Bird of Paradise Meaning, Symbolism, Myths, Folklore, and Cultural Significance

If you’re looking for a flower that offers deep symbolism, sends a meaningful message, and has a stunning appearance, the Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia spp.) might be the perfect choice. With its multi-colored sepals and petals atop a beak-like spathe, this South African native indeed resembles a striking bird. It also carries meanings such as joy, freedom, success, excellence, royalty, paradise, and faithfulness, and is the official flower of Los Angeles, California. Read on to learn more about the cultural significance of bird of paradise flowers.

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The Meaning and Symbolism of Bird of Paradise 

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Etymology

The Bird of Paradise plant was introduced to Europe around the 18th century, and the plant was named in honor of Queen Charlotte, the Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and wife of King George III of England. The name “Strelitzia” pays homage to her title, while “reginae” means “of the queen.”

Bird of Paradise Flowers in Floriography

During the Victorian era, expressing one’s emotions freely and openly was often frowned upon. In response, members of the upper class adopted a tradition from the 17th-century Ottoman Empire: floriography or the language of flowers.

Floriography assigns symbolism and meaning to flowers and even to flower colors. Giving floral gifts allowed people to send coded messages, communicating meanings without ever speaking out loud.

In the Victorian language of flowers, the bird of paradise meaning was associated with positive messages. The blossoms may symbolize joy, paradise on earth, freedom, faithfulness, excellence, and success.

Bird of Paradise Flower Colors and Their Meaning & Symbolism

The bird of paradise has several species and varieties that bloom with different hues. In floriography, different colors of flowers may have different meanings.

For instance, the Strelitzia reginae has orange sepals and blue blossoms. Orange flowers are often associated with joy, while blue flowers signify trust and faithfulness.

S. reginae ‘Mandela’s Gold’ has yellow blossoms. The color yellow is often associated with royalty and success.

S. nicolai and S. alba have white blossoms. White bird of paradise flowers may signify honesty.

Bird of Paradise Plants and Feng Shui 

Indoor Bird of Paradise plants (and plants in general) are associated with the color green, which is considered to have healing energy in Feng Shui practices. They are also associated with the wood element, which invites the essential energy of activity and growth into a space. Wood is also associated with vitality, compassion, flexibility, and kindness. Additionally, wood feeds the fire element, which fuels growth, reaching out, and confronting change.

Like most healthy, vibrant plants, the Bird of Paradise can be seen as a symbol of positive energy and growth. Its upward-facing flowers can be viewed as capturing and directing positive energy upwards.

Feng shui also emphasizes the importance of shapes. While spiky plants (such as cacti) may be associated with unhelpful energy, Bird of Paradise plants have rounded leaves that can introduce calm and serenity into an area.

As with all plants, consider their placement carefully. In feng shui, it’s also essential to avoid placing plants in bedrooms (as they can introduce too much yang, or active energy) or in the middle of the house (known as the “Tai Chi” or “heart” of the home). However, placing Bird of Paradise plants in living rooms, hallways, or near the entrance can enhance and welcome positive energy.

Bird of Paradise plants can grow quite large. It’s also worth remembering that in feng shui, it’s essential to keep the size and scale of decorative elements in harmony with the immediate space. As Bird of Paradise plants can grow to be quite tall, consider the location of the plant in relation to the rest of the room in which it’s located. 

Bird of Paradise Flowers as Official Emblems

Given the bird of paradise’s dramatic and beautiful appearance, it’s no surprise that these flowers have been prized over the centuries. In their native South Africa, the flowers grow in the Eastern Cape region.

There, the plants are known as ikhamanga in the Xhosa and inkamanga in Zulu. The flowers signify achievement and excellence. South African citizens who are extraordinarily successful in areas such as art, literature, music, sport, and journalism may receive a special award known as the Order of the Ikhamanga. Recipients receive a beautiful medal, on which the bird of paradise forms the central motif.

The flowers are also featured prominently on the country’s currency. A 50c coin features a bird of paradise flower, along with an arum lily and an agapanthus.

Bird of Paradise flowers are meaningful and prestigious in the U.S., as well. In the Californian city of Los Angeles, the bird of paradise has been the official flower since 1952.

Bird of Paradise flowers are also the official flower of the ninth wedding anniversary. They make a perfect gift to celebrate this important milestone, sending a message of love and faithfulness.

Uses for Bird of Paradise Flowers

While the flowers have long been cultivated for their aesthetic beauty, they also have practical, culinary, and medicinal uses. In their native lands, the stalks are cut and dried to make rope. The rope is used to build homes and for fishing nets and baskets.

The immature seeds of S. nicolai are edible, and are described as tasty. However, eating large quantities of the plant could be toxic for small humans and domestic animals.

Bird of paradise stems have long been used in veterinary medicine, specifically to treat cows after giving birth. Scientific studies further show that S. nicolai plants contain a substance known as bilirubin, which has antioxidant and other medicinal effects.

The Bird of Paradise in Art and Culture

Given the bird of paradise’s beautiful and unusual appearance, it’s unsurprising that the flowers appear in artistic works. These unique plants have served as muse for several artists, including Robert Maplethorpe, Jim Dine, and Salvador Dali.

In the 1940s, Georgia O’Keefe created her “White Bird of Paradise” painting. This famous work harkens to the artist’s time in the Hawaiian islands.

In the early 20th century, a play called ‘The Bird of Paradise’ brought Hawaiian culture to the stage. A movie of the same name was released in the 1930s.

The flowers even make a television appearance. In the sci-fi series Farscape, bird of paradise plants play a key role in assisting the evolutionary development of an alien species that wishes to take over Earth in order to obtain more flowers.

The Meaning and Symbolism of Bird of Paradise Tattoos

Like many other tattoos, a Bird of Paradise tattoo can have various meanings and symbolism. A tattoo depicting a Bird of Paradise commonly represents joy, paradise on earth, freedom, faithfulness, excellence, and success.

For those passionate about the natural world, a Bird of Paradise tattoo can signify one’s deep connection to nature, the wilderness, and the intricacies of the natural world.

About Bird of Paradise Flowers

One of the world’s most recognizable flowers, the bird of paradise has a rich history. Long valued for its ornamental and practical value in its native South Africa, the flowers were brought to England in the 1770s by Francis Masson. There, the plants were grown in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

Sir Joseph Banks, a botanist and Kew patron, thought the flowers looked royal. He named the plants Strelitzia to honor Queen Charlotte, Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who was a resident of Kew.

The dramatic-looking flowers made a splash. They were introduced to warm regions of the world as ornamentals for the landscape. They quickly naturalized in places such as South America, Florida, Hawaii, and California. In temperate zones, the flowers are popular indoor plants.

Official Bird of Paradise Species

Today the Strelitzia genus contains five species:

• S. reginae, the most commonly grown species with iconic orange and blue flowers
• S. nicolai, which grows to more than 30 feet tall with has white and blue flowers
• S. alba which blooms with white flowers
• S. caudata which has white flowers and a tail-like appendage off a sepal
• S. juncea, a drought- and frost-resistant species also known as desert banana

Most home gardeners are familiar with S. reginae, which grows slowly to about 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide. It can be grown outside in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 12 and must be brought indoors in cold weather in lower zones.

Bird of Paradise plants grow best in sites with full sun to partial shade. They prefer moist, rich, and loamy soil. Provide them with regular feedings in the form of slow-release fertilizer and compost.

While established plants are drought- and wind-resistant but sensitive to cold, if you don’t live in USDA zone 10 or higher, grow your bird of paradise in a pot and bring it indoors in the cooler months.

For more, see our in-depth guide to Bird of Paradise plant care at home.

Bird of Paradise Meaning – Wrapping Up

The bird of paradise is instantly recognizable, with its bright orange and blue petals and sepals that look like a tropical bird. These lovely flowers have many meanings and symbolize paradise, success, joy, faithfulness, royalty, and freedom. They’re the perfect way to let someone know you’re thinking of them with fondness, affection, and pride.

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