Hyacinths may be a great addition to your garden by giving it that pop of color and beauty. These beautiful flowers have radiant and colorful spikes that are sure to attract the delight of the bee, butterflies, and birds alike!
Just like other plants, the meaning and symbolism behind the Hyacinth is rooted in its history and the many stories from different cultures. The flower Hyacinth comes in many different colors and has different meanings to it. A white Hyacinth means beauty while a blue one symbolizes sincerity. Other colors such as purple and pink Hyacinths represent loveliness and joy. Meanwhile, a red or yellow Hyacinth represents pain and jealousy.
History of Hyacinth Flowers
Hyacinths are native plants from the eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asian regions and are commonly grown as bulbous perennial herbs. The most popular species of these Hyacinth bulbs is known as the garden hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis).
The Hyacinth flower name is derived from the genus name Hyacinthus. Meanwhile, Hyacinthus derives from the Greek word hyakinthos meaning a flowering plant. The name also comes from the word jacinth which means blue gemstone.
The genus originates from the Asparagaceae family. It has a sister genus from a different genera. The name Hyacinth may sound familiar because it is related to the Hyacinthoides bluebells!
Other popular Hyacinth varieties you can plant in your garden include the Delft Blue Hyacinth, the Carnegie Hyacinth, and the Aiolos Hyacinth.
Symbolism of Hyacinth Blooms
The ancient Greeks adorn the Hyacinthus as a symbol for the sun god Apollo. It pertains to the careless and deep regret the god experienced upon the death of Prince Hyakinthos.
The French and English folk also have creative symbols for these flowers. The French believe that Hyacinths are a visual code for you loving me and destroying me. Very melodramatic like the French are in nature! Meanwhile, the chappy English people believe that these flowers are a code for an invitation to play and have games of sport.
According to the ancient Victorians, the Hyacinth was a flower that symbolizes sporting activities. It was mostly decorated on the celebratory bouquets of those who won the activities. Aside from this, it also was a symbol of a fresh start.
Meaning of Hyacinth Blossoms
The Hyacinthus flower blooms in spikes that appear like a cluster of colors! Since it appears in such splendor, the Hyacinth meaning brings about the idea of wealth, blessings, and compassion. It is with this meaning that the ancient Hebrews decorate weddings and banquets full of these beauties!
Aside from this, these flowers also come to remind all to learn how to forgive those who have caused one’s hurt and see past the pain. This is the sole reason Greeks associate the flower with love and compassion.
What does a White Hyacinth Flower Mean?
White Hyacinths represent beauty, purity, and simplicity. A daily reminder of such meaning is reflected in one’s daily prayers or wishes.
What does a Blue Hyacinth Bloom Symbolize?
Hyacinthus flowers with blue petals are symbols of consistency and sincerity. It also conveys the message of sending well wishes to friends or family before moments of farewell and departure.
What does a Purple Hyacinth Blossom Signify?
One’s loveliness is associated with purple Hyacinths. Amidst this, it also signifies the moments when one has made a mistake and is asking for forgiveness.
What does a Red Hyacinth Bloom Symbolize?
Love and pain are associated with red Hyacinths. Red is commonly a symbol of longing passion and display of hurt and struggle. Surprisingly, it also means mourning a tragic loss.
What does a Pink Hyacinth Floret Indicate?
Pink floret hyacinths imply joyful play or cheerful moments. Whether in a garden or nature park, pink hyacinths are sure to brighten up the day!
What does a Yellow Hyacinth Flower Represent?
Expressions of jealousy are linked to yellow hyacinths.
What is the Biblical Significance of Hyacinth Blooms?
Devout Christians believe that the Hyacinthus embodies the wisdom and tranquility of God. It also interprets a Christian message of one’s desire for heaven.
In pagan mythologies, these flowers are a symbol of prudence and peace of mind based upon the tragedy of Prince Hyakinthos.
What are the Mythologies Associated with Hyacinths?
According to an ancient classic Greek mythology, the Hyacinth is known as the flower of Apollo the sun god. As the Greek legend goes, Apollo and Zephyr were sporting a competition for the admiration of Prince Hyakinthos. Zephyr is known as the god of the west wind.
During the activities, the two gods thought it best to have the young boy join in the fun. While teaching Hyakinthos about the sport, he was tragically killed when a strong wind blew a heavy disk and hit him in the head.
Stricken with grief, Zephyr the god mourned the young boy’s death. Upon the blood that spilled, flowers began to bloom. These flowers are what is known today as the Hyacinth.
What does a Hyacinth Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
A Hyacinth floral tattoo includes quite a few symbols behind it. These include glamor, prosperity, and fertility.
Uses of the Hyacinth Plant
Aside from being a beautiful flower in the garden, the Hyacinths are very valued for its sweet scent. There are other benefits of using Hyacinths and these can be found within the plant’s flower, bulb, and buds. In Mediterranean cuisines, the flowers, bulbs, and buds are consumed in cooked dishes and recipes by either boiling or grilling.
The buds and bulbs can also be pickled in a bottle of vinegar as appetizers or side dishes. Meanwhile, the flowers impart a subtle sweet fragrance and a nutty-like flavor while the bulbs are said to taste like an onion and garlic hybrid!
Medicinal claims have also been told about Hyacinths. Although the bulbs are said to be poisonous when still fresh because of the oxalic acid, the glutinous juice can function as a substitute for starch. In the era of ancient Greece, this was used to attach feathers on arrows and as a binding paste for book covers.
The roots can also be dried and powdered and are used as a remedy to treat leucorrhea. A word of warning that it’s a must to always consult a medical professional before using this plant or any part of it for medical purposes.
~ image source: depositphotos/Wirestock
