Chamomile: The Flower That Symbolizes Inner Peace, Patience, and Quiet Strength

Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is one of the most commonly known herbal remedies worldwide. Yet many people do not realize it is not just an herb but a cheerful-looking flower that is similar to a miniature daisy. It is widely used in bouquets for its sunny appearance and unique fragrance. Here, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the meaning and symbolism of the chamomile flower. 

Etymological Meaning

The name chamomile is a French variation of the Greek words for “earth/close to the ground” and “apple.” It was derived from the appearance of the large round centers of the flowers, which are somewhat apple-like, and the flower’s sweet scent.

Common Chamomile Flower Colors

Most Chamomile varieties feature white-petaled flowers, but the yellow color of the center also contributes to its symbolism. Some types also feature yellow petals to match. White is the color of innocence, purity, and rebirth. 

It’s commonly used to symbolize a fresh start or moving forward from a period of grief. Yellow means happiness, warmth, and joy. As the color of the sun, it helps link Chamomile symbolically to the sun’s rising each morning.

Camomile Flowers in Ancient Egypt

The Egyptians were among the first to cultivate and use the plant as a herbal remedy. They believed it cured a severe condition that is now understood to be a form of malaria. However, Chamomile isn’t an effective treatment for it. 

Nonetheless, the flower developed a strong meaning of healing, good health, and the sun’s power. Residues of chamomile flowers have been recovered from the tombs of many vital officials from varying eras of Egypt’s history.

Ancient Egyptians dedicated chamomile to their sun god Ra because of its warming properties and sun-like appearance. They believed these flowers absorbed Ra’s protective energy and released it to guard against illness and negative energy.

European Relaxation Lore

In its native range in Western Europe, the German Chamomile variety developed the meaning it is most commonly associated with today. 

Europeans using the herb as a cure-all for many diseases realized its primary effect was relaxation and calming. Today, it is most commonly used still as a sleep-inducing tea at bedtime. 

Beyond use as a herbal remedy, many people see Chamomile as a symbol of calmness, peace, and even healing.

Russia’s National Flower

In 1998, Russia declared that chamomile, precisely the Roman variety, was the country’s native flower. The flower is vital in Russia’s folklore and cultural history, most importantly as a mythical heal-all herb. It’s considered a symbol of the power of the sun. 

It’s also used in Russia as a form of love-related fortune telling. The practice of plucking petals while saying, “He/she loves me, he/she loves me not,” arose from this tradition. 

The flower is still widely grown in small gardens known as dacha, a sign of the Russian people’s resilience.

A Symbol of Renewal in Shakespeare

Unlike most other flowering plants, Chamomile is tough enough to resist being stepped on regularly. This is why it has been used for lawns, meadows, and pathways since the early Medieval era. 

Even in Shakespeare’s time, Chamomile was well known for withstanding foot traffic. That’s why he used it as a symbol of resilience and renewal in Act 2 of Henry IV. Its ability to regrow continuously is contrasted against youth, which fades with time and wear and does not return.

The Patient Gardener

Chamomile earned the nickname “plant doctor” in the garden world because it seems to heal sick neighboring plants. Growing chamomile alongside struggling vegetables or flowers can mysteriously improve their health! The flowers release compounds that deter pests and fungi while strengthening nearby plants.

Garden clubs sometimes call them “nurse crops” for their ability to care for garden companions. They’re the plant version of that friend who always knows exactly what you need!

The Dream Whisperer

Sleeping with chamomile under your pillow supposedly brings sweet dreams while banishing nightmares.

This tradition dates back to medieval Europe, where chamomile-stuffed dream pillows were standard bedroom equipment. The flowers were believed to filter out scary or troubling dreams while enhancing positive ones.

Some sleep therapists still recommend chamomile sachets for anxious sleepers. It’s like having a tiny dream bouncer protecting your night’s rest!

The Gambler’s Good Luck

Card players and gamblers once carried dried chamomile flowers for good fortune. The tradition began when a famous 18th-century gambler claimed his lucky streak started after finding chamomile growing through the floorboards of a gaming hall. He collected the flowers, and his winning streak continued for months! The practice spread throughout Europe’s gambling circles.

The Energy Cleanser

Long before sage bundles became popular for clearing spaces, chamomile was the go-to energy cleanser. People would hang fresh bunches in newly built homes to invite prosperity and happiness while sweeping away construction dust—both physical and metaphysical!

Some cultures still include chamomile in house-blessing ceremonies.

The Humility Teacher

Despite being powerhouses of medicinal properties, chamomile flowers grow low to the ground and look unassuming.

This contrast between modest appearance and mighty healing power made them symbols of humble strength in Victorian flower language.

Giving chamomile suggested someone possessed quiet power and unpretentious wisdom. They’re nature’s reminder that you don’t need to brag when your actions speak for themselves!

The Anger Cooler

In folklore, chamomile is known as the “plant of patience” because it supposedly absorbs angry emotions and transforms them into calm feelings. Arguments were settled by having both parties hold chamomile flowers while discussing their differences.

The flowers were believed to prevent tempers from flaring and encourage reasonable compromise. Some family therapists still keep chamomile tea on hand during difficult sessions—a tradition with ancient roots!

The Time Keeper

Chamomile flowers open in the morning and close at sunset, creating a natural clock for agricultural communities.

Farmers would time their daily activities by watching chamomile blooms. “Time to stop when the chamomile closes” was a common saying among field workers. This solar synchronization made chamomile symbols of natural timing and work in harmony with daylight cycles.

The Child’s Guardian

Chamomile flowers, with their daisy-like appearance and gentle properties, became associated with children’s protection. Parents planted them around play areas, believing they safeguarded little ones from harm.

Children’s remedies often featured chamomile for everything from teething pain to tantrum management. Some cultures even held naming ceremonies for newborns on beds of chamomile to bestow lifetime protection. These flowers were essentially the original baby monitors!

The Lover’s Truth Serum

In romantic folklore, chamomile plays the matchmaker by revealing true feelings. If you washed your hands with chamomile water before touching someone’s hand, their true feelings toward you would supposedly be revealed. If they pulled away, the interest wasn’t mutual; if they lingered, love was brewing!

Young people in rural communities grew chamomile specifically for this romantic truth-testing. Forget complicated dating apps—these flowers were the original compatibility test!

Suitable Gifting Occasions

Dried Chamomile flowers are a common gift when someone is stressed or has trouble sleeping. But aside from a gift of tea, fresh Chamomile blooms are great for sending a message of support and calm to someone going through a hard time. Even something positive but challenging, like a new career or new baby, is a great occasion to mark with a Chamomile bouquet.

Wrap Up

Although chamomile might be available in every grocery store in dried form, it deserves to be appreciated as more than a calming tea. The fresh flowers are full of beauty and fragrance. They are among the most delicate and attractive daisy-like flowers for a bouquet. Even dried on the stem, they can add fragrance and beauty to any arrangement.