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The Iris flower is an emblem of exquisite elegance, instantly recognisable for its distinctive, graceful form and vibrant colours. Known for its beauty, rich history, and powerful symbolism, the iris has been prominently featured in gardens, bouquets, art, and ceremonies for millennia.
This comprehensive guide will explore the profound symbolism of the iris, breaking down its meaning by colour and uncovering its extensive cultural importance throughout history.
What is an Iris Flower?
The iris flower belongs to the Iris genus, a family of perennial plants known for their stunning display of blooms, typically featuring three upright petals (standards) and three drooping petals (falls).
The flower takes its name directly from Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Like the rainbow itself, the iris appears in virtually every shade, encompassing a magnificent variety of colours and species, which we will explore in detail.
General Meaning of the Iris Flower
The iris holds a deep and multifaceted meaning that resonates across different cultures and eras. It is a flower that speaks of intelligence and high regard. The most prominent general meanings associated with the iris include:
- Hope
- Faith
- Wisdom
- Royalty
- Courage
- Connection to the divine/spirituality
Iris Flower Meaning by Colour
Just as the rainbow changes its mood with every hue, the meaning of the iris shifts significantly depending on its colour, allowing for very precise communication through gifting.
Purple Iris
The purple iris is the most classically recognised of all the shades. It is strongly associated with royalty, reflecting historical uses of purple dye and the flower's noble bearing. It also stands for admiration and dignity, making it a wonderful way to honour someone you highly respect or hold in deep esteem.
Blue Iris
The blue iris carries the gentle but firm sentiments of faith and hope. Mirroring the colour of the clear sky, it symbolises inspiration and speaks of deep emotional wisdom. A blue iris is often given to encourage someone to keep their spirits up or to confirm unwavering loyalty and belief.
White Iris
The pure, clean tone of the white iris makes it a symbol of purity and new beginnings, perfect for celebrating births or fresh starts. Due to its pristine appearance, it is also frequently used to express sympathy and remembrance at memorials, conveying respect and serenity.
Yellow Iris
The yellow iris is vibrant and cheerful, representing friendship, joy, and positivity. Unlike some yellow flowers that carry negative connotations, the yellow iris is an uplifting bloom, ideal for celebrating a close bond or simply wishing someone happiness and good cheer.
Pink Iris
The pink iris is a softer, more delicate shade that expresses love and affection. It is primarily associated with feminine grace, making it a lovely gift for a mother, daughter, or partner to acknowledge their elegance, beauty, and charm.
Black / Deep Violet Iris
The deepest shades of the iris, often appearing almost black, convey an air of mystery and elegance. They also represent strength and profound passion, making them a dramatic and sophisticated choice for those with a bold or artistic nature.
Cultural Significance of Iris Flowers
The iris's beauty and diversity have cemented its place in history, mythology, and national emblems worldwide.
- In Greek Mythology - The flower is named after the Greek goddess Iris, who served as a messenger between the gods and humanity, using the rainbow as her bridge between heaven and earth. The flower, appearing in all the colours of the rainbow, was planted over the graves of women to guide their souls to the afterlife.
- In Japanese Culture - In Japan, the iris (known as shōbu) symbolises strength and purification. It is associated with Children's Day (Tango no Sekku), when it is traditionally used in baths and decorations to ward off evil spirits and symbolise the hope that boys will grow into strong, courageous men.
- In French History - The iconic fleur-de-lis emblem, a stylised lily or iris, is strongly associated with the French monarchy and nobility. It has been the symbol of the French royal family for centuries, representing nobility and sovereignty and underscoring the flower's association with high status and power.
- In Christianity - The iris is considered a sign of faith, divine messages, and protection. The three upright petals are often seen to represent the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and their use in religious art conveys deep spirituality and reverence.
When to Gift an Iris Flower
The rich symbolism of the iris makes it a perfect flower for a wide variety of occasions. You can gift it when celebrating achievements, such as a professional success or graduation. The iris symbolises the wisdom and courage that led to that success.
It is also a thoughtful gift for sending hope or encouragement to someone facing a challenge, conveying unwavering faith in their ability to overcome adversity. Because the white variety symbolises purity, irises are also a respectful way to express sympathy and remembrance.
They also make great birthday blooms as they are recognised as the flower associated with the month of February. Additionally, the elegant iris is the traditional flower marking the 25th wedding anniversary, symbolising the faith and hope that sustains a long marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the iris flower symbolise spiritually?
The iris flower symbolises faith, hope, and the connection to the divine. Named after the Greek goddess who served as a messenger between heaven and earth, it is often viewed as a spiritual link and a reminder of divine guidance and protection.
Which iris colour represents love?
The iris colour most closely associated with love and affection is pink. However, the purple iris can also convey admiration, a strong component of love, and the blue iris signifies lasting faith and hope in a relationship.
What is the meaning of a purple iris?
The meaning of a purple iris is royalty, dignity, and admiration. Due to its majestic colour and stately appearance, it is the ideal flower for honouring someone you deeply respect or celebrating a high achievement.
What flower is associated with the Greek goddess Iris?
The iris flower is directly associated with the Greek goddess Iris. She was the personification of the rainbow and served as the messenger of the gods, with the many colours of the iris representing the rainbow she traversed.
What does gifting an iris flower mean?
Gifting an iris flower generally means wishing the recipient hope, faith, and wisdom. It is a gesture of profound respect and admiration, often used to offer encouragement or to acknowledge a person's noble character and insight.
Is the iris a symbol of royalty?
Yes, the iris is a strong symbol of royalty. The French national emblem, the fleur-de-lis, which represents the monarchy and nobility, is widely believed to be a stylised version of the iris.
Which culture uses the fleur-de-lis symbol inspired by the iris?
French culture and monarchy prominently use the fleur-de-lis symbol. It was historically associated with French royalty and continues to appear in regional emblems and art, representing power, honour, and sovereignty.
What does a white iris represent?
A white iris represents purity and new beginnings. Its pristine colour makes it a beautiful choice for celebrating a birth or fresh start, and it is also commonly used to express sympathy and remembrance at times of loss
