Meaning of Iris Flower | Facts & History of Iris
Iris Meaning
Iris is a beautiful flower and its origin can be traced to Greek mythology. In Greek language, Iris is translated to rainbow and messenger, when you phonetically call it ‘eiris.’ This rainbow name of flower seems to do justice with the color of flower, which comes in many colors. Also, Greek mythology has a goddess named Iris who was believed to deliver messages to the gods and her transportation medium was said to be the rainbows as she moved from heaven to earth and in between. Iris flower also symbolizes eloquence, also stressing on the role of goddess and messages she used to carry, which consisted of selective words. Since the role of the goddess extended to heaven and she was also a communicator, Greeks have this tradition of planting iris flowers on the graves of your loved ones to help their loved ones transcend to the afterlife.
Though in Japan, iris is known for its purifying elements. Japanese people use it to ward off evil energies. The flower is a common design element of kimonos, Japanese paintings and Japanese poetry style, Haiku.
Chinese people believe iris to be the messenger and spirit of summer. It brings the news of arrival of summer. As the summer winds blow, the petals flutter and fly like butterfly wings. And it is the reason that iris is called ‘The Purple Butterfly’ in China.
The meaning of Iris Flowers:
The flowers of Iris symbolize wisdom, courage, hope and faith. Though, color of the flower brings a new and distinctive meaning to the flower. For instance, purple represents admiration whereas a bouquet of iris believes to symbolize hope and faith. White iris makes for bridal bouquet and yellow is the color of passion. However, the flowers are universal messenger of friendship, everlasting promises and love. The flowers don’t have any religious upholding whatsoever but they are found in abundance in churches and gardens of Virgin Mary. It might have to do with the sword like petals as well, relating to the pain of Mary’s heart caused by the death of Jesus.
Iris Flower Fact:
Iris is recognized as floral emblem Italy and France and is also the inspiration for fleur-de-lis. The state flower of Tennessee is bearded iris.
Blooming Season of Iris:
The flower blooms from spring to early summer. Some of the species such as Siberian and Japanese bearded iris re-bloom over the year and keep growing. The blooming occurs in a cascading appearance, much like appearance of fleur-de-lis.
Bearded iris and Dutch iris are the top choices for gardens.
Iris Flowers as Gift
The iris flowers can be used for gifts if you want to convey deep sentiments. With over 200 varieties and colors, the rainbow of iris lets you convey and express your heartfelt emotions with utmost ease and comfort.
