Flowers hold different symbolic meanings in a language called floriography. This language dates back thousands of years, and its popularity peaked during the Victorian period. For thousands of years, flowers that represent friendship have been used to make others know how you feel about them even if you don’t verbally articulate it or communicate it in written words.
Essentially, giving flowers to parents, lovers, family members, colleagues, family, kin, and friends is an age-old activity that communicates a range of emotions. The association of flowers with friendship has roots in ancient cultures and symbolism where they have for long been used as a means of communication, conveying feelings, and expressing sentiments.
History of Flowers That Represent Friendship
Since time immemorial, flowers have been used to define feelings and emotions towards people that one is close to, associated with on different levels, and those with whom one is friends.
Noteworthy is that specific flowers that symbolize friendship may have varied (and they still do vary) across different cultures and time periods. Connotations and symbolism attributed to different flowers are not fixed and could change based on cultural contexts and personal interpretations.
Flowers for Friendship in Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece and Rome, flowers played a significant role in various aspects of life, including friendships. The exchange of flowers was a common practice, and certain flowers were associated with specific qualities.
For example, roses were often associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love and friendship.
Flowers That Represent Friendship in the Victorian Era
During the Victorian era in the 19th century, flower symbolism reached its peak. The language of flowers, known as floriography, became a popular way to convey messages and sentiments through floral arrangements.
Friends and loved ones exchanged bouquets with carefully selected flowers to express their feelings. Flower dictionaries were published to guide people in understanding the meanings associated with different flowers.
Flowers for Friendship in Medieval Times
In medieval times, flowers were often used to symbolize virtues and qualities. The art of heraldry, which involved using symbols and emblems to represent families and individuals, incorporated flowers as well. Some flowers, such as the daisy, were associated with friendship and loyalty.
Flowers That Symbolize Friendship in Eastern Cultures
Flowers have also held special meanings in various Eastern cultures. In Chinese culture, for example, certain flowers like the peony are associated with friendship and are exchanged as tokens of goodwill. Similarly, in Japanese culture, the cherry blossom is revered as a symbol of friendship and is celebrated during the Hanami festival.
Friendship Flowers That Speak Volumes
Friendship, a beautiful connection, and camaraderie is an invaluable aspect of people's needs. The idea of using specific flowers to represent friendship has evolved. Just as every friendship is unique, so too are the flowers that symbolize friendship and represent this cherished bond.
One may therefore be seeking to express gratitude, celebrate a special occasion, or simply let a friend know they are cherished. The language of flowers can convey these emotions with these twelve popular friendship flowers, which carry a unique message of love, appreciation, and undying kinship.
Alstroemeria Is the Flower of Understanding
With its patterned petals, the Alstroemeria represents understanding and empathy in friendship. This flower is a reminder of the deep connections formed through shared experiences and the beauty that comes from truly knowing and accepting one another.
Also known as the lily of the Incas or the Peruvian lily, presenting an alstroemeria bouquet to a friend celebrates the deep understanding and unconditional support shared between kindred spirits. The white alstroemeria, especially, is a symbol of pure friendship.
Read more about Alstroemerias as friendship flowers.
Campanula Is the Flower of Friendship That Rings Loyalty
Campanula, also known as bellflower or Canterbury bells, is a flower that without a doubt, sings the symphony of connection and camaraderie. With its petals and instant charm, the Campanula stands tall as a friendship flower that resonates with loyalty and never-ending support.
This flower symbolizes consistency and loyalty, just like a very good friend should, and is therefore usually given to someone as a sign of gratitude for their friendship.
Chrysanthemum Is the Blossom of Friendship's Tranquility
Resplendent in its simplicity, the Chrysanthemum radiates an aura of tranquility and calmness. Known for its diverse range of colors, this flower symbolizes lasting friendships and goodwill.
Offering a chrysanthemum to a friend is a great way of expressing gratitude for their constant presence and the serene balance they bring to your life. Mums may however be symbolic of different themes in different parts of the world.
Sunflower - The Joyful Expression of Friendship
Bright and full of life, the sunflower (Helianthus) stands tall as a symbol of loyalty and adoration. Its yellow petals mirror the sun's warm glow, spreading joy and happiness to all who receive this flower.
Rose Is the Classic Messenger of Affection
While roses are often associated with romance, their beauty and meaning extend beyond matters of the heart. The yellow rose, particularly, carries a powerful message of friendship and joy. Its delicate petals can take you back to stories of laughter, support, and loyalty, making it an ideal choice for conveying appreciation to a dear friend.
Gerbera Daisy Is a Flower of Happy Friendships
One of the many symbolisms of daisies is friendship. Yellow and orange gerbera daisies in particular symbolize this virtue. Further, blue ones symbolize loyalty and trust, making them a good gift for friends.
With its colors, the Gerbera daisy in particular evokes an instant sense of happiness, more so among friends. This flower represents the simple pleasures shared between friends and conveys a message of gratitude for the light they bring into our lives. It is a wonderful way to express admiration and affection for a loved friend.
Iris - The Emblem of Faith and Friendship
Symbolizing faith, wisdom, and hope, this flower serves as a steadfast reminder of the bond shared between true friends. Gifting an Iris to a friend is a heartfelt gesture, expressing your belief in their dreams and support.
Carnations That Represent Lasting Friendships
The carnation (Dianthus) has long been associated with deep and lasting friendships. Its petals express a sense of admiration, while its varied colors each carry a unique meaning. When you offer a bouquet of carnations to a friend, it signifies your appreciation for the support and camaraderie shared with this trusted confidante.
Freesia Is a Fragrant Symbol of Friendship
The Freesia catches the attention of the senses with its nice aroma. This flower symbolizes trust and loyalty, making it an appreciated gift for a true friend. A bouquet of Freesias not only delights the eyes but also fills the air with a gentle reminder of the bond that goes beyond words.
Yellow Tulips Symbolize Happy Companionship
Tulips are definitely a flower to behold. Symbolizing companionship, the yellow tulip is the ideal flower to celebrate an esteemed friendship. The petals of this specific flower love to dance in the wind, reflecting the moments shared with dear friends. Gifting a bouquet of yellow tulips serves as a cordial expression of gratitude for the laughter and support shared on life's journey.
Gladiolus Is the Symbol of Sincerity
Also called the sword lily, the tall and elegant gladiolus exudes a sense of strength and sincerity. It represents the unbreakable bond between friends, even in the face of adversity. In essence, the Gladiolus is a symbol of faithfulness and honesty and serves as a reminder of bearing and giving back to that special person who gives you a true friendship.
Blue Hyacinth Flowers
The blue hyacinth, with its pleasing scent and bright color, represents the lasting bonds of friendship. This flower evokes a sense of trust, and sincerity, making it an ideal choice for honoring friendships that have lasted an entire lifetime. For International Friendship Day, the blue hyacinth is the perfect option along with the rest of these flowers as they serve as a loving reminder of the beauty of having friends in your life.
Which Flower Color Means Friendship?
When it comes to friendship, certain flower colors hold special meaning, seizing the bond of friendship and affection. Whether it's the illuminating golden yellow, the tender color of pink, shades of orange, the uniqueness of purple, or the cheerful yellow color, each one has its significance.
Here are five of the most common flower colors:
Golden Yellow
Conveying warmth, delight, and prosperity, the color gold makes a perfect representation of friendship. Golden yellow flowers, like sunflowers and yellow roses, show off a radiant glow that mirrors moments and shared laughter between friends.
Gifting a bouquet of golden-colored flowers illustrates the depth of your friendship, also expressing appreciation for the sunny presence they bring into your life.
Delicate Pink
Soft and gentle, pink flowers signify affection, grace, and admiration. Flowers like pink roses and peonies embody the embrace of friendship, conveying a sense of appreciation and admiration for your dear friends.
Bright Orange
Orange radiates enthusiasm, energy, and creativity, making it an invigorating choice for representing friendship. Bright orange flowers, such as marigolds and gerbera daisies, capture the zesty spirit of friendship.
Lively Purple
Purple, with its regal presence, symbolizes luxury, creativity, and uniqueness. Flowers like lavender and purple irises carry the spirit of friendship with a touch of elegance and mystery. Purple flowers reflect the depth and individuality of your connection, symbolizing a bond that goes beyond the ordinary.
Cheerful Yellow
Just like a bright sunbeam on a cloudy day, cheerful yellow flowers radiate happiness and positivity. Flowers such as yellow tulips and daffodils capture the essence of friendship's joyous moments. A bouquet of yellow flowers serves as a symbol of friendship's sunny disposition, bringing a smile to your friend's face.
You can therefore welcome and assume the power of these flowers, and use it to let your friends know just how much they mean to you in a field of friendship flowers.
Nice to Kow - The International Day of Friendship
Every year July 30th marks the day to discover the power of friendship and how it can bring people together in a world that needs it the most. Continue reading about the International Day of Friendship.
Featured image by @reixrox, header image by Florian Doppler.
