A purple iris is a unique flower known for its vivid color and intricate petal design. It has a rich history and has been cultivated for centuries. But beyond that, it also carries a variety of deep symbolic meanings.
Generally, a purple iris symbolizes royalty, wisdom, admiration, dignity, peace, power, healing, and commitment.
If you want to know more about the symbolic meanings of this flower, this guide is for you! Here, we’ll explain purple iris symbolism in detail and its spiritual significance in different cultures.
Table of Contents
Purple Iris: Symbolic Meanings
The following are some common symbolic meanings of purple iris flowers.
Royalty
In the world of flowers, purple irises represent royalty and respect. This symbolism dates back to ancient times when purple dye used to be extremely expensive due to the time-consuming and costly process of making it.
As a result, only wealthy and powerful people could afford it. Historical evidence also suggests that Queen Elizabeth I created a law that allowed only the royal family to wear purple dresses [1].
Wisdom
Purple irises are associated with wisdom because of their intricate petal design that represents the complexities of knowledge. That’s why many students give these flowers to their mentors and teachers as a gift to express their gratitude. [2]
Admiration
Purple irises can also symbolize admiration. Their striking appearance and captivating fragrance make them a popular flower that people use to convey adoration toward others.
It means that giving a purple iris to someone can be a way of saying, “I admire you, or I appreciate your presence in my life.” You can also use it as a token of love and appreciation for your special someone to strengthen your romantic relationship.
Dignity
As a flower historically associated with royalty and nobility, the purple iris also contains the qualities of nobility, grace, and elegance. It symbolizes the dignity and strength of character that comes with age and experience.
You can give it to other people to honor their social status, age, experience, or strength of character.
Peace and Harmony
The purple iris’s color represents a balance between the hot and cold extremes, making it a symbol of peace and harmony.
It’s a popular choice for peace gardens, designed specifically to provide a peaceful place for people who want to escape from their busy lives for some time. The delicate petals and soothing fragrance create a calming and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for self-reflection.
Power
Purple irises have been historically used to represent power and victory, particularly in ancient Egyptian culture. [3] The Egyptians used these flowers to adorn the scepters of their pharaohs, symbolizing their authority.
Also, the association of the color purple with royalty and nobility enhances this symbolism even further.
Healing
It’s believed that the color purple has healing properties that can reduce stress levels [4] and promote relaxation in those who view it or wear it close to their skin (such as jewelry).
Some people even use iris oil in aromatherapy or other alternative healing practices to help calm the mind and promote relaxation. [5]
These flowers can also be seen as a symbol of hope and renewal. That’s because they bloom in the springtime and represent the new growth and new beginnings of the season.
This can be a powerful symbol for those seeking healing and renewal in their own lives.
Commitment
Purple irises are also a symbol of commitment. In some cultures, purple irises represent the sixth wedding anniversary flower, a 25th-anniversary flower, or for couples who have been married for more than 25 years.
Purple Iris Symbolism in Different Cultures
Let’s discuss what the purple iris symbolizes in different cultures around the world.
Greeks
In Ancient Greece, the purple iris symbolized good luck and was associated with the goddess Iris, who acted as a link between heaven and earth. People used to plant these flowers on women’s graves to guide them to heaven with the goddess Iris [6].
Egyptian
According to legends, a popular Egyptian king called Thutmose III popularized purple irises after conquering the region now known as Syria. [7]
He brought these flowers to Egypt and planted them in Egyptian gardens. That’s why people started associating them with victory and power.
French
Purple irises have represented royalty and religious devotion throughout French history. They inspired the fleur-de-lis symbol worn by kings and are said to represent the Holy Trinity. [8]
China
In China, the iris flower is known as “The Purple Butterfly” and symbolizes change and transformation. [9] It’s believed to repel negative energies when placed inside the house and ensure purity and cleansing of energy.
Japan
In Japanese culture, the iris flower symbolizes healing, clarity, and purity. It’s considered a flower that can purify evil and negative energies. Purple iris flowers convey love, kindness, and compliments, while blue irises symbolize hope and faith.
Seeing Purple Iris in a Dream
Dreaming of a purple iris can have multiple meanings. It can signify an improvement in self-awareness, which means that you’re starting to trust your intuition and gain a better perception of the world around you.
Photo by Amber Grey on Unsplash
If you see a bunch of purple irises in your dream in an unorganized form, it could mean you’re seeking support and partnerships. It might also mean you’re putting your fate in someone else’s hands, indicating your reckless behavior.
Seeing a single purple iris in your dream usually represents your passion for a goal. However, it can also be a sign that certain people or issues in your life are hindering your progress and making you feel anxious and doubtful.
It can serve as a reminder that you need to evaluate the various aspects of your life and assess your relationships, so you can identify and let go of the things holding you back.
Final Words
The purple iris flower holds deep spiritual significance in various cultures around the globe. It carries many positive connotations that convey different meanings and provides insight into our inner selves.
Seeing this flower in your dream can have several meanings, depending on your situation and the dream’s context. We hope this guide has helped you understand the symbolic meanings of purple irises and how it has played a part in shaping different cultures.
References:
- https://www.livescience.com/33324-purple-royal-color.html
- https://symbolismandmetaphor.com/purple-iris-meaning-and-symbolism-dignity-peace/
- https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/iris-meaning-and-symbolism
- https://www.purpleologist.com/blog/purple-color-healing/
- https://nefertiti-eg.com/shop/aroma-oils/iris-oil/
- https://www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers/iris
- https://www.teleflora.com/meaning-of-flowers/iris
- https://symbolsage.com/iris-symbolism-meaning
- https://themindfool.com/iris-meaning/