Snapdragons Aren’t Just Pretty — They Symbolize Secrets, Strength, and Silent Fire

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum) symbolize grace and strength, thanks to their harsh native habitats. But, the symbolism of snapdragon flowers has evolved throughout history and has come to mean a lot more than just a representation of resilience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the snapdragon flower’s meaning and symbolism and its many uses and benefits.

Etymological Meaning

The name Antirrhinum is from the Greek word 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 what happens when you squeeze them.

When you push the sides of the bloom together, the flower looks like a dragon’s jaw snapping shut, hence its common name.

However, I know these flowers by a slightly different name: dog flowers – which possibly comes from their other Greek name, kynokephelon, meaning dog-headed.

Snapdragon Symbolism in Floriography

Snapdragons have developed many meanings throughout history, making them great for gifting.

Due to their tall, upright nature and harsh native habitats, they’re synonymous with grace and strength. However, in early history, they symbolized something utterly different.

Medieval Europe

The unique shape of the Snapdragon flower gave rise to many myths during medieval times. Throughout Europe, many believed that it could ward off evil and bad luck.

As such, Snapdragon flowers were planted around the borders of cities, hung above cribs to protect children, and turned into necklaces as mobile protectors.

Ancient Greece

However, the legends of the Snapdragon’s protective qualities extend to Ancient Rome and Greece.

Both believed that snapdragons could protect people from witchcraft, illness, and even poisoning.

As such, many people wore these flowers believing they would give them good health and ward off evil.

Victorian Era

In the Victorian Language of Flowers, Snapdragons symbolized honesty and truth-telling.

Romantic partners often use the snapdragon as an apology flower. But their use in romantic situations didn’t end there.

Allegedly, in the Victorian language of flowers, forbidden lovers often sent each other these graceful blooms, and now snapdragons also symbolize deception.

While snapdragons now symbolize strength and are often linked to growth and transformation, each color holds its own meaning.

The Talking Flower

Snapdragons got their name from their playful ability to “talk” when you squeeze the sides of the flower, making the “mouth” open and close.

This interactive quality gave them symbolic connections to communication and expression in flower language.

The Presumptuous Bloom

In the language of flowers, snapdragons can represent presumption or audacity.

Their bold, upright growth and striking appearance gave them this association with confidence that borders on impertinence.

Sending someone snapdragons in Victorian times might have been a subtle way of saying, “You’re being a bit too forward” – flower-based feedback before passive-aggressive text messages existed.

Gracious Hostess Symbol

Despite their somewhat sassy reputation, snapdragons also symbolize hospitality and graciousness. Their bright colors and long-lasting blooms made them popular choices for welcoming arrangements. Plant them by your front door to tell visitors, “Welcome! Stay awhile!” without saying a word.

The Wish-Keeper Flower

In some European traditions, making a snapdragon bloom “talk” while making a wish would help that wish come true – but only if you kept the wish secret.

The flower supposedly “ate” your wish and would make it happen only if you didn’t spill the beans. It was nature’s version of birthday candles with a dash of “dragon magic” thrown in!

Concealed Treasures

In certain folklore traditions, Snapdragons symbolize hidden wealth or concealed treasures. People believed these flowers grew where valuable metals or gems might be buried underground.

The Forever Young Bloom

In some cultures, snapdragons represent youthfulness and the refusal to age gracefully. Their playful nature and long blooming period connect them to ideas about maintaining vitality throughout life.

The Ghost Garden Guardian

Perhaps the most intriguing snapdragon symbolism comes from an old superstition: dead snapdragon seed pods, which resemble tiny skulls, were believed to contain the spirits of the departed who could watch over gardens.

This gave snapdragons an association with both protection and the afterlife. Even after they finish blooming, these flowers keep working – transforming from cheerful blossoms to spooky little garden guardians!

Snapdragon Symbolism by Color

Pink Snapdragons

Pink Snapdragons perfectly align with the flower’s original meaning of grace and beauty. There are many different pinks, from a soft and gentle blush to a more intense and bright neon. They are excellent touches to any bouquet and make beautiful gifts for Mother’s Day.

Purple Snapdragons

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 Snapdragons

Deep red Snapdragons symbolize passion and romance. I often prefer gifting red snapdragons to loved ones on special occasions, either paired with classic red roses or on their own.

Yellow Snapdragons

Yellow flowers symbolize 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 standard Snapdragon colors, from a sunny yellow to a gentler cream, feature this color.

Orange Snapdragons

Fiery orange Snapdragons are also a symbol of positive energy and excitement. This color is ideal for congratulations on a promotion or as a graduation gift. They can make a warm and captivating display combined with yellow and red to exemplify the summer season.

White Snapdragons

One of the most popular Snapdragon colors, white, symbolizes innocence, purity, and grace. This makes it perfect for wedding arrangements or as a complement to any special bouquet.

Suitable Gifting Occasions

Snapdragons, with their many colors and sizes, are excellent gifts for almost any occasion. Their overall symbolism of grace and strength makes them perfect for someone you admire, whether friends, family, or a close loved one. Choose the right color to match your meaning and tailor the message to the occasion.

The Final Word

With several uses, benefits, and 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 message to someone.