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Top 10 Flowers That Symbolize Freedom

Top 10 Flowers That Symbolize Freedom

If you enjoy showing off your freedom or if you are appreciative of holidays that represent freedom in the country and around the world, there are many different flowers that are used to represent freedom today.

From displaying flowers at a gathering to hosting an event that represents freedom, the following flowers are the perfect choices for just about any freedom-loving experience or event.

Flowers that symbolize freedom are: Strelitzia, Nerine, Freesia, Milkweed, Dandelion, Tulips, Sunflowers, Yellow Roses, Edelweiss and Lily.

1. Strelitzia

Bird of Paradise Flower.
Bird of Paradise Flower
I, Brocken Inaglory, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When you think of freedom, you may not immediately think of flowers. However, one of the most popular flowers that is commonly associated with freedom and all that it entails in our everyday lives is the Strelitzia flower.

The Strelitzia flower has an extremely unique and one-of-a-kind appearance with spiky comb-like stems that appear yellow, blue, orange, and pink throughout their exterior.

In many belief systems and cultures, even today, the Strelitzia flower represents freedom, independence, and in some cases, even the immortality of man.

The Strelitzia is not always called by its scientific name, and is commonly referred to as the ‘Bird of Paradise Flower’, as its stems appear similar to those of a tropical bird’s beak.

A rare flower, the Strelitzia, or the Bird of Paradise Flower, can be found throughout Southern Africa as well as regions in Cape Province, although the flower itself requires special conditions in order to grow and flourish over time.

In addition to representing freedom and independence, the Strelitzia flower is also known to represent beauty on its own as well as feeling content and finding happiness.

2. Nerine

Nerine flower.
Nerine
Cillas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Nerine flower is another unique and gorgeous flower that represents freedom as far back as Greek mythology.

The flower itself is often pink and violet in color, and is eye-catching on its own merits. In Greek mythology, it is said that the Nereids were the nymph offspring of Nereus, who was also known as a sea God.

While the scientific name is Nerine, the flower is often referred to as the Guernsey Lily, which was given its name due to the flower’s ability to grow and flourish throughout Guernsey on the English Channel island itself.

Along with representing freedom, Nerine flowers are also known to symbolize good fortune, and are often suitable in positive environments and for hopeful situations and scenarios.

3. Freesia

Freesia flower.
Freesia
Senet, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The freesia flower is another extremely unique flower that may first appear dainty and unintimidating at first glance, but it is an extremely symbolic flower that even has meaning in the Victorian floral language.

In Victorian history and language, Freesia flowers are the ultimate sign of trust and innocence, hence its modern-day connection with the idea of freedom and independence.

The actual name of the Freesia flower comes from Friedrich Heinrich Theodor Freese, a German physician who first discovered and cataloged the Freesia flower.

In numerology, the Freesia flower is represented by the number nine which represents self-responsibility as well as being selfless towards others in the world.

4. Milkweed

Milkweed flower.
Milkweed
Photo (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man), CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Don’t let the name fool you. The milkweed flower appears as anything but a weed that appears as white as milk.

Milkweed is a stunning and vibrant violet and pink bushy flower with numerous tiny pets that help to make up one bunch.

Known for the milky fluid that it releases from its leaf or stem (when damaged or attacked), the flower is one of the most useful wildflowers that has plenty of benefits to offer to other nature around it.

In Greek mythology, the genus name of the Milkweed flower, also known as Asclepius, was derived from the son of the Greek God, Apollo.

Throughout Greek mythology and history, it is said that Asclepius had the power to raise the dead, hence the common association of Milkweed with freedom-fighting and independence even today.

5. Dandelion

Dandelion fluff.
A close-up shot of dandelion fluff
Image courtesy: peakpx.com / Creative Commons Zero – CC0

Dandelions, a popular and common weed that is found throughout North America as well as northern Europe and Asia, have plenty of medicinal benefits that can help everything from detoxing the body to improving your overall cholesterol levels.

Because the dandelion is made up of an array of seeds to form one flower, it is thought to have magical and majestic healing properties, especially by those from ancient tribes and religions.

The dandelion is known as a symbol of being able to free ourselves from our own enslavement or from anything that attempts to enslave us, due to its flowy nature and ability to have its petals blown away in an instant.

Dandelions represent learning how to let go of the past and to live in the present while embracing being free and indecently on your own.

6. Tulips

A White Tulip.
A White Tulip
Rob HelfCC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whenever you see or read about tulips, you may think of something positive, cheery, or even spring-related, as tulips are often notoriously symbolic of the arrival of spring.

But, did you know that while tulips are known for their unconditional love, respect, and loyalty, they are also representative of freedom and independence, which only became prevalent after the end of World War II.

Once WWII had ended, The Netherlands shared thousands of tulip bulbs with Canada to display their gratitude for the assistance they received during the war.

Today, The Netherlands is still responsible for approximately 80% of all of the tulips grown around the world. Tulips come in a range of colors and can be given for celebratory or platonic purposes.

7. Sunflowers

Sunflower.
Sunflower
Pudelek (Marcin Szala)CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The sunflower has a rich history when it comes to Greek mythology, dating back to feuds between Apollo and Clytie, which resulted in Clytie being turned into a flower by a nymph, known as the sunflower today.

The sunflower is a sign of unrelenting love and the ability to seek sunshine, light, and freedom in just about any circumstance.

Sunflowers represent joy and longing for a brighter future ahead. Sunflowers are also known for turning towards the sun to soak up as much light as possible through their own independent internal mechanisms.

8. Yellow Roses

Yellow Roses.
Yellow Roses
Lovely Pearl NagaCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you think of a yellow rose, your first thought may be that yellow flowers (and yellow roses specifically), typically represent friendship or a positive and happy situation.

However, did you know that the yellow rose can symbolize freedom, whether you are giving or displaying a single rose alone or in a bouquet?

Giving a yellow rose on its own or in a bunch can represent freedom for a variety of reasons.

It is thought that yellow roses were first grown and discovered in the Middle East throughout the 18th century. Since then, they have become commonplace in northern regions of the Middle East, such as throughout Europe.

While these fascinating yellow roses are beautiful, they do not possess the same scent as a traditional red, white, or even pink rose.

Because these roses are extremely unique and independent and are unlike any other rose flowers found in the Rosa ecae families (also including the Rosa hemisphaerica and Rosa foetida families), they are found to symbolize freedom from the pack and freedom from following the crowd in our everyday lives.

9. Edelweiss

Edelweiss flower.
Edelweiss
Michael Schmid, CC BY-SA 2.0 AT, via Wikimedia Commons

The Edelweiss flower is unique in its appearance (and name) and became popular throughout the 19th century after it originally became associated with the patriotic mindset of those in the Alps as well as the overall purity of the region itself.

Because Edelweiss was used medicinally as well as a source of nutrition and was harvested by men who would hunt for the flower for their wives and families, Edelweiss became known as a symbol of freedom, individualism, independence, patriotism, and purity all in one.

Even in today’s modern culture, the Edelweiss flower is recognized as a symbol of freedom and independence, even by the 10th Special Forces Group of Airborne Soldiers in the US Army, which has adopted the Edelweiss flower as the national symbol on their own uniforms.

Many other battalions and forces wear the Edelweiss flower as a sign of independence, including the Austrian and German armies.

10. Lily

Lily flowers.
Lily
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The lily is a widely popular flower that typically grows in tropical areas and in regions with balmy climates throughout Europe, North America, and even Asia.

In total, there are currently between 80 and 100 indexed species of lilies, which might help to explain why they are so beloved all around the world, regardless of tradition and culture.

In Ancient Egypt, the lily flower was thought to be sacred, and the flower has since had ties to rebirth, new beginnings, and maintaining one’s own right to individual freedom.

White lilies commonly represent the rejuvenation of the soul and starting anew, whereas pink lilies can be used to symbolize love and admiration among romantic partners and even friends.

Orange, yellow, and red lilies are most commonly associated with the idea of freedom and independence, even though red lilies are commonly symbolic of a romantic type of love between two people.

Summary

Setting up flowers that represent freedom is a great way to show appreciation and gratitude for the freedoms and luxuries that we have access to today.

Using bouquets of flowers with deep meanings behind them is also another way to show genuine appreciation for the history behind flowers and their meanings.

Header image courtesy: Photo by Nita from Pexels