Primroses are one of the most vibrant flowers appearing as the first sign of Spring! You would think of it as a more simple-looking rose, but its beauty is more than just that. It is a classic dainty flower popularly adored in cultural poems and prose. The meaning behind these dainty flowers is surely not to disappoint!
The primrose is one of the key flowers that are commonly used as an ornamental and medicinal flower. The flower meaning and symbolism behind each color is very interesting. For example, a white primrose means youth while a red and blue one symbolizes love and trust. Other floral colors such as pink and purple represent feminine beauty and one’s purity. Lastly, for a yellow and orange primrose, these represent happiness and cheerfulness.
History of Primrose Flowers
Primrose is also known as the butter rose, early rose, or golden rose. It was first mentioned in the 15th century as a perennial herb with bright showy flowers. The name primrose comes from the Latin word primus or prima rosa meaning the prime rose. The amazing reason behind this is the flower being the first rose of early spring!
The Primroses belong to the Primula genus along with 28 other genera of the Primulaceae family. It is native to western and southern Europe and also in some parts of Southwest Asia. In the present day, it is commonly cultivated as a garden flowering plant or cut flowers.
The flowers feature a yellow tinged center with bell-shaped flowers and short stalks. Primroses thrive best in woodlands or grasslands and in various stages of the seasons. Some of the popular varieties of the primrose include the English primrose (Primula vulgaris) and the Cowslip primrose (Primula veris).
Here is an interesting fact about the primrose. It best thrives in temperate regions and produces vivid colors of flowers that have a pastel hue to it compared to the bright colors it normally blooms in.
Symbolism of Primrose Blossoms
The Primrose is known as a sacred flower with a few symbolic meanings. In early Victorian times, Primrose day was honored every April 19th to commemorate the late Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Primroses were his favorite flower and are adorned under his statue in Westminster Abbey as a tribute to his memory.
In the language of flowers, these lovely flowers have been named the birth month flower of February. The primrose flowers symbolize the birth life and are the birth month flowers that symbolize passion, joys of the heart, and fleeting youth.
Shakespeare also associated this lovely flower with lightheartedness and thoughtlessness. It also has a deep symbolism that Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote about in his poems. This beautiful flower symbolize sadness and mourning.
Meaning of Primrose Florets
Vibrant colors of Primroses embody early youth, young love, and inconstancy. In the middle ages, the blooming of these flowers meant “bringing in the May.” indicating the first flowers of spring.
The flower is sometimes also associated with the primrose path. The flowers means choosing the easy way in life but it comes with a price. This metaphor also means being tricked or deceived.
Additionally, the primrose also means an everlasting existence because of its hardy nature. Behind each flower color are specific meanings.
What does a White Primrose Flower Mean?
White primrose flowers with white petals offer the meaning of an early and fleeting youth. A sense of satisfaction is also represented by these blooms.
What does a Red Primrose Blossom Symbolize?
Red primrose flowers symbolize unpatronized or neglected goodness and sadness. Also, a red primrose symbolize young and happy love.
What does a Blue Primrose Floret Represent?
Blue primroses send a very special message to those adoring their beauty. The hidden message of believing in me and trust in me is what these flowers represent!
What does a Pink Primrose Bloom Signify?
A pink Primula flower is a significant symbol of womanhood. Aside from this, it also embodies feminine love and beauty.
What does a Purple Primrose Flower Indicate?
The sense of spiritual healing is indicated by the sight of purple Primroses. Seeing a flower of this color also symbolizes purity.
What does a Yellow Primrose Floret Mean?
Happiness and warmth are associated with Primula flowers and their yellow petals! Radiant as the sun, these flowers are sure to brighten up any dull day in the garden!
What does an Orange Primrose Blossom Symbolize?
Orange primroses are regarded as heralds of Spring. Along with the brilliant color of the petals, it also symbolizes cheerfulness and innocence.
What is the Cultural Significance of Primrose Flowers?
The primrose is known in most cultures as a flower for the people. Its petals on the flower were symbolic of a woman’s life. During the Victorian era, Primula flowers were also a symbol of high social status and wealth. The Victorians believed it was unlucky to bring such blossoms into a home unless it was more than 13 flowers. Why 13? Simply because in Christian and Norse mythology 13 is an unlucky number!
Surprisingly, the English and Irish folk also believed that planting such flowers near the doorstep attracts fairies from the fairy realm and their blessing and good fortune. For the Irish, it was also a popular remedy to treat jaundice and tuberculosis!
For the beliefs of the Celts, primroses are symbolic of otherworldly beauty. It was also said to ward off evil spirits. In Norse mythology, the flower was attributed to the norse goddess Freya. According to Norse folklore, the goddess of love used the flower’s beauty as a key to open the gates of Spring. Celtic worshippers created altars dedicated to the goddess offering these flowers.
What are the Superstitions Associated with Primrose Blossoms?
An old wive’s tale goes on to say that primroses serve as guides for little children who are on the hunt for treasures and fairy gold! It was also believed that keeping this flower on you at all times will preserve your youth! No need to go out looking for the fountain of youth, just keep a primrose with you!
But be cautious of these flowers because for farmers, bringing these flowers into the house in early spring meant bad luck for the chicken who will lay eggs for the first time.
What does a Primrose Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
The choice of a Primrose as a tattoo symbolizes one’s long-lasting beauty and radiating personality. Contrasting to this, it also represents one who cannot live without someone special in their life.
Uses of Primroses
Primroses are popularly known as symbols of youth and hope. It is popularly decorated in floral arrangements and beautiful bouquets. It also goes well on other flower arrangements and as an ideal gift for special occasions. Many flower lovers enjoy having these flowers in their garden beds.
The primrose is also used for traditional cosmetics. Its petals are extracted for its dye and can also be used to treat common facial blemishes. The most surprising use for this flower is its culinary use! The flowers can be eaten raw on fresh salads and cooked vegetable dishes. Europeans also made luscious wines, vinegar, and jams from the colorful flowers! Aside from cosmetics and culinary uses, the flowers also have claimed medicinal benefits.
A tea infusion made from its petals can cure symptoms from a wide array of nervous disorders. Its leaves were also used as an alternative treatment for toothaches and burns. 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/dmitribaburi
