It would be easy to say that Spring is about new life parading from Winter’s hardness. Which is perhaps why so many writers and poets have done it already. Even before that, species of flowers became focuses of humanity, and each with its own significance. Some earliest origins have been lost, but the legends remain. Let’s take a look at

The Towering Iris

Named for the rainbow Greek goddess who shepherded souls to the afterlife, the Iris is colorful and often used for special events such as funerals and weddings. A quick Google search shows lots of symbolism such as hope, peace, trust, and valor. All things really related to its corresponding life events.

Aside from its use as a[n author] name, Iris can be found most in mystery/death and romance books.

The Cheery Daffodil

Whenever I see bunches of daffodils push into the Spring sky, I think of two movies: Hook with Robin Williams when one smells the paint on his tux dickie front, and Alice in Wonderland in the Garden.

They are often white or yellow, and their symbolism correlates as rebirth and new beginnings. The book Where Daffodils Bloom offer a romantic and cheerful expectation of the return of a loved one from war.

The Stunning Poppy

Often portrayed in Asian reference, the poppy is a wild and often misunderstood flower with deep and significant meanings. In the medical world, it is used for sleep, and likewise its symbolism relates to its physical use. Sleep, regeneration, and eternal life have all be portrayed with poppies. They were also popular in Ireland, especially after wars when someone could pay and then hand them out to veterans as a sort of thank you.

The most recent book connected to these simple and beautiful flowers is The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang, a historical fiction military book nominated for nearly a dozen book awards such as the Nebula Awards and World Fantasy Awards in 2018.

My favorite, the Crocus

The most beautiful bit of flora I’ve ever seen was a brilliant purple crocus pushing its way through the icy ground, signalling Winter’s end. These hardy and short lived flowers have a long history in colder climates of giving out hope, and later becoming a strong symbol for hopeful lovers and joyful during a romance.

The book Yellow Crocus is an examination of slavery and offers a powerful simplicity of right and wrong.

What is your favorite type of flower and do you know the symbolism it offers the modern world? Please hop over to my Facebook Page post on floral symbolism and let me know!