The Sweet Pea Story: Meaning, Symbolism, and Cultural Impact

“Hey, sweet pea” is an expression we’ve all grown up hearing. But few of us have actually spent time thinking about where this phrase actually came from. In the language of flowers, the sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) holds the symbolic meaning of blissful pleasure. Its upright, clumping flower clusters symbolize good wishes, friendship, kindness, and goodbyes. Many believe these blooms leave a positive sentiment and a thoughtful way to say thank you as they further symbolize gratitude. Sweet peas are also the official birth flower for April.

Etymological Meaning

The sweet pea plant’s taxonomic name derives from the Greek word “Lathyros,” which directly translates to pea or pulse, and the Latin word “odoratus,” meaning fragrant. The latter is due to its strong scent when in bloom.

The Victorian Language of Flowers

According to legend, a Sicilian monk sent the Mediterranean-born sweet pea to England shortly after finding it. Sweet peas have starred in English botany ever since, especially during Henry Eckford’s late Victorian era and the classical period of floriography.

In the Victorian language of flowers, sweet peas symbolized departure, goodbyes, and blissful pleasure, making them a thoughtful addition to farewell gifts or to express appreciation for a joyful time.

Edwardian Elegance

In Edwardian England, sweet peas became the flower of choice for formal gatherings and weddings. Their elegant appearance was ideal for corsages, centerpieces, and bouquets.

Color Symbolism

Sweet pea flowers come in various colors, each with unique symbolism and sentiment in floral lore. Their delicate appearance, combined with vibrant hues, makes them perfect for expressing a range of emotions. Here’s what different sweet pea colors traditionally signify:

• Pink: Pink sweet peas are often associated with romance, affection, and gentle love. They’re a popular choice for expressing admiration and tender feelings, making them perfect for weddings or anniversaries.

• White: White sweet peas symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They’re often used in ceremonies or as thoughtful gifts to mark fresh starts, like a new home or a baby’s arrival.

• Purple: Purple sweet peas are linked to dignity, pride, and admiration. Their regal hue also makes them a symbol of success and elegance, ideal for celebratory occasions.

• Red: Red sweet peas convey passion and desire, making them a bold choice for romantic gestures or to express deep emotions.

• Blue: Blue sweet peas symbolize calmness, trust, and loyalty. Their serene color is perfect for fostering peace and understanding in relationships.

• Yellow: Yellow sweet peas represent joy, friendship, and positive energy. They’re an excellent choice for brightening someone’s day or celebrating a cheerful occasion.

• Lavender: Lavender sweet peas carry meanings of enchantment and whimsy. They’re a lovely way to express admiration with a touch of magic and playfulness.

April Birth Month Flower

The tradition of birth flowers is thought to have originated in ancient Rome, where flowers were given as gifts to celebrate birthdays and other special events. Each month was associated with a particular flower, believed to hold specific characteristics or powers that would be imparted to people born in that month.

The sweet pea, alongside the daisy, is one of two official birth month flowers for April.

French Culture

In France, sweet peas have a long-held association with brides. Giving her sweet peas is meant to symbolize good luck on her wedding day and in her marriage.

Suitable Gifting Occasions

One can give sweet peas all the time. Popular occasions include a birthday flower in April, gestures of friendship, and farewell messages. 

Sweet Peas in Art and Literature

Sweet peas, with their delicate beauty and fragrant blooms, have inspired various references in art and literature.

Sweet peas symbolize blissful pleasure, delicate pleasures, and farewells, as their blooming season is brief. For instance, in John Keats’s poem, “I stood tip-toe upon a little hill,” the sweet pea is mentioned in a long list of flowers to describe the rich diversity of the natural world.

Sweet peas have also been included in floral paintings, botanical illustrations, and decorative arts, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the interest in detailed depictions of flowers was at its peak. Artists like Pierre-Joseph Redouté and other botanical illustrators of the 18th and 19th centuries included sweet peas in their works.

Sweet peas also found their way into the decorative arts, particularly in the Art Nouveau movement, where natural forms and flowers were a central motif.

Fun Facts About Sweet Peas

Sweet pea flowers, with their captivating fragrance and array of vibrant colors, offer a wealth of interesting attributes. Here are some fun facts about these charming blooms:

1. Historical Introduction: Sweet peas were first brought to the attention of the gardening world in the 17th century by a Sicilian monk named Francisco Cupani. He sent the seeds to England, where they quickly gained popularity for their beauty and scent.
2. Wide Color Palette: Sweet peas come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, white, and red.
3. Fragrance: Sweet peas are renowned for their lovely fragrance, which has made them a favorite in perfumery and scented garden designs.
4. Genetic Breakthrough: The sweet pea played a significant role in the early study of genetics and heredity. In the early 20th century, the geneticist Reginald Punnett used sweet peas in his experiments, leading to the discovery of genetic linkage.
5. Edible Peas? While sweet peas are related to the garden pea, their seeds are toxic and should not be eaten.
6. Royal Patronage: Sweet peas have enjoyed the patronage of royalty and were particularly favored by Queen Victoria. Their association with the upper class contributed to their popularity in ornamental gardening during the Victorian era.
7. Guinness World Record: The sweet pea has made its way into the Guinness World Record books with the world’s longest sweet pea flower stem, recorded at over 6 feet tall!

Sweet Pea Festivals:

Sweet pea festivals bring together enthusiasts and gardeners worldwide. Here are some notable sweet pea festivals:

1. Wem Sweet Pea Show, England

Held annually in Wem, Shropshire, this festival honors Henry Eckford, the “Father of the Sweet Pea,” who developed over 200 varieties in the late 19th century. The 2024 show is scheduled for July 20th and 21st at Wem Town Hall, featuring exhibitions, competitions, and floral displays. (Wem Town Hall)

2. Sweet Pea Festival, Bozeman, Montana, USA

Established in 1978, this festival is a three-day event celebrating the arts with music, dance, theater performances, and a parade. While not solely focused on sweet peas, the festival’s name pays homage to the flower’s historical significance in the region. (Sweet Pea Festival)

3. Easton Walled Gardens Sweet Pea Season, England

Known as “England’s Sweet Pea Garden,” Easton Walled Gardens in Lincolnshire hosts a sweet pea season starting in late June, showcasing over 100 varieties. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant displays and purchase seeds to grow their own. (Visit Easton)

Sweet Pea: The Best New Blossom in Your Life

While this flowering plant isn’t as widely used for food and drink as some flowers, it’s an incredibly versatile flower for arrangements and bouquets, thanks to its rich meaning and symbolism in the language of flowers.

Further Reading: How to Grow Sweet Peas in Your Garden.