These nine flowers symbolize freedom: Nerine, strelitzia, yellow roses, tulips, freesia, asclepias, edelweiss, and sunflower.
The symbolism comes from history, mythology, and ancient traditions. Different cultures associated these flowers with the concept of freedom.
Flowers that Symbolize Freedom
1. Nerine
Nerine is a symbol of freedom and good fortune.
The Nereids inspired the name of the genus. According to Greek mythology, the Nereids were the nymph-daughters of the sea deity Nereus.
The popular name Guernsey Lily comes from the fact that the plant grows prolifically on the English Channel island of Guernsey. According to local tradition, the first flowers were discovered blooming wild on the island of Guernsey, probably as a result of a shipwreck.
2. Strelitzia
Strelitzia is a flower that represents thoughtfulness, happiness, and beauty. It also symbolizes immortality and freedom.
Parts of the Cape Province and northern South Africa are home to the bird of paradise.
The name comes from Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, a naturalist who became Queen of England in 1761. She was the wife of George III and princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz Duchess.
People also call it the “bird of paradise” because it resembles a gorgeous bird with a crest of feathers.
The bird of paradise is also known as the crane flower because of its similarity to the plume of tropical birds,
This exotic flower is a florist’s favorite because of its vibrant colors and stunning angles. With its vibrant colors, the bird of paradise makes fascinating flower arrangements.
Birds are a universal symbol of freedom. That contributes to the association of the bird of paradise with the concept of freedom.
3. Yellow Roses
When delivered alone or in a bouquet, yellow roses can symbolize freedom.
Yellow roses may have originated in the Middle East. During the 18th century, the yellow rose was discovered blooming wild in the Middle East and quickly became famous in Europe. However, they had no scent.
Rosa ecae, Rosa foetida, and Rosa hemisphaerica are the three original yellow rose species. The combination of these species of roses generated the yellow rose hybrids that we currently enjoy.
4. Tulips
Tulips are a symbol of unconditional love. But after World War II, they became a symbol of freedom.
After WWII, The Netherlands brought thousands of tulip bulbs to express gratitude for Canada’s assistance in rescuing their nation from German captivity. They were also intended to express their thanks to the Canadian authorities for hosting Queen Mary in the country’s capital throughout the war.
The Netherlands is the world’s largest tulip producer.
This lovely bloom was once a wildflower in Persia before becoming the Dutch national symbol. It is available in a wide range of colors and 1700 distinct types. Eighty percent of the world’s tulips are grown in the Netherlands.
5. Freesia
Freesia symbolizes freedom, friendship, trust, attentiveness, and innocence.
The name comes from the German physician Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese.
Friendship, trust, attentiveness, and purity are common Freesia flower meanings. It is a beloved flower throughout numerous cultures and is a great gift for friends and family.
According to Victorian floral language, the freesia is the ultimate flower of trust.
The freesia is the official flower for a couple’s seventh wedding anniversary in the United States.
Freesias represent the number nine in numerology, which symbolizes selflessness and responsibility.
Freesias have been extensively used as wedding flowers since the 1950s since they symbolize the bride’s purity and the couple’s trust.
6. Milkweed
Milkweeds symbolize freedom, remembrance, and dignity.
The popular name “Milkweed” refers to the milky fluid that appears when a stem or leaf is damaged.
Despite their popular name, they are beneficial wildflowers, with at least five species on the endangered species list in the United States.
Because of the therapeutic powers of the plants, the genus name derives from the Greek deity of medicine, Asclepius. He was Apollo’s son in Greek mythology. Artemis (as instructed by her brother) murdered his mother Coronis for having an affair with a human man. With the help of the centaur Chiron, Apollo conducted the world’s first Cesaerean section on the dead body burning on the fire and resurrected Asclepius.
Asclepius could raise the dead, which is never a smart idea when dealing with Greek Gods. Hades protested to Zeus, who sent a powerful lightning bolt to kill Asclepius. After that, he had to reluctantly concede that Asclepius had accomplished tremendous feats and had been transformed into a constellation as a result of his efforts.
See Also: What do Wildflowers Symbolize?
7. Edelweiss
Edelweiss is a symbol of patriotism, freedom, and purity.
The edelweiss became associated with the purity of the Alps and patriotic fervor in this region throughout the 19th century. Because young men risked their lives climbing mountains to harvest edelweiss for their spouses, the edelweiss became a symbol of great love and loyalty.
The edelweiss is also a symbol of freedom. During the Nazi administration, German teenagers in the Rhineland and southwest Germany were part of the Edelweiss resistance movement, which resisted Germany’s state youth system.
The show theme “Edelweiss” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music symbolizes Austrian devotion. The edelweiss became lately adopted as a symbol on the uniforms of the 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group Airborne Soldiers of the United States Army.
The mountain forces in the German army also wear the edelweiss sign on the left sides of their caps. Also, the Austrian army wears it on the rear of their hats.
See Also: Dead Flower Symbolism
8. Dandelion
The dandelion is a common variety of flowers that grows freely and wild worldwide. This plant has a wide range of curative and medicinal properties. It reduces cholesterol, detoxifies the liver, and eliminates toxins.
This flower is made up of many seeds joined together and is thought to have magical properties. This belief stems from a widely-spread practice of making a wish while closing your eyes and blowing a dried lion flower. Then, the wind disperses its white or yellow petals.
In this case, the dandelion symbolizes the ability to free ourselves from everything that enslaves us.
Often, our sadness stems from our inability to forgive and let go of the past. We cling to memories and individuals who have deeply harmed us, trapping us and preventing us from moving forward.
A dandelion will remind us that we must forget and let go of all those emotions and feelings that enslave us to start something new with more energy.
More Articles: Hellebore Flower Symbolism
9. Sunflower
The sight of a wild sunflower implies freedom and liberation.
The origin of the sunflower comes from Greek mythology. Clytie, a nymph in this story, was a huge fan of Apollo. Apollo was in love with her at first. But after some time, he fell in love with another woman named Leucothoe. When Clytie sees this, she becomes enraged, and as a result, she informs Leucothoe’s father about Apollo and Leucothoe’s relationship. He buried his daughter alive as a punishment.
Clytie was converted into a flower by Apollo in a fit of rage. Her love for him has never waned, even after she has transformed into a flower. From nightfall till morning, she used to see Apollo and accompany him on his chariot. She would spend her days watching Apollo travel across the sky in the same way the sun does.
Sunflowers are a symbol of joy and happiness. They represent a longing for something better and a desire for freedom. It’s a great way to wish someone good luck as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.
“The road to freedom is flanked by sunflowers,” British artist Martin Firrell observed.
Conclusion
Many flowers have a traditional association with the idea of freedom. Sometimes, this link comes from significant moments in history, such as World War II. In other cases, the symbolism comes from mythology.
However, all flowers symbolize freedom, especially wildflowers, because they show us the simplicity of life and what it means to be truly happy and free.
I’m Chris and I run this website – a resource about symbolism, metaphors, idioms, and a whole lot more! Thanks for dropping by.