From Gardens to Legends: The Tale of Snapdragon Symbolism
Snapdragons are impressive flowers, famous for their long stalks, bright colors, and unique blooms. These flowers also have many meanings, from grace to deception and more. Their symbolism has also changed throughout history, featuring in folklore across Europe. In this article, you’ll find out all about the Snapdragon flower’s meaning and symbolism, as well as its uses and benefits.
Snapdragon Flower Meaning – Key Takeaways
The snapdragon, botanically known as Antirrhinum, symbolizes grace and strength. Its upright growing habit and harsh native habitat contribute to this. However, the snapdragon is also associated with deception. Throughout history, these flowers have been used to ward off evil luck. Each color has a different meaning, including yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, and white.
Etymological Meaning
The name Antirrhinum is from the Greek for nose (rhin). It translates to nose-like, referencing the interesting shapes of the flowers.
The common name is also a reference to the shapes of the flowers and the action they perform when squeezed. The flowers have been compared to a dragon’s face, snapping shut when the sides of the bloom are pushed together.
They are also commonly called dog flowers, possibly after their other Greek name, kynokephelon, meaning dog-headed.
Snapdragon Symbolism in Floriography
Snapdragons have been given a few meanings throughout history that make them great for gifting.
Their height and the upright nature of the blooms have made the flowers synonymous with grace. Thanks to their rocky and sometimes harsh native habitats, they are also associated with strength.
But not all meanings of these precious plants are positive. They also symbolize deception, said to be sent between forbidden lovers in Victorian Times.
Snapdragons can also have slightly different meanings depending on the specific color you choose.
Snapdragon Symbolism by Color
Pink Snapdragon Flower Meaning
Pink Snapdragons perfectly align with the flower’s original meaning of grace and beauty. There are many different pinks to choose from, from a soft and gentle blush to a more intense and bright neon. They are great touches to any bouquet and make beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day.
Purple Snapdragon Flower Meaning
Purple Snapdragons are generally associated with spirituality. But, like other purple flowers, they can also symbolize royalty. Gift these to someone you genuinely admire to convey this meaning best.
Red Snapdragon Flower Meaning
Deep red Snapdragons symbolize passion and romance. They are generally gifted to loved ones on special occasions, either on their own or combined with other classic romantic flowers like the red rose.
Yellow Snapdragon Flower Meaning
Yellow flowers signify positive energy, friendship, and happiness, and yellow Snapdragons are no different. They are great versatile options for any occasion, bound to brighten the recipient’s day no matter the reason. Many common Snapdragon colors feature this color, from a sunny yellow to a gentler cream.
Orange Snapdragon Flower Meaning
Fiery orange Snapdragons are also a symbol of positive energy and excitement. This color is ideal for congratulations in the case of a promotion or graduation gift. They can make a warm and captivating display combined with yellow and red to exemplify the summer season.
White Snapdragon Flower Meaning
One of the most popular Snapdragon colors, white symbolizes innocence, purity, and grace. This makes them perfect for wedding arrangements or as compliments to any special bouquet.
Snapdragon Flower Meaning Throughout History
In Medieval Europe, Snapdragons were used as a form of protection to ward off evil and bad luck. They were planted around the borders of cities, hung above cribs to protect children, and turned into necklaces as a mobile protector.
This could stem from the same Ancient Greek belief that Snapdragons would bring their wearer protection from evil and give them good health.
In the Victorian Language of Flowers, Snapdragons symbolized honesty and truth-telling. They were often sent between romantic partners and used as an apology flower.
Suitable Gifting Occasions for Snapdragons
With so many colors and sizes, Snapdragons are a great gift for almost any occasion. Their overall symbolism of grace and strength makes them perfect for someone you admire, whether that be friends, family, or a close loved one. Choose the right color to match your meaning and tailor the message to the occasion.
Snapdragon Flower FAQs:
What does a Snapdragon flower symbolize?
Snapdragons symbolize grace, strength, and deception. Each color comes with a slightly different meaning too, from innocence to spirituality.
Are Snapdragons lucky?
Yellow and orange Snapdragons are said to symbolize positive energy and good luck. Throughout history, the blooms were believed to ward off bad luck but did not necessarily bring good luck at the same time.
Do Snapdragons come back every year?
While some Snapdragon types are grown as perennials, common Snapdragons are generally grown as annuals, removed from the garden at the end of the season.
Do Snapdragons flower more than once?
Deadheading spent flowers across the season can encourage more blooms on the same plant. When grown in the right zones, they can flower the following season again, but generally perform better when grown as annuals.
The Final Word
With several uses and benefits, along with many special meanings, Snapdragons are flowers that truly have it all. Grow them in your garden or gift them as cut flowers to send a special someone a special message.