Celosia flowers are dramatic, colorful plants that belong to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). They are also known as cockscomb or woolflowers, depending on the species. These ornamental annuals can add exquisite, vibrant colors to flower bouquets or garden displays. In this guide, we’ll run through everything you need to know about Celosia flower meaning, symbolism, and cultural significance in the language of flowers.
- The Meaning and Symbolism of Celosia Flowers – The Essentials
- About Celosia Flowers
- The Meaning and Symbolism of Celosia Flowers
- Suitable Gifting Occasions for Celosia Flowers
- Celosia Flower Symbolism FAQs
- Wrapping Up
The Meaning and Symbolism of Celosia Flowers – The Essentials
Celosia flowers symbolize affection, love, individuality, partnership, resilience, and strength. In the Victorian language of flowers, celosia flowers represent boldness and courage. In Chinese culture, celosia flowers are associated with the Rooster zodiac sign, representing luck and protection.
About Celosia Flowers
Family and Genus
The Celosia genus belongs to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). Celosia flowers are a small group of approximately 50 species of ornamental and edible plants. These flowers are split into three main types:
- Crested Celosia (Celosia cristata)
- Plumed Celosia (Celosia argentea)
- Spiked Celosia (Celosia spicata)
Botanical Characteristics
Different types of Celosia flowers have slightly different botanical characteristics. Crested celosia flowers are known as cockscomb and have wavy coral-like flower heads resembling the crown of a rooster. Plumed celosia flowers produce a feathery, pointed flower head, while spiked celosia flowers produce flower spikes that resemble wheat.
Celosia flowers also have green, bronze, or dark red foliage. These leaves are edible and are grown and used in a similar way to spinach. These flowers can grow up to 2 or 3 feet tall and approximately 1 ½ feet wide.
Celosia flowers are grown as annuals and flower from midsummer until the first frosts arrive in the fall.
History and Origins
The origins of celosia flowers are widely debated. These flowers may have originated in Africa, Asia, or the Mediterranean. These flowers grow wild in east Africa, eastern and southeastern Asia, the Mediterranean, and North and South America.
Etymological Meaning
The genus name Celosia is derived from the Greek word ‘keleos‘, which translates as ‘burning’. The name references the bright, flame-like feathery flowers of plumed celosia (Celosia argentea).
Uses and Benefits
Celosia plants are grown in many parts of the world as edible crops. Young celosia leaves taste similar to spinach leaves and are used in salads and other recipes. These leaves are commonly eaten in parts of Africa and Asia. Once the plant flowers, the leaves become bitter and unpalatable.
Because of their dramatic flower heads, celosia flowers make excellent additions to flower vases or bouquets. These flowers make beautiful floral gifts, especially when different meanings and symbolism are considered, and can also be used as dried flowers.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Celosia Flowers
Meaning and Symbolism of Celosia Flowers
Not content with their dramatic, colorful flowers, celosia plants also have several beautiful meanings. Celosia flowers represent affection, love, individuality, partnership, resilience, and strength.
Celosia flowers can also represent undying love because their vibrant flowers continue into the fall while other flowers are fading. These flowers are also drought-tolerant and can stand up to strong winds. These qualities mean that celosia flowers are often associated with resilience and strength.
Celosia Flower Meaning and Symbolism in the Language of Flowers
In the Victorian era, flowers were often used to convey specific hidden meanings. This system of communication is known as floriography or the language of flowers.
In Victorian floriography, celosia flowers represent boldness and courage. This could be due to their resilient nature and bright, bold flowers. If you wanted to inspire someone to perform courageous feats, you’d give them a bouquet of celosia flowers.
Meaning of Celosia Flowers By Color
Pink Celosia Flowers
Pink celosia flowers can represent affection and love, but not just in a romantic way. In the language of flowers, pink symbolizes our affection for friends and family. This makes pink celosia flowers a wonderful go-to gift for almost any occasion.
Purple Celosia Flowers
Purple celosia flowers come in several rich, vibrant hues. In floriography, purple flowers symbolize admiration, elegance, loyalty, and nobility. Throughout human history, purple is often used as a royal color. Purple celosia flowers may also represent success, wealth, and good luck.
Red Celosia Flowers
Red celosia flowers are bold and colorful and represent strong emotions. In floriography, red flowers are associated with beauty, love, passion, and romance. These flowers are a perfect gift for a romantic partner or spouse if you want to convey your love and passion for them.
Orange Celosia Flowers
Orange flowers symbolize positive qualities such as energy, enthusiasm, excitement, and joy. These flowers are incredibly bright and bold, especially if it’s a plumed variety. Orange flowers fit well with the flame-like appearance of celosia flowers.
Yellow Celosia Flowers
Yellow celosia flowers are bright and cheerful, often adding positivity to somber occasions. In the language of flowers, yellow symbolizes happiness, hope, and joy. Celosia flowers are sometimes used during the Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico. Yellow celosia flowers are the perfect specimens for such an occasion.
White Celosia Flowers
White flowers represent hope, innocence, purity, and rebirth or renewal. In floriography, white flowers are also commonly used as wedding flowers. White celosia flowers are ideal for weddings taking place from midsummer until fall and can therefore be associated with eternal love.
Symbolism of Celosia Flowers in Dreams
Celosia flowers are often seen as good omens if they appear in your dreams. For instance, some cultures believed that if a pregnant woman dreamed of celosia flowers, she would give birth to a girl. But if a single woman dreamed of celosia flowers, she would soon meet her soulmate. If a man dreamed of celosia flowers, he might experience good fortune or prosperity.
Meaning of Celosia Flowers in China
In Chinese culture, celosia flowers are linked to the Rooster – one of the 12 animals of the zodiac. This link is represented by crested celosia flowers and their unusual flower heads that resemble the crown of a rooster. As a zodiac animal, the Rooster is linked with both good luck and protection from evil spirits.
Suitable Gifting Occasions for Celosia Flowers
Celosia flowers can make wonderful and unexpected floral gifts for various occasions. In Victorian floriography, these flowers were used to inspire someone with boldness and courage. Therefore, celosia flowers could be an inspiring gift for someone battling an illness or participating in a sporting event.
Crested celosia flowers (Celosia cristata) are strongly associated with the Rooster of the Chinese zodiac. These flowers are an ideal birthday gift for someone born in the year of the Rooster.
Celosia flowers of various colors make thoughtful or appropriate gifts for various circumstances. White celosia flowers are unique wedding flowers for events taking place from midsummer to fall. Red or pink celosia flowers can be used to convey romantic or platonic affection for someone on their birthday.
Celosia Flower Symbolism FAQs:
Celosia flowers can represent many qualities, such as affection, love, individuality, partnership, resilience, and strength.
Do Celosia Flowers Symbolize Love?
Celosia flowers symbolize both love and affection, especially pink or red celosia flowers.
Are Celosia Flowers Lucky?
Celosia flowers are considered lucky, especially crested ones, as they are associated with the Rooster zodiac sign.
How Long Do Celosia Flowers Last?
Celosia flowers can last up to ten weeks in bloom. When used as cut flowers, celosia blooms last for approximately two weeks. The color of dried celosia flowers can last for up to 6 months.
Are Celosia Flowers Toxic?
Celosia flowers are non-toxic to humans, dogs, and cats.
Wrapping Up
Celosia flowers are beautiful, vibrant annuals that convey several meanings. These flowers are associated with affection, love, individuality, partnership, resilience, and strength. In the Victorian language of flowers, celosia blooms were used to inspire boldness and courage in the recipient. Crested celosia flowers are also linked to the Rooster sign of the Chinese zodiac.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
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