once inhabited Ancient Greece were imaginative. It is not surprising that they offer another legend about the flower. Astra is known to be considered a symbol of the Virgo sign. People ruled by a romantic constellation will be interested to know why this particular plant was chosen for them.
It turns out that the ancient Greeks, who lived before our era, were actively interested in astrology and already had an idea of the constellation Virgo. It, in turn, was identified by the inhabitants ancient world with the goddess Aphrodite. The theory says that the tears shed over the death of a beautiful lover turned into cosmic dust. This is another legend about a flower (the aster, as it turns out, has been popular for a long time) differs from the story in which Persephone is the heroine. The dust settled on the ground and gradually transformed into a plant.
Astra in Ancient Greece
This was the first state whose residents began to grow asters. Taking into account the “divine” versions of the origin of “star” plants, it is not surprising that they were given special place. The legend about the autumn flower aster, which was believed in those days, claimed that it had the ability to ward off troubles from home and drive away evil spirits. This explains the habit of the ancient Greeks to decorate their home areas with these plants.
It is interesting that asters were brought to Crimea from Greece. Evidence that the flower was grown by the Scythians was found in Simferopol. Excavations carried out there made it possible to discover drawings in which these plants appeared. They were located on the walls of the imperial tomb. It is curious, but the Scythians saw the sun in this work of nature and also considered it a divine gift.
Symbol of love
In Ancient Greece, temples glorifying the powerful and beautiful Aphrodite became widespread. As mentioned above, the legend about autumn flower(the aster is meant) assures that the tears of this one turned into a plant. This explains why it was chosen as a symbol, the drawings of which were used to decorate the altars. Parishioners visiting the temple of Aphrodite to offer prayers also wove the plant into their hair and clothes.
Not many people know that aster was used during fortune telling by young Greek women. Girls who wanted to start a family learned the name of their betrothed through a magical ritual. The ritual commanded to visit the garden in the middle of the night, approach the flower bushes and listen carefully. It was believed that asters would learn the name of the future groom from the stars and tell the one who could hear their quiet whisper.
"Star" of the East
Not only the Greeks, but also the Chinese have been growing asters for many centuries, giving them a special meaning. Recommendations have been passed down from generation to generation describing how to make bouquets correctly. The teaching of Feng Shui is favorable to this plant, seeing in it a symbol of love. According to Feng Shui, “stars” help those who wish to activate the love sector. You need to place a bouquet in it.
The legend about the flower (aster for children is also a kind of symbol), passed down from father to son in China, says that these gifts of nature save from evil demons. For protection, residents of the country burned the petals, scattering the ashes around the house.
Interestingly, “star” bouquets also help spouses whose feelings have faded over the years. There is even a recipe for a special salad with flower petals, which Chinese women have been sharing with their daughters for centuries. It is believed that it is enough to feed such a dish to a cold husband for him to regain his lost ardor. This food is also recommended for childless couples, as it fuels sexual desire, which will lead to the birth of children.
European traditions
The inhabitants of Europe also had an idea of how magical the aster (flower) was. The legends and beliefs that surrounded him had a direct influence on European traditions. With the help of this plant one could even express secret thoughts. The donor, presenting a bouquet of “stars,” could tell the recipient about admiration, friendly respect, hidden love, and even report hatred. It all depended on how the bouquet was composed. Most often, asters were presented to ladies by ardent gentlemen.
However, not all inhabitants of Europe associated it with love. In the eastern part, this plant was seen as a symbol of sadness, which was associated with sadness about the end of summer.
An interesting fact is that the aster adorns the coat of arms of the Republic of Tatarstan, since in this country the flower symbolizes eternal life. Here it is also used for decoration residential buildings, attracting prosperity to the family.
Myths about other colors
Of course, not only “stars” are surrounded by myths; they also have other legends and beliefs. Astra, for example, can't compete with violets for the number of origin stories. One popular version insists that these gifts of nature appeared thanks to Zeus. The Thunderer turned the daughter of Atlas, hiding from the lover Apollo, into a violet, but forgot to disenchant the girl.
Gladiolus is another record holder for the number of myths. The famous theory says that it arose on the planet as a result of a battle that took place between the Thracians and the Romans. After the Roman victory, many young Thracians found themselves slaves, among them two friends. When the cruel ruler ordered them to fight to the death, they refused. The brave young men were killed, but the first gladioli grew from their defeated bodies.
This is what the most look like famous legends about aster and other beautiful flowers.
Perhaps many people do not believe in such things, but flowers, like many other things that surround a person, have certain meanings. Sometimes, the meaning of a given bouquet can be the most unusual. But no matter how skeptics feel about this theory, such designations and symbols often find their embodiment in real life.
And a flower like the aster has a rather unusual and truly fascinating meaning. Moreover, some knowledgeable people who have studied not only the meaning of flowers, but also the history of these arguments since ancient times, can without a doubt claim that the aster is a divine flower that descended to Earth from the heavens.
Aster is a truly exquisite gift that symbolizes grace and beauty. And those people who choose this particular flower for a bouquet may not even realize that they are intuitively trying to express their sincere feelings to the person for whom this bouquet is intended.
White aster, the meaning of flowers is the most tender and most fiery. It is the white aster that speaks of great love. But, in principle, regardless of color, this particular flower is one of the main symbols of love and freedom of feelings.
As a rule, people who choose aster from all types of flowers do not doubt their feelings at all and are ready to talk about it to their significant other endlessly.
The history of the meaning of this flower goes far into the past. Once upon a time, the Ancient Greeks brought to light an unusual myth about the origin of this flower. And it all begins with the fact that one day, with the onset of autumn, the goddess of spring Persephone had to plunge underground again into the dull and serene underground kingdom of Aida in order to give power to another diva for the duration of the cold season.
And on the night when this was supposed to happen, Persephone saw a loving couple standing on the seashore. She felt sad that her life was so empty and inconspicuous that she didn’t even have her own love. She began to cry, but her tears turned into asters and so covered the entire earth.
It was this story that became the beginning of the fact that this flower began to be considered a symbol of love and grace, because, among other things, the legend says that this goddess was truly a very beautiful girl.
It is worth noting that this flower is also deeply respected, valued and revered in Great China. True, this country differs from many others precisely in that flowers here have high value. But what does aster mean in the East? In fact, the aster is referred to here as the “star of the east” and represents beauty, modesty and elegance.
And even such a great teaching as Feng Shui pays special attention exactly this flower. It is customary to display a bouquet of asters in the love zone, then the appearance of a soul mate is inevitable. And even for a married couple, this symbol will serve to strengthen their bonds. In a private house, it is recommended to plant entire aster bushes in the same zone, that is, in the love zone.
You can also experiment with vases and all kinds of fences for bouquets or aster bushes, because, as you know, in the science of Feng Shui there are no trifles. But even without this, the effect of the flower will make itself felt in the near future, because almost all the symbols in Eastern culture have more than once found their confirmation in the lives of many people.
This seemingly quite ordinary flower has such unusual meanings. Asters not only speak of love, but also bring great luck.
Aster is a flower that is found in almost every garden. Flower growers love it for its unpretentiousness and beautiful bloom until frost. The plant can be from 10 to 150 cm in height. The castings are usually jagged, the petals are narrow and of various colors.
Initially, asters grew in China. They were secretly brought to Europe by a monk in the 17th century. Since then, breeders have developed 200 species of asters and many varieties. Translated from Greek, the name of the flower means “star”.
Symbolism
The aster flower is a symbol of love. In the homeland of plants, China, they symbolize precision, beauty and modesty.
The petals of the flower look like the sharp ends of a star, so the aster is considered a gift from heaven, from the Gods. It is used as a talisman against troubles.
The aster also symbolizes sadness and grief. In France, soldiers' graves were decorated with asters.
Flowers with an even number of petals promise longevity and prosperity, a symbol of the eternal source of life.
Aster is often called an autumn rose because it blooms in early autumn. Therefore, she is a symbol of women born under the Virgo zodiac sign.
Asters are especially popular in Tatarstan. They bloom in every front garden and are even depicted on the coat of arms of the republic.
Types and varieties
Asters are divided into types according to their lifespan, growth, and variety of flowers.
- Annual or Chinese aster. They are planted every year, flowering begins at the end of July and continues until autumn frosts. Some varieties:
- Alena - double inflorescences with a diameter of 5-6 cm, plant height 60 cm;
- Harlequin white - double inflorescences with a diameter of 4 cm, bush height 50 cm;
- Bazhena - pompom flowers with a diameter of 7 cm, bush height 80 cm.
2. Perennial aster (). There are varieties that bloom in both autumn and spring.
- Alba - white flowers with a diameter of 3 cm. Alpine subspecies. Blooms at the end of May;
- Rose - bright pink flowers with a diameter of 5 cm. Subspecies Italian. Plant height 60-70 cm. Blooms in August;
- Leopard Pink – red flowers. Subspecies New England. Height from 100 cm. Blooms in September.
3. Dwarf. The varieties differ in their height - a maximum of 25 cm. They bloom in mid-July.
- Milady - double flowers with a diameter of 10 cm;
- Crestella - double flowers 8 cm in diameter;
- Erfurt Dwarf - double flowers 8 cm in diameter, densely branched variety.
4. Average height – from 25 to 80 cm.
- Ajax – needle-shaped petals with a diameter of 9 cm, bush height 70 cm;
- Snow White - white double flowers 65 cm high;
- Valkyrie purple - purple needle-shaped petals. Height 50 cm.
5. Tall - from 80 cm to 2 m. New England varieties belong to this species.
- Amethyst - lilac flowers;
- Violetta – purple flowers, height 150 cm;
- September ruby - red flowers, height 130 cm.
6. Simple flowers– narrow petals, not double.
- Margarita;
- Apollo;
- Edelweiss.
7. Pompom flowers - double petals, inflorescences resemble peonies.
- Harlequin dark purple;
- Rose - red with a yellow center;
- Excellent Rackley.
8. Needle flowers - narrow petals, pointed towards the edge.
- Blue Lagoon – blue flowers, height 65 cm;
- Alice – red flowers;
- Giant rays.
- Peony-shaped - flowers resemble peonies, double:
- Ashnya Apricot – peach-colored flowers;
- Camelot is a dwarf variety;
- Old Castle - soft pink inflorescences.
Reproduction
Aster flowers can be propagated in several ways.
- Seeds. They are collected in the fall or bought, there are now many varieties on sale. Plant directly in the ground in the fall or for seedlings in the spring.
This method is more suitable for annual varieties. But you can also plant perennial asters with seeds in the garden beds in the fall, then they will bloom in 2 years.
Important point. Seeds lose their viability after 2-3 years, so it is better not to store them for a long time.
- Dividing the bush. Perennial asters propagated in this way. You can do this in the spring. Then, in the fall, new plants will bloom. The plant is dug up. Clear the land and divide it sharp knife. Each sprout should have 3-5 stems and several roots. Flowers are immediately planted in the ground. After this they are watered.
Growing seedlings
To ensure better germination and survival of seeds, they are planted seedling method. This method is suitable for annual asters.
They do this in March-April. The soil must first be disinfected with potassium permanganate. In boxes with garden soil, seeds are planted in grooves at a distance of 2 cm. Then they are sprinkled with earth and moistened. Then cover with film and leave in a warm, lit place. Periodically ventilate the boxes and ensure that condensation does not form. After germination, the boxes are opened. When a couple of leaves appear, the sprouts are planted more freely.
Advice. Dive seedlings into peat pots, then it will be more convenient for you to plant them in the ground. The roots will not be damaged, and the plant will receive additional nutrition.
Planting in the ground and care
Before boarding garden soil fertilize with manure or compost.
That's enough hardy plants, so they can be planted in the ground directly from seeds. You can sow seeds in the fall in September-October or in the spring in April-May. The seeds are placed in grooves and sprinkled with soil. After the seedlings appear, they are thinned out.
If you planted seedlings, then at the end of May they can be planted on the site. Asters can withstand frost down to -4 degrees, so light frosts will not harm them. Dig up the bed, prepare small holes at a distance of 20 cm. Depending on the variety, more space may be needed. Carefully take one sprout at a time and plant it on permanent place. After planting, the plants need to be watered.
Asters are unpretentious. They love sunlight, but they also tolerate shade well.
It does not tolerate drought well, causing the leaves to wither. Therefore, watering should be regular, but you should not overwater the plants.
Important. Asters love loosening the soil. It is advisable to do this after every rain or watering.
Annual asters are fed 2 weeks after planting in the ground. Perennials can be fertilized only after 2 years. For this, a mixture of superphosphate and potassium sulfate is used.
Diseases and pests
Like other plants, asters are susceptible to diseases and pests.
- Fusarium. It is characterized by yellow leaves that wither and fall over time. This fungal disease, which can be transmitted from other plants through the soil. To cure, you need to spray with copper oxychloride.
Advice. To prevent fusarium on all plants, replant them periodically. Return asters to their old place after 4-5 years.
- Rust. The leaves seem to begin to become covered with rust, and bubbles with fungal spores form on the reverse side. You need to spray the flowers with Bordeaux mixture for 10 days.
- Blackleg. The stems turn black and rot. Need to make an infusion onions and water the soil with it twice a day.
- Jaundice. The leaves are brightening. A viral disease is treated with Intra-Vir or Actellik. If the plant is completely affected, it must be uprooted and burned.
- Slugs. Pests that attack many garden plants. They must be collected by hand. After this, the soil under the plant must be turned over so that they do not climb up the stems again.
- Aphid. Can affect all vegetables. Trees and berries. Spraying with a soap solution or Intra-Vir helps get rid of it.
- Spider mite. Cobwebs appear on the leaves. You need to spray the flowers with a solution of sulfur and lime.
Compatibility with other colors
Asters go well with other plants. Together with marigolds, they will bloom until frost and the first snow. Peony varieties will replace the ensemble of faded peonies. Needle varieties look good next to coniferous plants. Pompom varieties are combined with dahlias, and simple ones with chrysanthemums.
Asters are beautiful, unpretentious flowers that all summer residents love. These are irreplaceable flowers for the first of September. One of the few that blooms before frost. Dwarf and tall varieties help create unusual compositions in flower beds.
Aster is one of the most ancient flowers, a miniature star that illuminates everything around it with a silvery light. Asters were brought to Europe from China, where they symbolized elegance, modesty and beauty. However, asters got their name not in China, but in Ancient Greece. Astra translated into Russian means “star”. According to legend, from the constellation Virgo, which for the Greeks was associated with the goddess of love - Aphrodite, a tear rolled down - star dust. Having reached the ground, in those places where the dust particles touched, unprecedented flowers grew - asters, so reminiscent of celestial stars with their inflorescence. The Greeks believed that if you stand near the growing asters in the dead of night, then in complete silence you can hear faint whispers - this is how, according to legend, asters maintain contact with their sisters - the stars in the sky. Aster is the symbol of people born under the Virgo zodiac sign. This flower, sent to people by the gods, identifies sadness for the sky, for a lost paradise that can no longer be achieved.
The Chinese legend of the appearance of the aster is also directly related to the stellar origin of flowers. One day two monks went on a long journey to see stars up close. They wandered through dense forests, climbed mountain heights, made their way through glaciers and finally reached Mount Altai. At the very top, the monks realized that the stars were still as far from them as at the very beginning of the journey. Disappointed, they set off on their way back. They went down the mountains for a long time without water or food and suddenly saw a delightful meadow in front of them. A stream with clear and clean water flowed in the meadow, and beautiful flowers could be seen everywhere. The wise monk said to his companion:
“We traveled so much to understand the beauty and mystery of the stars in the sky, but we achieved it on earth.
The monks took several flowers to the monastery for breeding, calling them asters.
In Hungary, the aster is called the autumn rose, since this flower is capable of blooming in late autumn and even early winter. Asters evoke a wide variety of emotions in people - from sadness for the past to thoughts of eternal, unfading beauty.
Astra is a star,
Autumn flower.
You are a harbinger of a harsh winter.
You are autumn's last madness
Before the inevitable eternal extinction.
Her last love.
Her latest rainbow you explosion.
Her impulse of deep passion is colorful!
Astra is a star,
Autumn flower.
You are a riot of wondrous colors
Before my last breath...
You are the inflorescence of all constellations
On the apricot-crimson sky
Autumn newcomers - colors.
Its sky-high - wonderful
Shades, tones, halftones,
Driving us crazy
With your palette on canvas
Wonderful nature,
Fabulous, magical!
Astra is a star,
Autumn flower.
Your bouquet is late, colorful
Gifted to a woman
In the fall for good luck.
He puts off old age -
Keeps youth!
