Ephemerality, shyness, beauty, prosperity and abundance, bravery and honor, healing, and eternal love are just a few of the peony’s symbolic connotations. Peony blossoms were originally utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, and they now have significant symbolic significance for many people. We will examine all facets of peony symbolism and meanings in this article, as well as peony folklore, usage, maintenance, and more.
The Ultimate Guide to Peony Meanings, Symbolism & Folklore: Unlock the Magic of this Exquisite Flower!
Peonies are a common gardening symbol for spring. But because of the flower’s lengthy history, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China roughly 1,400 years ago, peonies have come to represent a multitude of ideas across nations and eras. So, depending on where you are in the world, you might know what a peony tattoo means if you see someone with one. However, there are a few widely used peony interpretations.
Peonies are linked to femininity and springtime in addition to the season of blooming. Peonies can signify a variety of things in floriography, the language of flowers, including shyness, a successful marriage, love, humiliation, and more. Learn more about the history, symbolism, and meaning of the peony.
Various different symbolism of peonies
If you are not aware of the symbols and meanings of peony flowers, let’s check out a few details.
What does the name Peony mean?
Let’s look at the name’s meaning first before delving deeper into the peony flower’s symbolism.
The Latin word paeony is where the name “peony” first appeared. This is a translation of the Greek verb pauon, which means “to heal.” Peonies were thought to have healing powers in the past.
Greek mythology attributes the peony’s name to a man by the name of Paeon who studied under the Asclepian deity of medicine and healing. Greek myth claims that Asclepius developed jealousy over his pupil’s abilities and wished him harm. However, Zeus transformed Paeon into the peony flower in order to spare him from Asclepius’s fury.
In a different telling of the tale, the nymph Paeonia was the object of love for the god Apollo. Sadly, the goddess of love Aphrodite was envious of this bond. She transformed Paeonia into a flower, which was then known as the peony.
Detailed Meaning of Peony
Short-lived and momentary
Similar to hibiscus flowers, peonies only bloom for a brief time. This lasts for roughly 7–10 days from late spring and lasts till the initial days of summer.
Peonies are emblems of ephemerality since their blossoms are only able to enchant us with their beauty for a brief time. They serve as a reminder that time is precious and that we should seize each moment. Peony blossoms serve as a reminder to seize the day and seize chances as they present themselves.
Coy and timid
Nymphs supposedly lurked among the ruffled petals of the intricate peony flowers, according to peony mythology. Thus, shyness or bashfulness is another connotation of the peony. These exquisite blossoms’ meanings are thus very different from those of the zinnia flower, which involve homage and applause.
Beauty
The peony represents beauty in China. Although you could argue that all flowers are representations of beauty, Chinese culture places a unique emphasis on the peony. In reality, in Chinese, “most beautiful” and “peony” are synonyms.
Abundance and Wealth
Peonies used to be considered China’s national flower. Its Chinese moniker literally translates to “flower of riches and honor” and “king of the flowers.” Consequently, the peony’s massive, intricate flowers are symbolic.
Because of this, peony flowers are fantastic additions to gardens in homes or other settings where you want to increase prosperity. Or if you want to see a particular aspect of your life—like your family, your business, or your creative endeavors—grow. Peonies are great presents for those who want to grow or expand anything because of these reasons.
Honor and Courage
Additionally, peony blossoms represent valor, respect, and sacrifice. In particular, red peonies were planted in Serbia to commemorate the blood shed by Serbian soldiers during the Battle of Kosovo in the fourteenth century.
Healing
Peony blossoms were first utilized in ancient treatments before they were used as decorative flowers in gardens and bridal bouquets. In fact, as was already indicated, they were related to the Greek deity of medicine and healing. They were also utilized in conventional Chinese medicine. As a result, healing is part of the peony’s meaning.
Enduring love
Even though peonies only bloom for a brief time, the plants are actually incredibly durable. Peonies that are perennials can survive for a century and bloom continuously. As a result, the peony is also a representation of unending love. In fact, peony blossoms are frequently used in bridal bouquets as a symbol of hope for a long-lasting union. Peonies are also the recognized flower for weddings celebrating their 12th anniversary.
Meanings of Different Colored Peonies
Peony blossoms come in a wide variety of hues, some of which are even multicolored. Despite the subjectivity of color symbolism, there are some conventional connotations associated with the various shades of peony flowers and the occasions on which to gift them. Some of such connotations are as follows:
Red Peony Flower
A variety of red shades, from coral to scarlet, are available in peonies. Red peonies represent honor and sacrifice, as well as riches, abundance, and romantic love. Additionally, they may represent timidity. In fact, someone who is timid could be compared to a “blushing peony.”
For long-term romantic partnerships and wedding anniversaries, red peonies are the perfect present. When you intend to start a life together and wish to be wealthy and prosperous, they are also suitable as a gift for a romantic partner.
Pink Peony Flower
Peonies are available in many different shades of pink, including light pink, blush, rose, fuchsia, and hot pink. The connotations of pink peony flowers include modesty, affection, platonic love, and romantic love.
For female family members, particularly daughters, and nieces, new mothers, or anybody who adores the color pink, pink peonies make charming presents. They also make wonderful presents for graduates and those beginning new careers because they stand for long-term success and prosperity.
Orange Peony Flower
Peonies are also available in a variety of orange hues, ranging from pale peach to yellow-orange. They are suitable for just about every event or for anyone who adores orange.
Additionally, the color orange represents well-being, recuperation, positivity, and longevity. Orange peonies are particularly symbolic of health and vigor because peonies themselves are also flowers that represent healing. As a result, peonies are fantastic presents for those who are coping with a health issue or trying to establish healthier routines that they hope they’ll maintain over the long term.
Yellow Peony Flower
Yellow peony stands for wealth, happiness, and success. They are fantastic presents or additions to gardens for those who have recently moved into new residences or who are beginning some sort of new endeavor. They are also beautiful gifts for newlyweds or grads.
Green Peony Flower
The significance of the green peony flower involves fresh starts, rejuvenation, growth, and prosperity. Green peonies are thus ideal gifts or symbols for newlyweds, graduates, and anyone starting new businesses or jobs. They also make excellent housewarming presents.
Blue Peony Flower
Blue peony flowers are a representation of trust and loyalty, much like a true friend. They are wonderful presents for brand-new collaborators in business or the arts, as well as loyal customers and friends. In addition, blue peonies make great presents when you want to reestablish trust in a relationship or ask for forgiveness.
