Looking for a way to symbolize the eternal nature of life and love? Look no further than the beautiful flowers that have come to represent eternity, with their delicate petals and enduring beauty.
From the purity of the lily to the steadfastness of the rose, these ten flowers have long been associated with eternal life and the eternal love that sustains it.
Join us as we explore their rich history and meanings in this fascinating guide to 10 flowers that represent eternal life.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is a delicate and sweet-smelling flower that is often associated with eternal life due to its religious significance.
In Christian symbolism, the lily of the valley is considered to represent the tears of the Virgin Mary shed at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As a result, the flower has come to represent purity, humility, and the promise of eternal life.
Additionally, the lily of the valley is associated with the legend of Saint Leonard, who is said to have been saved from the devil’s temptations by the sweet smell of the flower.
It is also commonly used at weddings, where it symbolizes purity and everlasting love between the bride and groom.
Overall, the lily of the valley’s fragrant beauty and religious significance make it a popular choice for those seeking a symbol of eternal life.
Marigold
Marigold is a vibrant, sun-like flower with a rich cultural history of being associated with the concept of eternal life. The marigold flower is often used in celebrations of the dead in various cultures, particularly in Mexico where it is an essential part of the Day of the Dead festival.
The bright yellow and orange colors of marigold symbolize the sun and its life-giving energy. The marigold’s strong and distinctive fragrance is believed to help guide the spirits of the deceased to the land of the living during the festival.
In Hindu culture, marigold is also used in religious ceremonies to honor the gods and ancestors.
The flower’s vibrant colors are believed to symbolize the warmth and radiance of the sun and its association with divinity. In addition, marigold petals are used to create garlands that are believed to bestow good luck and eternal life upon the wearer.
Overall, marigold’s association with death and eternal life makes it a significant flower for those seeking to commemorate the departed or honor ancestors. Its bright colors and distinctive fragrance also make it a popular choice for celebrations and festivals.
Lotus
Lotus is a flower that has deep symbolic meaning in many cultures, including those of ancient Egypt, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Chinese folklore. In Hinduism, the lotus flower symbolizes creation and divine beauty, as it is believed to be the home of the gods.
In Buddhism, the lotus flower represents spiritual enlightenment and purity, as the lotus is able to grow out of murky water and emerge clean and beautiful.
The lotus flower is also associated with eternal life, as it is a perennial plant that can survive for hundreds of years. In ancient Egypt, the lotus flower was a symbol of the sun and the cycle of life and death, as it blooms during the day and closes at night.
It was believed that the lotus flower represented resurrection and the afterlife, and many pharaohs were buried with lotus flowers or adorned with lotus crowns to signify their journey into the afterlife.
Overall, the lotus flower represents the idea of eternal life and the ability to rise above difficult circumstances to achieve spiritual purity and enlightenment. Its enduring nature and beauty make it a powerful symbol of hope and renewal.
Gladiolus
Gladiolus, also known as the sword lily, is a tall and elegant flower that symbolizes many things, including strength, integrity, and honor. However, it is also considered a flower of eternal life, especially in some cultures such as the Zulu people of South Africa.
According to their beliefs, the gladiolus flowers are believed to be the flowers of the ancestral spirits that have passed away, and the flowers’ long stems represent the connection between the living and the dead.
The gladiolus is a perennial flower that can grow up to 4 feet tall, and it comes in various colors, including red, pink, yellow, orange, white, and even purple. The flower blooms in the summer and fall, producing showy spikes of flowers that make them a popular choice for flower arrangements and bouquets.
In addition to the Zulu people, the gladiolus is also considered a symbol of eternal life in other cultures, including the ancient Romans, who associated the flower with the gladiatorial games.
The name “gladiolus” comes from the Latin word “gladius,” which means “sword,” referring to the shape of the leaves that resemble a sword.
The Romans believed that the gladiolus flower was a symbol of the gladiators’ strength and bravery and that the flower would bring good luck and protection to those who carried it.
Overall, the gladiolus flower’s tall and strong structure, along with its association with strength, honor, and eternal life, make it a meaningful and powerful symbol in many cultures.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are a popular flower in many cultures, and they have a variety of meanings depending on the color and the context. In many Eastern cultures, chrysanthemums are associated with death and the afterlife. However, in Western cultures, chrysanthemums are often seen as a symbol of joy and longevity.
The chrysanthemum is also a flower that represents eternal life, particularly in Chinese culture. In Chinese mythology, the chrysanthemum is associated with the elixir of life, a mythical substance that grants immortality.
According to legend, a wise man who had achieved immortality was said to have lived in a garden filled with chrysanthemums.
In addition to its association with the elixir of life, the chrysanthemum is also considered a symbol of longevity and rejuvenation in Chinese culture.
In traditional Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum tea is often consumed as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, and it is believed to promote longevity and good health.
Overall, the chrysanthemum is a flower that represents the idea of eternal life and the possibility of living forever, both in the afterlife and in this world.
Iris
Iris is a flower that is commonly associated with eternal life, especially in Greek mythology. The ancient Greeks believed that the goddess Iris was the messenger of the gods, and that she used the rainbow as a bridge to travel from the heavens to the earth.
The word “iris” means rainbow in Greek, and the flower was named after the goddess because of its many colors.
The iris has three petals and three sepals that surround the central petals, which are often a different color than the outer petals. This gives the flower a unique and striking appearance, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.
In addition to its beauty, the iris is also a symbol of eternal life and resurrection. This symbolism comes from the fact that the iris is a hardy flower that can withstand harsh conditions, such as droughts and extreme temperatures.
Even when cut, the iris can survive for several days in a vase of water, further emphasizing its ability to endure and thrive.
Furthermore, in some cultures, the iris is associated with the afterlife and is often used in funeral arrangements to represent the deceased’s journey to the next life. In Christian symbolism, the iris represents the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted wearing a blue robe and is associated with the color blue.
Overall, the iris is a flower that symbolizes eternal life and the ability to overcome challenges and endure. Its unique beauty and powerful symbolism make it a popular choice for a variety of occasions, from weddings to funerals.
White Rose
White rose is a symbol of purity, innocence, and spirituality. It is often associated with the Virgin Mary, who is considered the epitome of purity and innocence. The white rose also has significance in various religious and cultural traditions as a symbol of eternal life.
In Christian mythology, it is believed that white roses were found growing in the Garden of Eden before Adam and Eve’s fall from grace. After their expulsion, it is said that the white roses continued to bloom, symbolizing hope and eternal life.
White roses are also commonly used in funeral arrangements, as they represent the hope for eternal life after death. They are a symbol of the soul’s transition from this life to the next, as well as a reminder of the love and respect that the departed person is held in.
In addition to their spiritual symbolism, white roses also have a delicate and elegant appearance, making them a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
Their pure and timeless beauty serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love, which transcends even death.
Sunflower
While sunflowers are commonly associated with the sun and its bright and vibrant energy, they also hold deep symbolism in many cultures as a representation of eternal life.
The tall, sturdy stalks of the sunflower stand straight and tall, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and the bright yellow petals of the flower symbolize the sun and its life-giving energy.
In many ancient cultures, the sunflower was seen as a symbol of immortality and was often used in funeral rites and ceremonies.
For example, in Greek mythology, the nymph Clytie was turned into a sunflower after she was rejected by the sun god Apollo, and she was said to have gazed up at him, following his movements across the sky each day for eternity.
In Christianity, the sunflower is also associated with eternal life and is often used as a symbol of faith and devotion. The flower’s resemblance to the sun is seen as a representation of the divine light of Christ, and the yellow petals are said to represent the radiance of his resurrection.
Overall, the sunflower’s bright and resilient nature, combined with its deep cultural symbolism, make it a powerful representation of eternal life and the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome even in the face of adversity.
Carnation
Carnation is a beautiful flower that has been used for centuries to represent various emotions and concepts, including eternal life. This flower symbolizes the idea that life goes on even after death and that our loved ones continue to live on in our memories and in the afterlife.
Carnations are often used in funeral arrangements and other remembrance ceremonies because of their association with eternal life. In many cultures, the flower is also used to honor ancestors and other loved ones who have passed away.
The carnation has a rich history of symbolism and meaning, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. According to Greek mythology, the first carnation sprang up from the tears of the goddess Venus as she mourned the death of her beloved Adonis.
In Christianity, the carnation is associated with the Virgin Mary and is said to have bloomed where her tears fell.
The color of the carnation also plays a role in its symbolism. White carnations, for example, are often used to represent purity, innocence, and the hope of eternal life. Pink carnations symbolize love and gratitude, while red carnations are associated with admiration and deep affection.
Overall, the carnation is a beautiful and meaningful flower that can serve as a powerful symbol of eternal life and the enduring love we have for those who have passed away.
Dahlia
Dahlias are a type of flower that is native to Mexico and is known for its stunning and vibrant blooms. These flowers are often used in gardens, floral arrangements, and as cut flowers due to their beauty and long-lasting nature. The dahlia is also a flower that represents eternal life.
The dahlia symbolizes eternal life because of its ability to come back year after year, even after harsh winters and difficult conditions. The tuberous root system of the dahlia allows it to survive through cold winters, and the plant can grow back in the spring with new foliage and flowers.
The dahlia’s ability to regenerate and bloom again and again is also seen as a symbol of eternal life in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, for example, the dahlia was associated with the god of life and fertility, Osiris.
The flower was often used in religious ceremonies and was seen as a representation of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
In modern times, the dahlia is often given as a gift to those who have experienced loss or who are mourning, as a symbol of hope and the promise of new life.
The flower’s vibrant colors and strong stems also make it a popular choice for celebratory occasions, such as weddings and graduations, where it can represent the eternal nature of love and achievement.
Overall, the dahlia is a powerful symbol of eternal life and hope, reminding us that even in the face of difficulty and loss, new life and growth are always possible.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
