Poppy Flower Meaning and Symbolism: Honor & Remembrance

Poppy flower meanings include sleep, dreams, imagination, sacrifice, remembrance, regeneration, and luxury. There are 120 species of poppies, and they have a nearly global range, from the icy tundra to the blazing desert. Hence, the poppy appears as a symbol in the cultural mythologies of people around the world. In this post, you’ll learn about commonly shared poppy symbols, including color meanings. In addition, you’ll learn about the poppy as a symbol in art and literature as well as its spiritual connotations.

What does the poppy symbolize?

Here are some commonly shared meanings applied to poppies, with details on each below:

Sleep

Dreams

Imagination

Sacrifice

Remembrance

Regeneration

Luxury

Table of Contents

Detailed Poppy Symbols and Meanings

Poppy Color Meanings

Red Poppy Meaning

Pink Poppies

Orange Poppy Meaning

Yellow Poppies

White Poppy Meaning

Blue Poppies

Purple Poppy Meaning

Black Poppy Meaning

Poppy Flower Spiritual Meaning

Poppies in Cultural Mythology and Folklore

Poppy Meaning in Greek Mythology

Poppy Symbolism in Ancient Egypt

Poppy Symbolism in Christianity

Remembrance After World War I

Poppy Symbolism in Asia

Poppy Tattoo Meaning

Peony Meanings, Symbolism & Folklore + Peony Uses & Care from uniguide.com

Peony meanings include ephemerality, bashfulness, beauty, wealth and abundance, bravery and honor, healing, and eternal love. Originally used in ancient Chinese medicine, peony flowers have come to have important symbolic meaning to many people. In this article, we’ll explore all aspects of peony symbolism and meanings, as well as peony folklore, uses, care, and more.

Table of Contents

What do peonies symbolize?

Meaning of the Name Peony

Detailed Peony Meanings

Peony Color Meanings

Red Peony Flower Meanings

Pink Peony Meanings

Orange Peony Meanings

Yellow Peony Meaning

Green Peony Flower Meaning

Blue Peony Meanings

Purple Peony Meaning

White Peony Meanings

Black Peony Meanings

Peony Spiritual Meanings

Peony Folklore and Mythology

Peony Meaning in China

Peonies in Japan

Peony Meaning in Greek Mythology

Peony Flower Tattoo

Peony Flower Uses

Peony Planting and Care Tips

Today’s flower is dedicated to my spirit/heart brother White Owl.

The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. WitchesofTheCraft.com, any staff member of WitchesofTheCraft.com, Lady Rhiannon, and Lady Carla Beltane are not responsible for any type of a negative reaction when using this herb for any reason.

Meaning And Symbolism Of The Moonflower

Also referred to as the moon vine, the moonflower is a plant whose flowers bloom only at night, hence its name. They often have white blossoms, but some varieties have purple ones instead, but all of them are powerfully fragrant and give off a romantic vice.

During the day, the flowers of the moon vine are closed off like tiny buds that are only one or two inches wide.

However, after the sun sets, they slowly open wide as if to welcome the moon and can expand up to seven inches wide. This is why the plant has often been associated with the moon.

What Does The Moonflower Symbolize?

The moonflower’s appearance, fragrance, and behavior make it appear mystical and romantic, leading to deep symbolism attached to its presence. Here are ten of the most popular meanings of the moonflower:

1. Divine Existence

Several cultures revere the moonflower due to its association with gods and mystical beings.

The presence of this plant serves as a reminder that there are mystical experiences in the world that cannot be explained by logic alone.

For example, the ancient Greeks believed that the flowers on the plant represented the tears of the moon goddess Selene. Aside from this, the moonflower is also thought to be associated with Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and magic.

Related Article: Meaning And Symbolism Of Waves

2. Feminine Energy

The moon is widely accepted as a symbol of femininity and is attributed with female qualities such as intuition and emotion.

Even the phases of the moon have been associated with the female reproductive cycle.

With the moonflower’s deep connection with the moon, the plant has also become linked to feminine energy. As such, it is often used in lunar rituals to help attract the power and energy of the moon.

Related Article: Meaning and Symbolism of Watches

3. Healing And Recovery

In some countries, such as Cameroon and Thailand, the moonflower is recognized for its medicinal properties.

Several parts of the plants can be used to treat snakebites, boils, hemorrhoids, and wounds. It can work as a laxative, antipyretic, and anti-diabetic, as well as helping to increase breast milk production.

Spiritually, this plant can help heal wounds of betrayal, rejection, and abandonment. Let it surround you and help you achieve deeper emotional wellness by tapping at the wisdom and energy of the moon.

Related Article: Meaning And Symbolism Of Teddy Bears

4. Duality And Contradiction

While the moonflower can help heal physical and emotional illnesses, it can also have a toxic effect.

The contrasting effects of the moonflower make it a symbol of duality and contradiction, as it can heal and cause harm at the same time. Because of this, the plant and its extracts must not be ingested randomly.

It must be taken with caution, subject to the approval and monitoring of a medical professional. Improper use of this plant can result in heart problems, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some people also experience psychological effects like agitation, confusion, anxiety, or hallucinations.

5. Spiritual Guidance

With bright flowers that only bloom at night, the moonflower is often seen as a symbol of guidance.

It helps illuminate the dark paths at night and accompanies spirits in their journey. With this, some cultures believe that the plant can help them commune with otherworldly beings like ghosts and spirits.

In some countries, the moonflower would be planted around gravesites so they could help guide the souls of the departed on their way to the afterlife. The Japanese would also use the moonflower in ceremonies to honor the dead.

6. Dreams And Fantasies

Its oneness with the night also makes the moonflower a symbol of sleep and dreams.

The plant’s deep connection with the moon gives it psychic abilities as well. As such, it is often the flower of choice for people who are fascinated by the unknown or those who want to explore the mystic realm.

Some cultures believe that the plant carries the powers of the moon goddess and is thus associated with mystery and magic. Others claim that placing a moonflower under your pillow will allow you to receive visions or prophecies through your dreams.

7. Growth And Determination

As the petals of the moonflower remind you of the moon, its climbing vines stand for growth and change.

This is primarily because of its remarkable ability to survive in different kinds of environments and even in unlikely places, like abandoned lots or cracks in the sidewalk.

The plant also makes use of night creatures like moths and baths to aid in pollination, enabling it to reach new territories and establish its presence there.

This shows its resilience and determination to keep on surviving, despite unfavorable conditions. As such, the moonflower can serve as your inspiration when you are going through challenges in life.

8. Fertility And Reproduction

Each moonflower plant is able to produce hundreds of seeds each year.

These seeds fall to the ground and self-propagate, getting themselves ready for growth in the next season. This means that the plant can grow by itself without the need for special nurturing or human intervention.

Because of these abilities, the moonflower has been associated with fertility and reproduction. In some cultures, such as in China, the plant is given to new mothers as a sign of goodwill.

9. Protection And Shelter

Its association with the moon goddess also makes the moonflower a symbol of protection.

The blossoming of the flowers at night represents the watchful eye of the goddess, who is believed to protect those sleeping under her radiance.

The large petals of the flower also curve around the center as if to protect it from outside elements that may cause it harm. Aside from this, the delicate fragrance of the flowers also have the ability to ward off evil spirits, thus protecting night travelers from harm while on their journey.

10. Blooming In Adversity

While most flowers look best under the shining rays of the sun, the moonflower reaches its peak beauty at night.

This is a reminder that it is possible for you to bloom and achieve your full potential even in the middle of difficulties.

The moonflower shows you that there is beauty in darkness as it shows off its pretty petals and spreads its fragrance at night.

If you find yourself faced with challenges that prohibit you from growing or moving forward, let the blossoms of the moonflower show you that there is opportunity even in adversity.

Conclusion

The moonflower is known for its unique behavior of closing up its petals during the day and opening them up at night.

This behavior has associated it with the moon along with Selene, the goddess of the moon, and Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft and magic.

Because of this, the plant has been attributed with meanings related to protection, divine presence, and spiritual guidance. Moonflower is also both a healing and a toxic plant, which gives it a symbolism of duality and contradiction.

Meanwhile, its ability to produce hundreds of seeds and to grow even in unexpected places enables it to represent fertility, growth, and determination.

15 Magnolia Meanings: Symbolism of the Flower and Tree from uniguide.com

The magnolia is a beautiful flower with a rich history of symbolic meanings. Native to North and South America as well as the Himalayas and East Asia, magnolia trees have come to be known as iconic trees with beautiful blossoms in the southeastern United States. Magnolia flowers are beloved for their large and fragrant white, yellow, pink, red, or purple blossoms. In this post, we’ll explore magnolia meaning and symbolism, from the flower to the tree.

Table of Contents

What does the magnolia symbolize?

Magnolia Flower Color Meanings

Magnolia Spiritual Meanings

Magnolia Flower Uses and Benefits

Other Magnolia Facts

Summary: Beauty that Withstands the Test of Time

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the magnolia symbolize?

1. Magnolia Flower Meaning: Beauty

Magnolia blossoms are large, with multiple petals. Thus, these beautiful trees and their fragrant flowers have come to be symbols of beauty. Yet beyond youthful beauty, the magnolia’s beauty is like a fine wine in that it symbolizes things that get better with age. Magnolias have long-lasting blooms that can withstand changes in climate. So, these beautiful flowers are like people who go through challenges in life yet still manage to shine

2. Originality

Paleontologists have gained immeasurable knowledge about prehistoric life by studying fossils. However, understanding prehistoric plants is more challenging because plant matter is so biodegradable and rarely preserved in fossils.

However, botanists are not using innovative methods to understand more about prehistoric plants. One recent discovery is that the oldest known flowering plant originated some 140 million years ago and it likely resembled a magnolia flower¹ Thus, magnolia meaning has also come to symbolize originality and primordial wisdom.

3. Endurance and Fortitude

Magnolia flowers grow on sturdy trees and their blossoms are known for their hardiness. In addition, they are adaptable and can grow in a variety of climates. Thus, the magnolia is also a symbol of perseverance, endurance, and fortitude. In fact, the popular movie Steel Magnolias was named for this theme, as the film is about beautiful, strong, and resilient southern women.

4. Commitment

In China, the magnolia share symbolism with duck meaning as both represent devotion and commitment. Thus, magnolia flowers and trees are used often in the Chinese practice of feng shui. They represent long-term devotion and marital happiness, as well as wealth, which we’ll get to below.

5. Longevity

Magnolia trees can live for over a century. This, coupled with the idea that magnolia blossoms resemble the world’s first flowers makes them a symbol of longevity. Thus, a magnolia tree is a positive symbol for long-lasting relationships or business and creative endeavors, as well as health and vitality.

6. Wealth

Magnolia flower meaning also include wealth. Indeed, according to the art of feng shui, if you plant a magnolia tree in the front yard it can bring financial satisfaction. And planting one in the back yard invites long-terms wealth.²

In this way, the magnolia shares synergies with angel numbers 808 and 818 in that they all create positive vibrations for bringing more wealth into your life.

Lotus from symbolsage.com

Lotus flowers are beautiful flowers that are commonly associated with purity, inner strength  and tranquillity, but its symbolism extends beyond that. The flower plays a symbolic role in various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Given its deep symbolic meanings and connection to religion, the lotus flower is considered one of the most sacred plants. Here’s a closer look at the lotus.

Origins of Lotus Symbolism

Lotus flowers were symbolically depicted as early as Ancient Egypt, where white and blue lotuses are more common. In Egypt, the flower was known as Seshen and was associated with Egyptian gods. Because of the way in which the lotus emerged from the water, followed the movement of the sun and then closed back up and returned into the water, only to repeat the process the next day, the lotus was associated with the sun god, Ra.

The Ancient Egyptians believed that lotuses were symbolic of creation, rebirth, strength and power. Perhaps, for this reason, during childbirth Egyptian women tended to wear lotus amulets with a picture of Heqet, a goddess of fertility. The lotuses were present in art, hieroglyphics, and paintings to represent fertility, a new beginning, and purity.

Other historical references to the lotus can be found in Ancient Greece and in Indian religions. In Ancient Greece, the flower represented innocence, modesty, and purity.

References to lotuses in Hinduism can be traced back to at least 1400 BC through Vedic texts that depict Hindu gods holding or standing on lotuses. Early references can also be found in the Buddhist religion, and the Buddha is often depicted sitting on a lotus.

Symbolism of the Lotus

The meanings behind the flower relate to the symbolism of the lotus growing out of muddy waters. The flowers’ roots anchor it in the mud, but the flower rises above its murky environment, blossoming open one petal at a time. Based on these unique growing conditions, the lotus flower has come to have many symbolic meanings.

Spiritual Enlightenment

The lotus represents spiritual enlightenment. Regardless of its dirty environment and the muddy water it’s rooted in, the lotus rises above it all to bloom in beauty, facing the sun. This is symbolic of overcoming the material world and emerging from the muddy waters of suffering to reach spiritual enlightenment and wisdom.

Detachment

The flower symbolizes detachment as the lotus detaches itself from the water and filth that sullies its environment. This symbolism serves as a reminder to separate ourselves from things that could sully our soul and to instead focus on the things that matter, such as wisdom, relationships and spiritual enlightenment.

Resurrection & New Beginnings

Lotuses also symbolize resurrections and new beginnings. The flower emerges in the morning, only to close up at night and disappear into back into the water. in the morning, a new blossom remerges and continues the cycle. This representation makes the lotus a common flower at funerals. This is also why the flower was popular in Egyptian symbolism.

Purity & Cleanliness

The lotus represents purity and cleanliness, as it’s able to emerge from the murky waters pure and unsullied. In particular, the flower represents the purity of the human soul, as the center of the flower is never tainted by its journey, nor is it by the daily exposure to the murky water.

The lotus flower blooms slowly one petal at a time, which is similar to the gradual steps required to reach spiritual enlightenment. In this sense, the lotus is a symbol of personal progress. Regardless of the color of the petals, the middle is typically yellow, which represents the goal of enlightenment.

Nature & Womanhood

The lotus has also been associated with nature and womanhood. Some representations use a lotus bud to symbolize a virgin. In contrast, a fully grown flower is a mature, sexually experienced female.

Remaining True to Yourself

The lotus is also an excellent example of remaining true to yourself and who you are. Regardless of the murky waters and environment, the lotus remains grounded, proud of what it is and yet still a part of its environment. It beautifies it and makes it better simply by being there.

Lotus Symbolism in Religion

The lotus is a religiously significant symbol, especially for Eastern religions. While many of the symbolic meanings are similar, each religion has its own associations as well.

Lotus Flower in Buddhism

Buddhists see the lotus as a representation of life. The mud is the suffering, challenges, and obstacles we face, and the flower symbolizes overcoming those obstacles. This growth can be viewed as progressing towards a state of purity or the path to enlightenment. Also related to life, Buddhists see the flower as representing rebirth and reincarnation. The flower also signifies purity, spirituality, and self-cleaning.