Rebirth is a topic that is difficult for many, whether they are religious or not. Throughout the history of humanity, the topic of rebirth has been a common discussion in various belief systems and religious doctrines.
Additionally, flowers have also been used to symbolize rebirth and the process of life and death.
Some of the most popular flowers that symbolize rebirth are not only useful for showing rebirth and life, but they also may take on dual meanings, depending on the situation in which they are given or displayed.
Flowers that symbolize rebirth are: Daffodil, Calla Lily, White Tulip, Lewisia, Rain Lily; Fairy Lily, Australian Honeysuckle, Daisies and Lotus.
Table of Contents
1. Daffodil
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The daffodil has a rich and interesting history, dating back to Greek mythology and the self-centered and arrogant deity Narcissus.
Although Narcissus may sound negative at first glance, the deity actually represents the idea of rejuvenation, regeneration, and in some cases, even rebirth.
Many Eastern cultures as well as Chinese cultures believe that planting daffodils or forcing them to blossom during the Chinese New Year will provide good fortune for you and your entire home.
Throughout history, daffodils have been known to represent hope, new beginnings, and for some, rebirth and reincarnation.
Because daffodils are known as flowers that are some of the first to bloom, even after a long and harsh winter, they represent a new cycle of life for many.
The flower itself represents bringing happiness and positivity into one’s life, while also symbolizing rebirth.
2. Calla Lily
Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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If you are searching for a flower with a completely unique appearance and one that represents new beginnings, consider the calla lily.
The spiky center of the calla lily is the area of the flower that blooms the actual flower itself, while the outer layer of the calla lily provides gorgeous luxurious leaves to complement the floral center.
The calla lily is a springtime flower that is simplistic, yet unique in its design in nature. Its long stems and single petal makes it stand out from other flowers in the garden.
The calla lily is derived from the Greek word for beauty, which is fitting for the calla lily and its one-of-a-kind appearance.
Calla lilies often represent beauty and rebirth, and can be used in religious ceremonies as well as during funerals, depending on an individual’s own beliefs.
The calla lily has religious significance and can be used to either bless newlyweds or provide closure during funerals.
As a whole, calla lilies not only represent beauty, but also rebirth and resurrection for many.
3. White Tulip
Rob Helf, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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The white tulip is elegant, peaceful, and extremely calm in its appearance, as well as the symbolism behind the flower.
The white tulip typically represents both a feeling of calm as well as purity and can make an excellent apology flower or bouquet.
Many closely associate the white tulip with not only asking for forgiveness but also being willing to give forgiveness to others.
Because the white tulip is known as an apology flower or a flower of forgiveness, it also symbolizes a sense of renewal and hope for some.
Displaying white tulips at a funeral is also not uncommon, as this is a sign of respect and can be a sign to remember a loved one who has recently departed.
4. Lewisia
HeikeLoechel, CC BY-SA 2.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
The Lewisia flower is a three-leaf flower that is known as a member of the Miner’s Lettuce Family. The Lewisia flower is actually named after Meriwether Lewis and the expeditions of Lewis and Clark.
The expedition itself took place between the years 1804 and 1806, making the Lewisia flower one of the oldest documented flowers found while exploring the new world.
The flower itself is a wildflower, and it is native to California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range as well as many mountains throughout the upper western parts of the USA. It is also Montana’s state flower.
The tiny Lewisia flower is known for its potential healing properties as well as its healing essence. Today, Lewisia essence is used by many to help with neurological issues and even with those who may be on the autism spectrum.
It can also be used to help with curing and/or treating a wide range of ailments, including diabetes, headaches, arthritis, gout, inflammation, sore throats, and in some cases, even kidney infections and failure.
Some also turn to using the Lewisia flower to help with boosting their own metabolism and optimizing their strength and overall health.
Lewisia symbolizes rebirth, growth, discovery, and optimism for the future.
5. Rain Lily; Fairy Lily
Vidtra Cholastica Lamban, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The rain lily flower, also known as the Zephyranthes Rosea, is a flower that is native to both Central and South America.
The rain lily is often referred to as a Fairy Lily, due to its seeming ability to appear out of nowhere, which is typically after a long hard rainfall.
Rain lilies are tropical flowers and will thrive after heavy rain as opposed to other flowers. In ancient Greece, Zephyrus is known as the name of a God (the God of the West Wind).
Rain lilies come in a range of colors and are often the perfect choice for filling in bare spots in gardens while adding to decorative flower fields.
Because of the rain lily’s ability to quickly sprout and begin growing after a short rainfall, they are commonly known as symbols of rebirth and new beginnings.
6. Australian Honeysuckle
Photographs by Gnangarra…commons.wikimedia.org, CC BY 2.5 AU, via Wikimedia Commons
You may have heard of honeysuckle before, but have you heard of the actual Australian honeysuckle flower?
The Australian honeysuckle is typically known as Banksia, which is an extremely unusual and unique wildflower that is native to various regions throughout Australia.
These honeysuckle plants create unusual cone-like spikes that are unlike many other wildflowers in the same region today.
The flower buds are essential to a myriad of miniature florets combined to create one large floret, which is the actual flower itself.
The official name, Banksia, is named after Sir Joseph Banks, an Australian explorer who first discovered the flowers.
Because plants have evolved to thrive in Australia’s heat (besides desert regions), it is known as a symbol of rebirth, perseverance, and even a fresh start.
Due to the fires that Australia experiences, many Australian honeysuckle plants have evolved to survive even the most devastating natural disasters, thanks to their woody and durable spines.
7. Daisies
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Daisies are bright and cheery flowers that can represent faith, innocence, and purity. However, did you know that daisies can also represent refreshing with a brand new start or rebirth?
Daisies are known from Celtic lore, as the Celtic people believed that the Gods had created daisies in order to help bereaved parents to grieve after their child’s death.
Daisies are part of the Asteraceae family, which includes more than 32,000 species of plants in total. Other types of flowers in the daisy family include both sunflowers as well as asters.
Most often, when referring to a daisy today, the daisy is the European daisy or the daisy with bright vibrant white petals and sunflower yellow centers.
They are native to many regions and climates around the world, including both subpolar and tropical. The only continent on which daisies cannot currently be found is Antarctica.
Daisies are known for their healing properties and can be used for moisturizing and to aid with anti-inflammatory properties.
Throughout history, daisies have had a positive meaning and reputation, and they are also tied in with Norse mythology.
In Norse mythology, daisies were thought to be associated with Freya, a goddess of beauty, love, and fertility, making daisies a fitting choice for flowers that symbolize rebirth.
8. Lotus
Hong Zhang (jennyzhh2008), CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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The lotus flower is one of the most symbolic flowers in any genus or family of flowers, as it is well-known throughout multiple cultures and regions of the world.
The lotus flower is native to both Vietnam and India, as it is the national flower of those countries as well. Because Buddhism is a leading belief system throughout these regions, the lotus flower is closely linked with Buddhism and the idea of rebirth and reincarnation.
Interestingly enough, the lotus flower has no trouble growing in swamps or in murky waters, which is a stark contrast to the beautiful bloom it provides.
Lotus flowers come in a range of colors and have a unique appearance of growing upwards while being able to sustain themselves over water.
In Buddhism and in ancient beliefs, the lotus flower takes on many meanings, but most of them surround rebirth and reincarnation.
The lotus represents spiritual and physical growth, as well as the life and death cycle of all life, not just plants, and flowers.
In many Hindu and Buddhist cultures, the lotus flower is also considered a sacred symbol, and one that should always be respected.
Summary
Choosing to display flowers that symbolize rebirth or giving the gift of flowers that symbolize rebirth can demonstrate how you feel, what you believe, and what you hope for others.
Whether you are religious, spiritual, or if you simply believe in the life cycle of living, dying, and being reborn again, knowing which flowers symbolize rebirth can help you in any event in which they are appropriate to give or show off.
References
- https://symbolismandmetaphor.com/flowers-that-symbolize-new-beginnings/
- https://www.atozflowers.com/flower-tags/rebirth/
Header image courtesy: Svklimkin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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