Botanical Art for Mother’s Day
May, the month in which the earth springs into bloom (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) and we start thinking about planting gardens, family picnics and making vacation plans.
It’s also the Month of Mother’s Day and the Month of Mary, the mother of all, according to Catholics. For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of Mary to honor Mary, Mother of God. The Iris is widely viewed as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. The iris is sometimes called the “sword lily,” and for this reason was used most often in connection with Our Lady of Sorrows. This is due to the spear-shaped leaves of the plant, which resemble the swords that pierce Mary’s heart in Catholic imagery of Our Lady of Sorrows. Its blue color connects it to Mary, who is usually depicted wearing blue.
The custom spans both centuries and cultures, with roots going back as far as the Ancient Greeks. In early Greece, May was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fecundity. In Ancient Rome, May was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of blooms, or blossoms. They celebrated ludi florals, or floral games, at the end of April and asked the intercession of Flora for all that blooms.
With this in mind…May as a month of Mother, spiritual connection, blue and purple…I’ve put together a collection for Mothers.
Violets
The word 'Violet' comes from the Latin name 'Viola' which means thoughts occupied with love. Violets typically have heart-shaped leaves and asymmetrical flowers. Violets are not only aesthetically pleasing; they also have an ecological role. By being a source of nectar for bees and butterflies, they contribute to pollination and biodiversity. The violet is one of the oldest flowers found in nature. Native to Europe, Asia and North America, it has spanned the centuries, fascinating the most ancient civilizations.
Violet in Myths and Legends 🌿
The violet also has an important place in many myths and legends. For example, in Greek mythology, the goddess Persephone was associated with the violet, making it a symbol of transition between seasons, renewal, and the passage from darkness to light. The ancient Greeks also used the violet to symbolize wine and joy, as they believed the flower had calming and comforting properties and used it in their sacred rituals, perfumes and even culinary dishes. The ancient Romans gave the violet flower a sombre interpretation. They perceived the deep colour of the flower as an image of spilt blood while its soothing scent lent a peaceful aura to proceedings.
Violets are symbolic of humility, transformation, renewal, mystical awareness, connection with the divine, and spiritual protection.
Violet as a Symbol of Humility
One of the most common meanings of the violet is modesty and humility. Its small size, its habit of growing close to the ground, and its discretion make this flower a symbol of humility and simplicity. Unlike other flowers that seek to show themselves off with brilliance, the violet prefers to remain discreet, which makes it all the more charming.
In the language of flowers, giving a violet is a way to show appreciation for the qualities of humility and simplicity in someone. It is a powerful symbol to express admiration for a person who does not seek to draw attention to themselves, but shines with their gentleness and kindness.
Violet as a Symbol of Transformation and Renewal 🌱
In the world of flora, the violet is often one of the first flowers to appear at the end of winter, heralding the arrival of spring. This ability to bloom after a period of cold and dormancy makes it a symbol of new beginnings and renewal. The violet reminds us that even after the darkest times, light always returns, and life goes on. It teaches us that even in the darkest of times, it is always possible to be reborn, transformed, and find light. Violet is often used in rituals of renewal to mark new beginnings, transitions, or periods of personal growth. On a spiritual level, violet reminds us that life is a journey of constant transformation, and that every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to our spiritual evolution.
Spirituality and Connection with the Divine 💫
The violet has long been a flower associated with spirituality, meditation, and connection with the divine. Monks and nuns often used the violet to decorate altars, and it was seen as a symbol of faith, devotion, and spirituality. This spiritual connection is enhanced by the color violet itself, which is often associated with meditation, peace, and inner wisdom. It represents the ability to connect with something greater than oneself and find inner peace. This is why violet is often used in healing practices and spiritual rituals. In many spiritual traditions, violet is a flower of devotion and spirituality. It is often used in rituals, prayers, and meditations to honor deities, connect with divine energy, and express gratitude.
Violet reminds us that spirituality is a journey of devotion, love, and union with the divine. Violet is often considered a flower that connects the soul to divine consciousness. It is a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, and helps us understand our role in the universe. By meditating with violet, you can access a higher state of consciousness and feel a sense of oneness with the universe. Violet acts as a spiritual guide that accompanies us on the path to awakening and enlightenment.
Violet as a Symbol of Spiritual Protection 🛡️
The violet is also a powerful symbol of spiritual protection. Its heart-shaped leaves and deep color act as an energetic shield, protecting against negative energies, unwanted external influences, and negative thoughts. By wearing or keeping a violet close to you, you can strengthen your energy field and protect yourself from harmful forces.
In ancient traditions, violet was believed to have the ability to repel evil spirits and bring peace and serenity to those who used it. This is why it is often used in rituals of purification, healing, and spiritual protection.
Types of Violets
The flower colors vary in the genus, ranging from various shades of blue, white, yellow and cream to bicolored varieties.
Blue Violet: The common blue violet convey your promise of eternal faithfulness and were believed to drive away evil spirits by ushering in positivity.
White Violet: This color increase the violet's association with purity and innocence.
Yellow Violet:
🌸 Spiritual Tip : Place violets in your meditation space to remind yourself of the importance of humility and simplicity. Its sweet scent and soothing color help to calm the mind, dispel negative thoughts, and instill a sense of tranquility. By using violet in your living space or during meditation, you can create an environment conducive to relaxation, reflection, and connection with your inner self.
Iris
Irises bloom from late spring to early summer, and aren’t limited in terms of their color. Irises can be blue, yellow, pink, peach, white, orange, red, black, brown, as well as it’s most popular and recognizable choice of purple. Like other purple blooms, purple iris typically symbolize royalty. But this most iconic iris also reflects wisdom, strength and courage. Irises are one of very few blooms that produce a true blue hue and blue irises are often associated with hope and faith, courage, and wisdom.
Iris Symbolism Around the World
Greeks: Ancient Greeks tied this flower to the goddess Iris. The name 'Iris' translates as 'rainbow' in Greek, reflecting the flower's variety of colors. Since Iris acted as a messenger Zeus and Hera and between heaven and earth, one of her jobs was to guide the dead to their final resting place and forever home. Therefore, Greeks often used iris flowers at funerals and gravesites. By planting irises around a grave, people hoped to summon the goddess so she could help guide their loved ones to heaven. The Greeks also viewed the iris flower as a symbol of clear and sophisticated communication.
China: In Chinese culture, the iris is a revered flower, often associated with the promise of good news and the arrival of summer. The Chinese name for iris translates to 'purple butterfly', evoking images of transformation and grace. The iris's vibrant colors and elegant form have made it a popular motif in Chinese art and poetry, symbolizing the beauty and ephemeral nature of life. In Ancient China, people believed that placing irises around a door or inside a home would keep negative energies away. To this day, people still view the iris as a protector and positive influence.
Japan: In Japan, the iris carries a host of symbolic meanings. It's often associated with purity, innocence, and the warrior spirit. The iris is a common feature in Boys' Day celebrations in Japan, where it symbolizes the hope for healthy growth and development in young boys. The flower's sword-like leaves are believed to ward off evil spirits, making the iris a powerful emblem of protection and bravery.
Victorian England: During the Victorian era, the language of flowers, or floriography, was at its peak, and the iris held significant meaning. Victorians associated the iris with good news, valuing it as a symbol of communication and messages.
France: The iris, particularly the fleur-de-lis design, holds a special place in French symbolism. The fleur-de-lis, which means 'lily flower' but is stylized as an iris, has been a symbol of French royalty since the Middle Ages. It represents perfection, light, and life. Today, the fleur-de-lis is a cultural symbol of France, reflecting the nation's history and identity.
Egypt: In ancient Egypt, the iris was seen as a symbol of resurrection and eternal life. This association comes from the flower's three upright petals, which were believed to symbolize the journey of the soul after death. The iris's vibrant colors and regal appearance made it a fitting symbol for the ancient Egyptians' beliefs about the afterlife.
Iris as a Symbol of Faith and Hope
One of the key meanings associated with the iris is that of faith and hope. This association can be traced back to ancient times when the flower was seen as a symbol of divine protection and guidance. It was believed that the goddess Iris used rainbows to travel between heaven and earth, carrying messages from the gods to humans. This divine connection gave the iris a sacred status, making it a symbol of faith and hope. It came to represent trust in the divine and the hope for better things to come. Even today, the iris often features in religious art, symbolizing the heavenly messages carried by the goddess Iris.
The blue iris is a serene color and mirrors the calmness of the sky and the sea, evoking feelings of trust and optimism, a beautiful reminder to keep faith and hope alive.
Iris as a Symbol of Wisdom
Another profound meaning attached to the iris is wisdom. This association likely stems from the flower's link to the Greek goddess Iris, who was known for her wisdom and insight. As a divine messenger, Iris was privy to the knowledge of the gods, making her a symbol of wisdom and guidance. The iris flower, with its intricate structure and bold colors, reflects this wisdom in its own unique way. It embodies the beauty that comes with knowledge and the vibrancy that wisdom can bring to life. Purple irises, in particular, are associated with wisdom. The color purple has long been linked to royalty and wisdom, and when combined with the iris's symbolic associations, it creates a powerful emblem of knowledge and insight.
Iris as a Symbol of Positive Change
The iris also symbolizes positive change. This meaning is rooted in the transformative journey of the goddess Iris, who traversed between the realms of heaven and earth. Her ability to bridge these worlds signifies transition and change, attributes that are reflected in the iris flower. The blooming of an iris, with its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, mirrors the beauty of positive change. It serves as a reminder that change, though sometimes challenging, can lead to growth and new possibilities. The iris encourages us to embrace change, assuring us of the beauty that lies on the other side.
