Colorful Columbines: What These Flowers Really Symbolize
Whether you call it granny’s bonnet, bee’s cap, or Columbine, the Aquilegia genus of flowers is full of beautiful and delicate blooms. These flowers carry a rich symbolic message of strength, wisdom, and peace. In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about Columbine flower meaning in the language of flowers.
- Etymological Meaning
- Columbine Flower Colors and Their Symbolism
- Columbine Flowers in Christianity
- Columbine Flowers in Greek Mythology
- Columbine Flowers in Roman Times
- Columbine Flowers in Celtic Culture
- Columbine Flowers in Art and Literature
- The Meaning of Columbine Flower Tattoos
- The State Flower of Colorado
- Suitable Gifting Occasions
- Columbine Flower Meaning FAQs:
Etymological Meaning
The name Columbine is derived from the Latin columba, which means dove. The flower has the appearance of multiple long-tailed doves huddled together for warmth. This inspired its original name, which has persisted in various forms through the centuries. The Latin name Aquilegia refers to the long spurs on the flowers resembling the talons of an eagle.
Columbine Flower Colors and Their Symbolism
The Columbine flower is rich with meaning and symbolism in floriography, or the Victorian Language of Flowers. The respective color of the flower often accentuates its symbolism.
Orange Columbine Flower Meaning
Linked to high energy, orange flowers symbolize joyful and warm meanings. Adds liveliness and happiness to a bouquet.
Blue Columbine Flower Meaning
Blue flowers encourage serenity, peacefulness, and calm in the recipient. It can symbolize hope for healing or recovery.
Pink Columbine Flower Meaning:
Pink symbolizes happiness, youth, and grace, especially in the pom-pom style of Columbine. Ideal for gifts conveying love in a non-romantic way.
Purple Columbine Flower Meaning
Celebrates the success and accomplishments of the recipient. Purple is the color of royalty and wealth and adds luxury to any floral arrangement.
Red Columbine Flower Meaning
Primarily associated with romantic love, red flowers can also indicate intense emotion, strength, and encouragement.
White Columbine Flower Meaning
As elegant as they are peaceful, white flowers are commonly given to soothe grief and to celebrate anniversaries. White is the best color for flowers when you’re not trying to send a specific message either.
Yellow Columbine Flower Meaning
Embodies joyfulness and positive feelings in each sunny bloom. Yellow flowers are ideal for giving to friends or co-workers.
Columbine Flowers in Christianity
The Columbine flower has been used multiple times to represent different things in the Christian religion. First, the three-part leaves that form around the base of the plant are linked to the trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Many Columbine varieties include seven different compartments on their flowers, which can represent the seven gifts provided by the Holy Spirit.
The flowers have five distinct spurs that protrude from one side, often used to symbolize the tails of five doves that represent the Holy Spirit. Some sects of Christianity in the past also associated the flower with the purity of the Virgin Mary.
Columbine Flowers in Greek Mythology
Because of its delicate shape and colorful petals, the Columbine was often associated with Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love in Ancient Greece. Unlike most other flowers that were popular among the Greeks during their empire, they did not associate it with a specific myth like the Narcissus is famous for.
Columbine Flowers in Roman Times
Like the Greeks, the Ancient Romans also saw the Columbine as a sign of love and romantic affection. They associated it with Venus, the Roman equivalent to Aphrodite, during that period. The colorful blossoms, sweet scents, and nodding habits of Columbines native to those parts of Europe inspired love imagery in Romans and Greeks alike.
Columbine Flowers in Celtic Culture
Most of the information left about the Celtic culture and beliefs is second-hand reports, so relatively little is known about them. However, there are a few historical accounts of Celtic belief in the Columbine being a flower that serves as a portal between worlds.
Columbine Flowers in Art and Literature
One of the best-known references to the Columbine in art and literature is in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Ophelia makes a bouquet, symbolizing her relationship with Hamlet, which is doomed to fail and lead to her death. She includes Columbines because they were believed to represent ingratitude and self-occupation. Other academics claim that the Columbines represented the adultery of the king and queen since they were the actual recipients of the bouquet.
The Meaning of Columbine Flower Tattoos
A columbine flower tattoo represents beauty and elegance, capturing the delicate and graceful nature of the flower. It symbolizes love and desire, expressing passionate emotions and romantic sentiments.
The columbine flower tattoo can also signify individuality and independence, reminding the wearer to embrace their unique qualities and stay true to themselves. It symbolizes overcoming challenges and persevering in adversity.
The State Flower of Colorado
The Rocky Mountain columbine is the state flower of Colorado because it’s a wildflower native to the state. It’s one of the tallest species in the genus, with large, petaled upright flowers with a noticeable fragrance.
Suitable Gifting Occasions
Columbines are ideal for assembling wedding bouquets or floral gifts for religious friends and family members. They’re so colorful but relatively small, so they make a great addition to a larger arrangement celebrating the start of a new relationship or an anniversary.
Columbine Flower Meaning FAQs:
What does the columbine flower symbolize in the language of flowers?
In the language of flowers, the columbine flower holds several symbolic meanings, including love and passionate feelings, faithfulness, perseverance, and independence.
What is the cultural significance of the columbine flower?
The columbine flower holds cultural significance in Native American cultures, where it was used for medicinal purposes and symbolized love and femininity. It is also the state flower of Colorado, USA.
What do different colors of columbine flowers symbolize?
The symbolism of columbine flower colors can vary, but generally, blue represents tranquility, red represents passion, pink conveys gentleness, white represents purity, and yellow signifies joy.
Can the arrangement of columbine flowers convey specific messages?
The arrangement and combination of columbine flowers with other blooms can enhance the intended message. For example, combining red roses can convey passionate love, while pairing them with forget-me-nots can represent enduring love and faithfulness.
Columbine Flowers – Wrapping Up
Columbine flowers are a beautiful and meaningful addition to any flower bed or garden. Consider growing these attractive perennials if you’re in a suitable climate to enjoy their rich history and symbolic value.