Amaryllis in Floriography: A Timeless Symbol of Beauty and Strength

Amaryllis flowers have been prominent in floral symbolism since Greek mythological times. These exotic flowers commonly carry meanings associated with confidence, feminity, pride, and beauty. They also feature prominently in art and literature and offer beneficial energy in Feng Shui practices. Join me as I explore the amaryllis flower’s rich symbolic meaning and cultural significance.

Etymological Meaning

The name of the Amaryllis flower derives from the Greek word “Amarullis”. The Romans did alter the Greek word “Amarullis” to Amaryllis, but the name for the flower hasn’t changed since. In the English language, the name directly translates to ‘sparkle, shine’. 

Amaryllis Flowers in Greek Mythology

There is even a literary background to the name Amaryllis flower. To be specific, the literary story is about a nymph named Amaryllis. The story takes the form of a dramatic poem written by Virgil. In the poem, the nymph named Amaryllis has a strong love for her gardener Alto. 

To display her affection toward her gardener, Amaryllis pierced herself in the heart with a golden arrow. She did this every day for a month while waiting on his doorstep in hopes that he would notice her.

The poem explains why the flower has a red color inside of its flower head. Unfortunately, this story does not have a happy ending. The nymph named Amaryllis died after attempting to capture her unrequited love’s attention.  

The Victorian Language of Flowers

Fast forward to the Victorian era when floriography was the toast of the town. People back then viewed the Amaryllis flower as a symbol of a strong and feminine figure.

As a result, the flowers were often given to women who were perceived as strong and confident. Men or women who wanted to impress someone influential or sought-after would often give their potential partners amaryllis flowers.

The giving of the Amaryllis flower in the Victorian era symbolized a significant amount of respect and admiration. 

Color Symbolism 

Amaryllis flowers showcase a broad spectrum of vibrant colors, with each traditionally conveying its own unique meaning and symbolism. 

Red Amaryllis Flowers

The color red typically symbolizes attraction. It can also convey love and passion. Giving someone a red Amaryllis flower is an excellent way to show someone that you are attracted to them subtly.

A red Amaryllis flower can also be seen as a lucky flower, as in China, red symbolizes luck.

White Amaryllis Flowers

The color white is often said to symbolize spirituality and the divine. 

A white Amaryllis flower is a symbol of purity. These flowers can also symbolize children and the innocence that comes with them. 

Because the color white is tied to spiritual symbolism, the white Amaryllis ubiquitously plays a role as the flowers are buried along with a grave. These flowers have links to mourning a lost soul, and their spiritual meaning can mean a lot to the family and friends of a lost one. 

Orange Amaryllis Flowers

The color orange is a bright and happy color. As a result, orange is often a symbol of optimistic energy. It can also mean security and contentment. 

Orange Amaryllis flowers often serve as gifts for new households or for friends or family during a celebratory event. Having beautiful orange flowers around the house is enough to boost almost anyone’s mood. 

Purple Amaryllis Flowers

Purple flowers are often associated with nobility, royalty, and grandeur.

The purple Amaryllis flower can also symbolize spirituality. The deepness of the color purple can also have romantic connotations with it, much like red. It can also symbolize strong and exciting personalities. 

Pink Amaryllis Flowers

Pink is a pleasant and gentle color.

Because of this, a pink Amaryllis flower can be a gift for someone as a symbol of friendship. 

Regardless of age, gender, or nationality, the pink flower represents all friendships. Though pink generally appears as a gentle color, its symbolism is strong enough to stand for one of the most vital connections humans can make.  

Yellow Amaryllis Flowers

Like the color orange, yellow often serves as a symbol of pure happiness. While orange usually represents bright and positive thoughts, yellow has an almost childlike innocence. 

A yellow amaryllis flower symbolizes the innocent joy of a sunny day. It can brighten up any household or garden. 

Amaryllis Flowers in Art and Literature

The Amaryllis flower, known for its striking beauty and large, trumpet-shaped blooms, has captivated the imagination of artists and writers, leading to its appearance in various works of art and literature.

1. Literature: The name “Amaryllis” appears in classical literature, notably in Virgil’s “Eclogues,” where it refers to a shepherdess symbolizing love and beauty. In more contemporary literature, the Amaryllis flower is often used to symbolize pride, strength, and stunning beauty.
2. Painting and Visual Arts: Amaryllis flowers have been a popular subject in still life paintings, particularly during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century when exotic flowers were highly prized. Artists like Jacob Marrel and Pierre-Joseph Redouté have created detailed and celebrated illustrations and paintings of Amaryllis, capturing their unique beauty and contributing to their symbolic associations with strength, beauty, and determination.
3. Floral Design and Decor: The Amaryllis is a favored choice in floral design and home decor, especially around the winter holidays. Its symbolism of radiant beauty and pride is often showcased in arrangements and decorations, adding a layer of depth to its aesthetic appeal.

Feng Shui Uses

In Feng Shui, the Amaryllis flower is valued for attracting positive energy, symbolizing prosperity and success. Its vibrant colors and significant presence in space are thought to bring an energy of abundance and prosperity, making it an ideal addition to areas of the home where a boost in wealth and success is desired.

Suitable Gifting Occasions

In my opinion, there are many appropriate occasions to gift someone (or a group of people) an Amaryllis flower bouquet or potted Amaryllis flower plant. 

More often than not, these occasions will depend on the color of the flower and to whom you want to give the flower. 

As a Holiday Gift

Because many Amaryllis flowers bloom in the wintertime, the flower can make for a great holiday decoration. Bringing a potted Amaryllis plant can brighten up a Christmas or New Year’s Party. 

If it’s Valentine’s Day, a red amaryllis flower would be a great gift for your partner. Red amaryllis flowers symbolize love and attraction, and many will still be in bloom during February. 

As a Housewarming Gift

If your friends or family have just moved home, giving them an Amaryllis plant can be a great housewarming present. 

Choosing colors like orange or yellow is a sure way to make the new home feel more lively. Orange and yellow are happy colors that often symbolize celebration. The bright colors boost one’s mood, and having household plants can make a brand-new home feel warm and cozy.

The Final Word

Amaryllis flowers are loved for their bold, color-filled blooms and make a particularly stunning centerpiece during the winter months. What’s great is they’re suitable for a host of gifting occasions and produce a great mix of color tones and hues, conveying a broad array of meanings and sentiments. Enjoy!