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Flowers That Symbolize Femininity

Flowers That Symbolize Femininity

Femininity is a symbol that can be found dating as far back as before the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians.

Distinguishing genders (male and female) has always been a cultural norm for most cultures throughout history.

From the use of drawings and traditional stamps and symbols to the use of flowers, there are many different symbols for femininity.

Flowers that symbolize femininity have been used for centuries to help promote fertility, provide good luck sentiments, or even congratulate new couples on their new marriage.

Flowers that symbolize femininity are: Lotus, Ranunculus, Tulips, Dahlia, Spider Lily and Plumeria

1. Lotus

Lotus flower.
Lotus
Hong Zhang (jennyzhh2008), CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The lotus flower has an extensive history that can be linked to numerous cultures, including Hinduism, Buddhists, and even Egyptian societies.

Today, the lotus flower is still representative of growth, enlightenment, spirituality, and in some cases, even femininity.

The lotus flower is often depicted as a flower of rebirth, growth, and life itself as it typically grows from the mud and swamps into a beautiful and stunning exotic flower during maturity.

Throughout history, there have been many links to femininity with the lotus flower, going as far back as the foundation of Hinduism.

Hindus believe that the lotus represents fertility, beauty, and spirituality along with good fortune.

The God of creation in Hinduism, known as Brahma, is said to have been delivered from the lotus flower itself.

Buddhist cultures believe that the lotus flower represents the desire to reach spiritual enlightenment.

Egyptian cultures believe that the lotus flower symbolizes rebirth and the cycle of life, which is why it is closely associated with femininity and the ability to give birth, even today.

2. Ranunculus

Ranunculus.
Ranunculus
阿橋 HQ, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ranunculus flower, also known as the Persian Buttercup, resembles an even more delicate and soft rose.

Persian Buttercups come in a range of bright colors, from yellow and hot pink to orange and bright soft white.

The genus, or ranunculus, comes from the words ‘rana’ and ‘unculus’, which can be translated into “frog” and “little”.

The ranunculus flower was named aptly due to its ability to grow along the sides of streams, where frogs were most active and prevalent.

Persian Buttercups are known to represent attractiveness, charm, and femininity, making them the perfect decorative flower for your home office or an ideal gift to give to a woman who you feel strongly for romantically.

3. Tulips

Tulips.
Tulips
Image by C Watts from flickr (CC BY 2.0)

The tulip is another flower that is often associated with love, romance, and femininity.

The tulips petals are long and vertical, encasing the flower in a tightly-knit cluster. Tulips come in many different colors and sizes, which is why they are so versatile and take on many meanings across cultures and belief systems.

Most often, tulips represent love and the idea of rebirth, which is why they are fitting for those who are in search of flowers that represent femininity and the nature of women most.

4. Dahlia

Dahlia.
Dahlia
VinayarajCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The dahlia flower is an extremely unique flower in its appearance alone. With tuberous-rooted petals, the dahlia flower comes from a genus of 42 species and belongs to the Asteraceae plant family.

The dahlia flower can be found growing naturally throughout South America and Central America. Dahlia flowers are lush and come in various colors from red and white to pink, orange, and creamy yellow.

Although the origin of the word dahlia has not ever been resolved, it is said that the flower was named after Anders Dahl, a known Swedish botanist.

In pop culture and throughout history, the dahlia flower has been linked to femininity, beauty, and grace.

Even in Seattle, the Dahlia flower has been the city’s official flower since 1913. In San Francisco, the Dahlia flower became the city’s official flower dating back to 1926.

Since its rise in pop culture and in many instances of media throughout history, the Dahlia flower is now associated with femininity and feminine culture now more than ever.

5. Spider Lily / Swamp Lily

Spider Lily / Swamp Lily.
Spider Lily / Swamp Lily
Image by Wylie from flickr
(CC BY 2.0)

While a spider may not sound too feminine or appealing to those with arachnophobia, the spider lily, also known as the swamp lily, is one of the most well-known plants associated with the concept of femininity itself.

The spider lily comes from a line of more than 100 species and is a descendant of the Amaryllidaceae plant family, which is native to Africa, Australia, and some parts of the Americas and Southern Asia.

Most often, the spider lily can be found growing naturally in tropical and swamp like atmospheres. The flowers themselves are large and hang down with funnel-shaped leaves and petals.

The genus name of the spider lily comes from the Greek word “krinon”, which can be directly translated into “white lily”.

Because lilies are commonly associated with beauty, grace, and femininity, the same can be applied to the spider or swamp lily.

6. Plumeria (Hawaiian Lei Flower)

Plumeria (Hawaiian Lei Flower).
Plumeria (Hawaiian Lei Flower)
BchacharaCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Plumeria flower, or the Hawaiian Lei Flower, is a descendant of more than 300 species and belongs to the Apocynaceae plant family.

Plumeria flowers are also scientifically referred to as Frangipani and can be found throughout many tropical and warmer regions, including South America, Central America, Mexico, and even the Caribbean.

The Plumeria flower is considered an ornamental flower that grows along smaller trees, bushes, and shrubs.

Plumeria flowers were named after a French botanist named Charles Plumier. However, the alternate name for the flower, Frangipani, may come from a French word that translates to “coagulated milk’, representing the exterior appearance of the plumeria flowers themselves.

Throughout history, the Plumeria flower has been known to represent charm, beauty, grace, and even protection.

The Plumeria flower can also represent new beginnings, creation, and a sign of rebirth, depending on who you ask and where you are in the world.

Even as far back as ancient India, Plumeria flowers were known to represent the infinite potential of the human soul.

Summary

Understanding the significance of flowers that symbolize femininity is not only important if you are courting a woman yourself, but it can help you to better understand why and when flowers were used in the past.

Becoming familiar with flowers that symbolize femininity can also help with planning an event that involves women, marriage, love, or any type of feminine celebration.