The cornflower is above all considered to be a symbol of hope for love. The flower was worn by single men to signify that they were eligible bachelors.
Thecornflower (Centaurea cyanis) is a native plant endemic to Mediterranean Europe. It is a gentle reminder of the basic beauty of nature and the completeness of the circle of life. It represents hopeful optimism for the future.
Cornflower Flower Meaning & Symbolism
Remember that symbolism is subjective. The below are examples of possible interpretations only, and may not be the correct interpretations for you and your situation.
1. You’re Out of Love
Cornflowers were sometimes known as bachelor buttons because they were worn by men looking for love.
The cornflower signified that they were unmarried and interested in finding a lady. Whenever the cornflower was in bloom, the men might have new love in their near future. But when the bloom faded and the flowers began to wilt, the wilted cornflower symbolized that the man wouldn’t find love.
Similarly, the wilted cornflower could refer to religious celibacy.
Thus, in all instances, cornflowers have a specific significance for men who are alone and out of luck.
2. Patience and Hope
Since bachelors put the bloom in their lapels when courting, it has come to be linked with people patiently waiting for love.
There is also a concept that putting dried cornflowers in an amulet would attract a partner if you are seeking your soulmate.
Cornflowers were also worn by young ladies in England to signal that they were ready for marriage, according to legend.
But if a young lady concealed the flower under her apron, it suggested she had someone in her heart already.
3. Refined Taste
Cornflowers are admired for their exotic beauty and rich, brilliant color and are connected with refined people who are delicate and elegant.
They are one of the few genuinely blue blooms in nature, which makes them unusual and distinctive.
Many women who consider themselves to be refined ladies might place blooming cornflowers around their house as a symbol of their refined taste.
4. Imminent Love
Cornflowers in our dreams might be an indicator that our true love is nearby.
We fantasize about discovering that one wonderful person who will adore us forever.
Cornflowers in dreams (especially if they are in full bloom) indicate that we will be meeting the love of our life soon. We need to keep an eye out.
5. Transformation
Cornflower picking is a symbol of transformation. This might be the result of a new love that sweeps us off our feet.
But throwing aside dead cornflowers denotes that the affection we once felt for someone has waned.
Some people might see the dream of throwing aside dead cornflowers as a sign that their relationship has ended. However, it might also be simply a warning that it’s time to devote time to rekindling the flame with your love.
Picking cornflowers also denotes a desire for a heart-to-heart conversation with someone we care about.
6. Stress and Worry
Trampled cornflowers can be an indication of nervous energy brought on by stress and worry.
As cornflowers so strongly symbolize romance, this may be stress and worry is directed at your romantic power.
It might be a good time to find a weekend to retreat, relax, and reconnect with one another. It’s possible that you’ve forgotten to have fun together lately.
Cornflower Dream Meanings
As with all symbolism, dream symbolism is highly subjective. Interpreting the dream requires personal introspection, meditation, and journaling. Below are some examples of possible dream interpretations for the cornflower.
| # | Dream | Possible Spiritual Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Trampled Cornflowers | Trampled cornflowers can be an indication of nervous energy brought on by stress and worry. |
| 2. | Wilted Cornflowers | Wilted cornflowers can signify that a chance for love has passed. This dream could occur after a relationship is over. |
| 3. | Cornflowers in Bloom | Blooming cornflowers are a reminder to be patient and hold onto hope. |
| 4. | Cornflowers in a Vase | Cornflowers in a vase are a sign of elegance and high-class culture. |
| 5. | Picking Cornflowers | Picking cornflowers can denote a desire for a heart-to-heart conversation with someone we care about. |
Cornflowers in World Cultures
The interpretation of the symbolism behind cornflowers has evolved over the years. In numerous cultures and eras, cornflowers were emblems of old customs. Here are a few examples:
Germany
Queen Louise adored cornflowers and she was often painted with cornflowers surrounding her. Queen Louise was the consort of King Frederick William III. Due to her love of the cornflower, it become a symbol of Germany and its independence.
Ancient Egypt
Cornflowers, which resemble the blue lotus and grow alongside grain plants, symbolize life and fertility in ancient Egypt. These blossoms were used as floral decorations during pharaohs’ funerals.
Ancient Greece
Cornflowers became connected with integrity, love, and dependability in 15th-century Greece after they appeared in Renaissance art, adorning the clothes of various characters and goddesses.
Christianity
Cornflower is a Christian emblem for Mary, the mother of Jesus. It was used in Christian paintings and frescoes during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including on the ceiling of St. Michael’s cathedral in northern Bavaria (Germany).
Mythology of the Cornflower
Cornflowers are often associated with Chiron, a centaur (a half-horse, half-man monster from Greek mythology) known for his wisdom and medical skills.
Legend states that he used cornflowers to treat wounds caused by poison darts bathed in the venom or blood of Hydra, the water-snake-like monster.
Centaurea is the scientific name for the plant, which is named after the fabled centaur.
The Elegance of the Cornflower
In the wild, cornflowers can be found in cultivated fields and along roadsides.
The stems are strong and wiry, 1 to 3 feet tall, thin, furrowed and branched, slightly angular, and coated in a loose cottony down. The leaves are quite thin and long. The florets on the inner disk are tiny and abundant, with a faint reddish-pink color.
The cornflower is often placed around the house to give the house an air of elegance and wealth.
Conclusion
Cornflowers above all are a symbol of hope for romantic love. They’re the flower of the patient bachelor.
They have also long been associated with various nations and customs, starting from Greek mythology through Queen Louise of Prussia. Gardeners, painters, and royalty all adore them, and they provide a pop of color to any garden or house.
I’m Chris and I run this website – a resource about symbolism, metaphors, idioms, and a whole lot more! Thanks for dropping by.