The peony flower is one of the most popular flowers in the world, it’s adored by gardeners, florists and photographers. With its large, showy blooms in multiple colors and forms, each peony cultivar offers its own meaning and connotation. The peony flower has an extensive history and rich symbolism, representing prosperity, honor, romance and good fortune based on its color, culture and time period.
Background and Peony Flower Meaning
Origins and Names of Peony Flowers
- Originated in Asia over 3,000 years ago, then brought to Europe and North America in the 18th century
- Named after Paeon, physician to the Greek gods – the peony symbolized healing properties
- Called “king of flowers” – large, lush blooms in late spring
- Meaning varies by color – red symbolizes prosperity, white means devotion, pink represents romance
Cultural Significance and Folklore
- Extensively bred and cultivated in China and Japan for centuries
- Featured in art and poetry symbolizing honor, beauty, wealth
- Mythology links peonies to bashfulness, compassion, and shame
- Used in traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments
- Feng shui principles say red peonies bring prosperity to homes
Peony Flower Language and Floral Symbolism
- Given on 12th wedding anniversaries
- Used at graduations to represent honor and achievement
- Featured at weddings, especially in bouquets, due to romantic associations
- Appropriate as gifts expressing good luck wishes or gratitude
- Avoid giving to those who are ill, as it means shame in some cultures
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Peony Flower Meaning: Color and Type
Red Peony Meaning
The red peony is one of the most popular colors of peonies. It is a bright and vibrant color that symbolizes prosperity, success, happiness, and good fortune. The meaning behind the red peony has been deeply ingrained in various cultures for centuries, making it a highly sought-after flower for many occasions.
In Chinese culture, the red peony is often associated with wealth and prosperity. In fact, it is commonly referred to as the “flower of riches and honor”. This is because the word for peony in Chinese, “fùguì”, sounds similar to the word for wealth and honor. As such, giving someone a red peony is seen as a way to impart wishes for wealth, fame, honor, or achievement.
In addition to its association with wealth and prosperity, the red peony also symbolizes success and happiness. In ancient China, the red peony was often given to students before exams as a way to wish them success and good luck. This tradition still holds true today, as many people believe that having a red peony nearby can bring good luck and help one achieve their goals.
Aside from its cultural significance, the red peony is also highly valued for its beauty and fragrance. Its large, full petals and rich color make it a popular choice for weddings, where it represents a happy and prosperous marriage. It is also commonly used in bouquets and floral arrangements for special occasions such as graduations, promotions, and housewarmings.
In Feng Shui, the red peony is believed to have powerful energy that can attract money and luck. This is why it is often used in home decor, particularly in the wealth corner of a room, to invite abundance and prosperity into one’s life. It is also considered an auspicious flower to have in the workplace, as it is said to bring success and good fortune to businesses.
The red peony holds a deep and significant meaning in many cultures. Its association with wealth, success, happiness, and good fortune makes it a highly prized flower for various occasions. Whether given as a gift or used in home decor, the red peony serves as a powerful symbol of prosperity and positivity, making it a beloved flower by many.
White Peony Meaning
White peonies are a popular flower with a rich history and symbolism. These beautiful, large flowers are known for their delicate and elegant appearance, making them a popular choice for various occasions such as weddings, celebrations, and even sympathy gifts. However, beyond their aesthetic appeal, white peonies hold a deeper meaning that has been passed down through generations.
One of the most common meanings associated with white peonies is devotion. This flower symbolizes a strong and unwavering commitment to someone or something. This could refer to a romantic relationship, where the white peony represents a deep and pure love between two individuals. It can also represent loyalty and dedication to a cause, making it a suitable gift for those who have shown unwavering support and devotion.
Honor and reverence are two other important meanings associated with white peonies. In ancient Greek mythology, peonies were believed to be named after Paeon, the god of medicine and healing. As such, peonies were often used in herbal remedies and were highly regarded for their healing properties. This association with healing and medicine led to the white peony being seen as a symbol of honor and respect for those in the medical profession.
Additionally, white peonies are closely associated with purity and innocence. This is due to the flower’s pristine white color and delicate appearance, which has long been associated with symbolizing purity and perfection. In some cultures, white peonies are gifted to new mothers and brides as a way to wish them a bright and pure future.
In the language of flowers, white peonies also represent romance and passion. This is why they are often used in bridal bouquets and wedding decorations, as they symbolize a happy and loving union between two people. The associations with romance and passion make white peonies a popular choice for Valentine’s Day gifts and other special occasions celebrating love and affection.
Aside from romantic love, white peonies can also represent deep affection between friends or family members. The flower’s elegant and graceful appearance makes it a thoughtful gift to express sincere appreciation and admiration for someone close to your heart.
White peonies are also an appropriate sympathy gift. In this context, the flower’s meaning shifts to convey sincerity and empathy towards those who have lost a loved one. The pure and delicate nature of the white peony can offer comfort and solace during a difficult time, making it a meaningful gesture of support and sympathy.
White peonies hold a multitude of meanings that have been shaped by their cultural significance and associations with different emotions and values. Whether given as a gift or used in decorative arrangements, these beautiful flowers will continue to captivate and inspire with their timeless symbolism of devotion, honor, purity, and love.
Pink Peony Meaning
Pink peonies are widely known for their beautiful and delicate appearance, but they also hold a deeper meaning that makes them a popular flower choice for various occasions. These stunning flowers have been cherished for centuries and are still considered a symbol of love, femininity, and prosperity in many cultures.
The most common meaning associated with pink peonies is romance. These flowers are often given as gifts to express romantic interest, love, admiration, or affection towards someone. This tradition dates back to the Victorians who used flowers as a way to convey secret messages, and pink peonies were commonly used to express feelings of love and affection. This symbolism has carried on through the years, making pink peonies a popular choice for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and other romantic celebrations.
Aside from romance, pink peonies also represent femininity. The delicate and soft petals of these flowers are often associated with the gentle and nurturing qualities of women. In Chinese culture, pink peonies are seen as a symbol of yin energy, which represents feminine aspects such as grace, beauty, and compassion. As such, these flowers are often given to women as a gesture of appreciation and admiration.
Pink peonies are also believed to bring good luck and prosperity. In Feng Shui, a popular Chinese practice of arranging objects to create balance and harmony, pink peonies are considered auspicious flowers that attract positive energy and abundance into one’s life. Placing these flowers in the home or workplace is believed to bring good fortune and success in various aspects of life, such as career, relationships, and finances.
These beautiful flowers are also closely associated with springtime, renewal, and new beginnings. As they bloom in the spring season, pink peonies are often seen as a symbol of new life and growth. They are a reminder that after the cold and dark winter months, there is always a chance for a fresh start and new opportunities. This makes them a perfect gift for birthdays, graduations, and baby showers as they represent the beginning of a new chapter in one’s life.
In addition to their deeper meanings, pink peonies are also loved for their stunning appearance. Their large, fluffy blooms in shades of soft pink evoke feelings of joy, happiness, and positivity. These flowers have a way of instantly brightening up a room and bringing a smile to anyone’s face. They are also popular in floral arrangements and wedding bouquets, adding a touch of elegance and romance to any setting.
Pink peonies hold significant meanings that make them a beloved flower choice for various occasions. Whether given as a romantic gesture, a symbol of femininity, or to bring good luck and new beginnings, these flowers are sure to convey your heartfelt sentiments and bring joy to the recipient. So next time you see a beautiful pink peony, remember its deeper meanings and appreciate its beauty even more.
Yellow Peony Meaning
Yellow peonies are a relatively rare color among the wide range of peony shades, but they hold a significant meaning in the world of flowers. The bright sunny hue of yellow is often associated with warmth, happiness and prosperity, making yellow peonies a popular choice for floral arrangements and gifts.
One of the most common meanings associated with yellow peonies is happiness and prosperity. Their vibrant and cheerful color is believed to bring joy and positivity into one’s life. As such, yellow peonies are often given as a gesture of celebration or to wish someone well on their journey towards success and good fortune.
In addition to symbolizing happiness and prosperity, yellow peonies also convey uplifting emotions such as joy, gladness, and friendship. The energetic and lively shade of yellow is known to evoke feelings of optimism and enthusiasm, making it a perfect choice for expressing appreciation and gratitude towards friends and loved ones. Yellow peonies in a bouquet or arrangement can serve as a beautiful reminder of the strong bond shared between friends and family.
Due to its cheerful and warm connotations, yellow peonies are often featured in floral gifts to express warmth, delight, and cheer. Whether used as the main attraction or combined with other colors, these gorgeous blooms add a touch of radiance and charm to any bouquet. They are particularly popular during spring and summer, when their bright and sunny appearance perfectly complements the season.
However, it is important to note that yellow peonies may not always be an appropriate choice for all occasions. In some cultures, yellow symbolizes jealousy and envy, which may make it an unsuitable gift for those who are grieving or going through a difficult time. It is essential to consider the cultural significance and personal preferences of the recipient before choosing yellow peonies as a gift.
The yellow peony holds a rich and diverse meaning, ranging from happiness and prosperity to joy and friendship. It is a beautiful and vibrant flower that can bring warmth, delight, and cheer to any occasion. However, it is essential to be mindful of cultural sensitivities and individual preferences when choosing yellow peonies as a gift.
Conclusion
The peony truly deserves its longstanding reputation as the “king of flowers” with its lush, romantic blooms that have inspired artists and writers for centuries. Beyond beauty, peonies hold distinctive symbolic meaning tied to prosperity, honor, affection and more based on their color, culture and purpose. Whether gifting peonies or displaying them in the home or garden, understanding the rich heritage behind peonies can help unlock their full potential to convey meaning and create beauty in our lives.
We’re Emma Carole Paradis and Kimberly Carole, the owners and designers of Impeccable Nest, based in Bedford, New Hampshire. A mother-daughter team with a love of design. Originally from Manhattan Beach, California, now based in Bedford, New Hampshire, we bring a Southern California cool and New England tradition to our design. Not only do we work together…we also live together in a multi-generational home…and a home that they are known to design for others.
