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Top 8 Flowers That Symbolize Joy

Top 8 Flowers That Symbolize Joy

One of the most sought-after emotions in life is pure joy and bliss. From celebrating a new love or a new child, joy can be described as one of the happiest emotions and feelings that one can have on this planet.

If you want to help someone else celebrate the joy they are feeling or if you feel joy over something in your own life, you can do so with flowers that symbolize joy.

Flowers that symbolize joy can help bring an element of positivity and optimism into any space or atmosphere, which can help everyone nearby to also feel a bit more hopeful.

Flowers that symbolize joy are: Lily of the Valley, Wood Sorrel, Blazing Star, Orchid, Pink Rose, Prairie Gentian, Yellow Tulip and Dandelion.

1. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria)

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria).
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria)
Image by Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden from flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Convallaria, also known as Lily of the Valley, is a flower from a small genus that belongs to the Asparagaceae plant family, which is native to various temperate regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Convallaria can be found in shadier areas and produce bell-shaped petals that bloom with small red berries as they mature.

Lily of the Valley’s genus name, Convallaria, comes from the Latin word “convallis”, which is translated into “valley”, one of the most suitable areas to plant and grow Lily of the Valley.

Throughout history, the Convallaria, or Lily of the Valley flower, has been used to represent joy, innocence, purity, and general happiness.

In most instances, the Lily of the Valley flower is used in positive and optimistic situations.

However, it is important to keep in mind that Convallaria is also symbolic of pain, death, and sadness in some cultures and religions around the world, even today.

2. Wood Sorrel (Oxalis)

Wood Sorrel (Oxalis).
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis)
gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wood Sorrel, formally known as Oxalis, belongs to the Oxalidaceae plant family and comes from an extensive genus of about 500 species in total.

These unique low-growing plants include clover-shaped leaves and small petals which appear delicate and thin in nature.

The Oxalis flower generates plenty of natural nectar, which is why the flowers are so desirable to most insects in the wild.

Wood Sorrel flowers come in a variety of colors, from baby pink to yellow, purple, and gradient mixes.

Although the genus origin, Oxalis, is derived from the Greek word “oxus”, which is literally translated into “sour”, this is not due to the symbolic nature of the flower itself.

In fact, the Wood Sorrel, or the Oxalis, is almost exclusively always associated with joy, positivity, optimism, and good-heartedness.

The word “oxus”, or “sour”, is meant to represent the bitter and acidic taste that is given off by the flower’s leaves.

3. Blazing Star (Liatris)

Blazing Star (Liatris).
Blazing Star (Liatris)
Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Blazing Star flower, also known as Liatris, belongs to the Asteraceae plant family and is native to Mexico, the Bahamas, and to many parts of North America.

Liatris belongs to a genus of around 50 species, and are considered prairie wildflowers. These Blazing Star flowers grow vertically in bold and vibrant colors, ranging from hot pink and royal purple to white and light pink.

The genus name of Liatris has been lost and has not yet been recovered.

However, nicknames for the flower, including “Gayfeather”, were given to the Liatris flower due to the feathery heads that are apparent on each of the flowers themselves.

Throughout history and in historical texts, the Liatris symbolizes bliss, joy, and optimism. It can also be representative of the willingness to try again or to start anew.

4. Orchid

Orchid.
Orchid
JchmrtCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Orchids, part of the Orchidaceae, come from a massive and overwhelming genus of more than 30,000 species in total.

Around the globe, there are also an estimated 120,000 hybrid orchid creations and species that are being cultivated at any given time.

The Orchid is one of the most popular, classy, and elegant flowers that are known on the planet. Whether you are looking for a way to celebrate with others or if you want to make a lasting impression of joy and ecstasy, you can do so with the right orchid flower or bouquet.

The structure of an orchid is extremely unique and sound, making it a durable and long-lasting flower.

Orchids also root themselves in shrubs and trees, and are not considered parasitic in nature.

There is also documented history of the existence of orchids that dates back to the dinosaur age, giving the orchid an even richer and more complex history than what was originally thought.

According to historical text, orchids first appeared on earth more than 120 million years ago, and only first became cultivated in China around 4,000 years ago, followed by Japan.

The famous Chinese philosopher, Confucius, was extremely fond of orchids, often penning poems dedicated to their beauty and luxurious aesthetic.

Orchids can be used to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, or even personal celebrations in life.

They often symbolize prosperity, wealth, good luck, joy, beauty, charm, and elegance, but they can also be used to symbolize love and fertility given the right circumstances.

5. Pink Rose (Rosa)

Pink Rose (Rosa).
Pink Rose (Rosa)
Carla NunziataCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The popular rose, or Rosa flower, comes from a genus of more than 150 species and belongs to the Rosaceae plant family.

Roses can be found all throughout the Northern Hemisphere and are often associated with romance and everlasting love. However, roses can also symbolize everything from joy and friendship to mysticism.

The genus name of the rose flower, or Rosa, comes from the Latin word “Rosa”, which can also be traced back even further, to the Greek word “rhodon”.

The word “rhodon”, was commonly used by both the Greeks and the Romans, who used the word to represent the color red as well as the word “flower” itself.

For those who are looking to give flowers that symbolize joy and that bring positivity, consider a pink rose.

The pink rose is beautiful, simplistic, elegant, and not overbearing. Steer clear of gifting red roses unless you are romantically linked or interested in another.

6. Prairie Gentian (Eustoma)

Prairie Gentian (Eustoma).
Prairie Gentian (Eustoma)
Rameshng, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Eustoma flower, also commonly known as Prairie Gentian, is a genus of only three species that belongs to the Gentianaceae plant family.

The Eustoma can be found natively in South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. Eustoma can be both perennial or annual, depending on the type of subspecies that is cultivated and the region in which it is planted and grown.

The Prairie Gentian flower itself includes bell-shaped flowers that are large and drape over the flower in numerous layers, creating an elegant and full look.

The genus of the Prairie Gentian, Eustoma, is derived from the Greek words “eu” and “stoma”, which can be translated to “beautiful mouth”.

This is said to represent the overall shape of the Eustoma flower, which appears as a large and colorful mouth once the plant has matured and is in full bloom.

Another name for the Eustoma flower, Lisianthus, comes from the Greek words “lysis” as well as “anthos”, which can also be translated to “dissolution flower”.

Eustoma is almost exclusively symbolic of happiness and joy. Most cultures and religions link the Eustoma flower to ecstasy, peace, and ultimately positivity and positive energy.

7. Yellow Tulip (Tulipa)

Yellow Tulips.
Yellow Tulips
KailanieCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The tulip, or Tulipa, belongs to the family Liliaceae and is from a genus of more than 100 species. Tulips are native to various areas, from China and Siberia to parts of Central Asia.

In total, there are more than 3000 total varieties of tulips that can be found in all areas of the world. Tulips are often known as friendly and positive flowers, and come in many colors from reds and pinks to oranges, yellow, and white.

The tulip flower is named after the Turkish word “tulbend”, which is translated to “turban”, representing the shape and appearance of the tulip flower itself.

When it comes to symbolism, tulips typically represent love, both platonic and romantic.

Yellow tulips also represent joy, friendship, and connection, which is why they are suitable choices for flowers that represent joy and positivity.

8. Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Dandelion (Taraxacum).
Dandelion (Taraxacum)
Image courtesy: peakpx.com / Creative Commons Zero – CC0

The Taraxacum flower, also commonly known as the dandelion, is a popular perennial that can be found throughout Eurasia and North America.

The dandelion belongs to the Asteraceae plant family and blooms with bright yellow petals in many different shapes and sizes.

Although the Taraxacum, or dandelion flower is considered an invasive pest or weed by most gardeners, there are many medicinal benefits of the dandelion that lend credence to its positive symbolic nature.

The genus of Taraxacum is derived from the words “taraxos” and “akos”, two Greek words meaning “disorder” and “remedy”.

Dandelions are known for their mystical nature and healing properties, which is why they represent healing, youthfulness, happiness, perseverance, and joy.

In some cultures, the dandelion can also represent the power of the sun and its ability to bestow good fortune and prosperity.

Summary

Using flowers that symbolize joy is a great way to usher in celebrations, marriages, or even the birth of a new child in your family or in your loved one’s immediate family.

Flowers that symbolize joy are said to also help enhance one’s own environment, even if you are simply enjoying your flowers at home.

With the right flowers that symbolize joy, express yourself fully with flowers that have meaning that is genuinely fitting for your current situation.

Header image courtesy: Photo by Marko Milivojevic on Pixnio