In the language of flowers, certain blooms carry special meanings and associations. When it comes to remembrance, there are several flowers that have been used for centuries to honor and memorialize loved ones who have passed away.
From the classic poppy to the delicate sweet pea, these 10 flowers have long been associated with the concept of remembrance, and continue to hold a special place in our hearts today.
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of floral symbolism and discover the stories behind 10 flowers that represent remembrance.
Poppy
The poppy has long been associated with remembrance, particularly in the context of war and conflict. The reason for this is rooted in the First World War, during which time the flower grew in great abundance on the battlefields of Flanders, France.
Its bright red color, which evokes the blood spilled in battle, and its delicate, papery petals that fall away easily, have made it a poignant symbol of remembrance and sacrifice.
In the years following the First World War, the poppy became an important symbol of remembrance for veterans and their families.
The tradition of wearing a poppy on Remembrance Day (also known as Armistice Day or Veterans Day) began in the United Kingdom, and has since spread to many other countries around the world.
The poppy has come to represent not just the sacrifices of those who died in war, but also the ongoing need to work towards peace and understanding.
In addition to its association with war and conflict, the poppy is also linked to the idea of eternal sleep and the afterlife. In many cultures, the flower is seen as a symbol of resurrection and rebirth, as its seeds can lie dormant for many years before sprouting and blooming anew.
In this sense, the poppy represents the idea that while physical life may be fleeting, the soul endures and lives on beyond death.
Overall, the poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and hope. Whether worn on a lapel or displayed in a memorial garden, the flower serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, and the ongoing need to work towards peace and understanding in our world.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb that has long been associated with remembrance and memory. In ancient Greece and Rome, it was believed to improve memory and was often worn or placed in wreaths during important ceremonies or events.
The plant’s strong, woody scent is thought to help stimulate the senses and improve focus and concentration.
During the Middle Ages, rosemary was used as a symbol of loyalty and fidelity, and was often included in wedding bouquets and decorations. In the language of flowers, it came to represent remembrance and the enduring nature of memory.
The association between rosemary and remembrance continued into the modern era, particularly in the context of war and memorialization.
During the First World War, soldiers and their families often wore sprigs of rosemary as a symbol of remembrance and to honor the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in the conflict. The plant’s hardy nature and resilience also made it a fitting symbol of endurance and survival in the face of adversity.
Today, rosemary continues to be used as a symbol of remembrance, and is often included in memorial wreaths and gardens. The plant’s aromatic properties also make it a popular choice for aromatherapy and other therapeutic uses, where it is believed to help improve memory and mental clarity.
Overall, rosemary is a powerful symbol of remembrance, memory, and resilience. Its enduring association with these concepts serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and preserving the memories of those who have gone before us, and the need to strive for a better future in their honor.
Forget-Me-Not
The forget-me-not is a delicate, blue-flowered plant that has long been associated with remembrance and commemoration. According to legend, the flower’s name comes from a medieval story in which a knight and his lover were walking along a riverbank.
The knight, seeing a cluster of blue flowers, reached out to pick them for his lover, but was swept away by the current and drowned. As he was swept away, he threw the flowers to his lover and cried out, “Forget-me-not!”
Since that time, the forget-me-not has been seen as a symbol of enduring love, faithfulness, and remembrance. The flower’s tiny, delicate blossoms are a poignant reminder of the fragility and beauty of life, while its blue color evokes the depth and constancy of human emotions.
During the First World War, the forget-me-not was adopted as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers and their families. I
n some countries, including Germany and Austria, the flower is still used as a symbol of remembrance for those who died in war. It is often worn or displayed on Remembrance Day or Memorial Day as a way to honor the sacrifices made by those who served their country.
In addition to its association with war and conflict, the forget-me-not is also seen as a symbol of remembrance and commemoration in a variety of other contexts. It is often planted in memorial gardens and other commemorative spaces, where it serves as a living reminder of those who have passed on.
The flower’s gentle beauty and enduring nature make it a fitting symbol of the enduring power of memory and the importance of honoring those who have gone before us.
Overall, the forget-me-not is a powerful symbol of remembrance, love, and faithfulness. Its association with these concepts serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life, and the enduring importance of memory and commemoration.
Lily Of The Valley
Lily of the valley is a fragrant, bell-shaped flower that has been associated with remembrance and commemoration for centuries. According to Christian tradition, the flower is said to have grown from the tears of the Virgin Mary as she wept at the foot of the cross during the crucifixion of Jesus.
As a result, the flower is often seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and humility, as well as a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus and the suffering of his mother.
Beyond its Christian symbolism, the lily of the valley has been associated with remembrance and commemoration in a variety of other contexts as well. In some cultures, the flower is believed to have the power to restore lost memories and to bring comfort and healing to those who are grieving.
In others, it is seen as a symbol of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with those we love.
In many countries, lily of the valley is also associated with the celebration of May Day, a springtime festival that is often linked to the renewal of life and the return of fertility to the land. During this festival, it is common to give lily of the valley as a gift to friends and loved ones as a way of expressing affection and appreciation.
Overall, the lily of the valley is a powerful symbol of remembrance and commemoration, evoking feelings of purity, innocence, and humility, as well as the passage of time and the importance of cherishing our memories and relationships. Its sweet fragrance and delicate beauty make it a fitting symbol of the enduring power of memory and the beauty of life.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are a popular flower in many cultures and have been associated with remembrance and commemoration for centuries.
In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is considered the “Emperor’s Flower” and is closely associated with the imperial family. It is also a symbol of longevity, as well as a reminder of the transience of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.
In China, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn and is often associated with sadness and grief. It is commonly used in funerals and is seen as a way of honoring the memory of the deceased. Chrysanthemums are also associated with the concept of yin and yang, representing the balance between life and death.
In Western cultures, chrysanthemums are often used as a symbol of remembrance and are commonly seen in funeral arrangements and memorials.
They are also associated with honor and respect, making them a popular choice for military ceremonies and other events honoring veterans and other public servants.
Overall, the chrysanthemum is a powerful symbol of remembrance and commemoration, evoking feelings of respect, honor, and the transience of life. Its beauty and delicate petals serve as a reminder of the importance of cherishing our memories and relationships while we have them, and of honoring those who have passed before us.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons are a popular flower that are often associated with remembrance, particularly in the context of honoring the memory of loved ones who have passed away.
This association stems from the unique shape of the flower, which resembles a dragon’s head with a gaping mouth that opens and closes when the flower is squeezed.
In Victorian times, snapdragons were often given as gifts to express sentiments of remembrance, particularly for loved ones who had passed away. The flower’s delicate beauty and symbolic value made it a popular choice for funeral arrangements and other memorials.
Today, snapdragons continue to be associated with remembrance and are often included in memorial gardens and other commemorative spaces. They are also used in various cultural traditions to honor the memory of ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.
In addition to its association with remembrance, snapdragons are also seen as a symbol of strength and resilience, making them a popular choice for individuals who are going through difficult times or who have overcome significant challenges in their lives.
Overall, snapdragons are a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience, evoking feelings of strength, beauty, and the enduring nature of the human spirit.
Whether given as a gift or used in a commemorative space, snapdragons serve as a poignant reminder of the power of memory and the enduring value of honoring those who have passed before us.
Statice
Statice, also known as sea lavender, is a popular flower that is often associated with remembrance and commemoration. The flower’s delicate beauty and unique shape make it a popular choice for floral arrangements and memorial gardens, particularly in the context of honoring the memory of loved ones who have passed away.
One of the primary reasons that statice is associated with remembrance is its unique ability to retain its color and shape long after it has been cut or dried.
This property has made it a popular choice for creating dried flower arrangements and other long-lasting memorials, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of memory and the importance of honoring those who have passed before us.
In addition to its association with remembrance, statice is also seen as a symbol of sympathy and condolence, making it a popular choice for funeral arrangements and other memorials. Its delicate beauty and soothing colors evoke feelings of comfort and solace, serving as a reminder that even in the midst of grief and loss, there is beauty and hope to be found.
Overall, statice is a powerful symbol of remembrance and commemoration, evoking feelings of beauty, hope, and the enduring nature of memory.
Whether used in a floral arrangement or as a component of a larger memorial, statice serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing our memories and honoring the memory of those who have passed before us.
Heliotrope
Heliotrope is a fragrant flowering plant that is often associated with remembrance and nostalgia. The name “heliotrope” comes from the Greek words helios, meaning “sun,” and tropein, meaning “to turn,” reflecting the flower’s tendency to turn towards the sun throughout the day.
In the context of remembrance, heliotrope is often seen as a symbol of cherished memories and a reminder of loved ones who have passed away. The flower’s sweet fragrance and delicate beauty evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing, serving as a poignant reminder of the people and moments that we hold dear.
Heliotrope’s association with remembrance can also be traced back to its use in traditional Victorian mourning customs, where it was often used as a decorative element in funeral wreaths and other mourning arrangements.
The flower’s deep purple hue and sweet fragrance were thought to symbolize both the solemnity of death and the enduring nature of memory.
Beyond its symbolic significance, heliotrope has also been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries. In traditional medicine, heliotrope was believed to have healing properties, particularly when it came to treating skin conditions and respiratory ailments.
Overall, heliotrope’s association with remembrance is rooted in its beauty, fragrance, and enduring significance as a symbol of cherished memories and loved ones who have passed away.
Whether used in a memorial garden or as a component of a larger tribute, heliotrope serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cherishing our memories and honoring the legacy of those who have come before us.
Hyacinth
Hyacinth is a bulbous flowering plant that is often associated with remembrance, particularly in the context of commemorating loved ones who have passed away. The flower’s delicate beauty and sweet fragrance have made it a popular choice for memorial gardens and other remembrance tributes.
In Greek mythology, hyacinth was a young man who was accidentally killed by the god Apollo while playing a game of discus.
According to the myth, the flower of the same name sprang up from the spot where Hyacinth’s blood was spilled, serving as a lasting memorial to his tragic death. This story has contributed to hyacinth’s association with remembrance and mourning.
In Victorian times, hyacinths were often included in funeral wreaths and other mourning arrangements as a symbol of grief and remembrance. The flower’s rich fragrance and wide range of colors made it a versatile choice for these types of tributes.
Beyond its symbolic significance, hyacinth has also been valued for its medicinal properties for centuries. In traditional medicine, hyacinth was believed to have a number of healing properties, particularly when it came to treating respiratory ailments like coughs and colds.
Overall, hyacinth’s association with remembrance is rooted in its beauty, fragrance, and enduring significance as a symbol of grief and mourning.
Whether used in a funeral arrangement or planted in a memorial garden, hyacinth serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of memory and the importance of honoring those who have passed away.
Sweet Pea
Sweet pea is a flowering plant that is often associated with remembrance, especially in the United Kingdom. The flower’s delicate beauty and sweet fragrance have made it a popular choice for memorial gardens and other remembrance tributes.
In the early 1900s, the sweet pea became a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who fought and died in World War I.
The flower’s association with remembrance stems from the poem “In Flanders Fields,” which was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician and poet, during World War I. The poem describes the fields of Flanders, where thousands of soldiers lost their lives, and the poppies and sweet peas that bloomed there.
Since then, sweet pea has been used as a symbol of remembrance for those who have died in service to their country, as well as for other loved ones who have passed away. The flower’s delicate beauty and soft fragrance make it a fitting tribute to those who are being remembered.
Sweet pea is also associated with the idea of saying goodbye. In the language of flowers, sweet pea symbolizes “goodbye” or “departure,” which makes it a fitting choice for funeral arrangements and other remembrance tributes.
Beyond its symbolic significance, sweet pea has been valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties for centuries. The flower’s soft, pastel colors and delicate, ruffled petals make it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.
Sweet pea is also believed to have a number of medicinal properties, particularly when it comes to treating respiratory ailments like coughs and colds.
Overall, sweet pea’s association with remembrance is rooted in its delicate beauty, sweet fragrance, and enduring significance as a symbol of farewell and tribute.
Whether used in a funeral arrangement or planted in a memorial garden, sweet pea serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring and remembering those who have passed away.
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.
