The love people have for the beauty of tulips is just remarkable. Known as one of the most beloved flowers in the world, a tulip is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. It was famously used as an ornamental and as a cosmetic as well.
The meaning and symbolism behind many tulip varieties also rank it as one of the most demanded florals for any season! Various colors also have their own meaning. For example, a white or brown tulip symbolizes well wishes and nature’s beauty. A red or blue one symbolizes passion and peace.
Other tulip colors such as yellow or orange represents a hopeless love and compassion. A pink or purple tulip stands for daintiness or happiness. So while you’re at it – planting Tulips will also make a great addition to your floral garden collection!
History of the Tulip Plant
The tulip’s history and origin is not what you think it is. These blossoms were first defined in the early 16th century as perennial bulbous herbs with elegant showy flowers. Tulips spread popularly as cultivated ornamental flowers for pots and gardens.
Tulip bulbs belong to the genus Tulipa coming from the wide range Lily family or Liliaceae family. Around 100 beautiful family member species are found in this genus. The Latin genus comes from the Persian word Toliban meaning turban and is actually referring to the distinct shape the flower resembles.
Additionally, tulips are family members to lilies hence the quite similar striking beauty. Usually, flowers are named after gods, goddesses, or other mythical figures. Here are some interesting facts you probably didn’t know about Tulipa flowers!
Tulips are more commonly differentiated by their morphology and plant size. And what about the flowers with streaks of different colors? Well, that is actually caused by a non fatal mosaic virus that in recent years has given so many different colors of tulips!
Another interesting fact about tulips is that it did not originate from Holland. These flowers are native to south and central Asia and Turkey where cultivation began in the early 10th century. It was brought to Europe in the 1500s by Viennese ambassador Augier Ghislain de Busbecq from Turkey.
The rise to fame of tulips began in the 1600s when Holland became the world’s top producer. Gorgeous Tulipa blossoms arrived in Antwerp from Holland signaling the Tulip Mania from 1633-1637.
A few of the tulips during the craze include the Lady Jane (T. clusiana), the Fusilier (T. praestans), the Henry Hudson (T. vvedenskyi), and the Lilac Wonder (T. bakeri). These are one of the first flowers during the spring season.
Symbolism of Tulips
The tulip symbolism is quite historic. Dating back to the 10th century, tulips symbolize the mighty Ottoman empire from the Middle East. In Turkish culture, the people believe that these flowers are a figure depicting the paradise of Earth with divine status.
In Holland, tulips have a deep symbolism. It is known as the country’s national flower and is a great way to represent the briefness of life for local folks. The Tulip capital in Holland also honors these flowers as its national symbol and flower. For these folks, it is a representation of the briefness of life.
In 1590, Camerius noted that tulips were a symbol of reminiscing – always upward gazing at the stars and heavenly bodies in the sky. Tulipa blossoms are also symbolic of fleeting beauty and luxuriousness given its demand and price inflation during the Tulip Mania.
Tulips are also the perfect symbol of love. It can symbolize pure love between two people or romantic partners.
Meaning of Tulip Flowers
The most common meanings of tulips lies in this little secret. Even after cutting off the flower, the plant itself will still continue to bloom! This little secret is why the deeper meaning behind tulips is often associated with a new beginning or starting afresh.
The general meaning of new beginnings has something to do with wanting a fresh start at a new life. Sometimes, the common meanings aren’t the only meaning of these flowers.
Tulipa blooms are the perfect flowers to express the perfect love, devotion, and thornless vulnerability to emotions and urges. These would make a gorgeous bouquet that would speak of elegance and refined grace.
Here is a list of the variety of colors and the meaning behind each tulip color.
What does a White Tulip Flower Mean?
White flowers are such pure flowers. White tulips convey the meaning of magical enchantment and a few well wishes when it first blooms in the Spring!
What does a Red Tulip Blossom Symbolize?
Tulipa flowers with red petals symbolize a very strong declaration of everlasting love and passion! Once in full bloom, these blossoms are symbolic of not only pure love but also of worldly fame.
What does a Blue Tulip Flower Represent?
Blue tulips are actually types of white ones that just changed color. It symbolizes peace and tranquility and is a perfect gift for someone you fully trust.
What does a Yellow Tulip Flower Indicate?
Yellow is indeed a very happy and joyful color. Yellow tulips indicate a sunny disposition and quite frankly – a hopeless love! It can also represent happiness and cheerful thoughts.
What does a Purple Tulip Bloom Mean?
Purple is the color of the royal family and the late Queen Elizabeth. There is nothing like achieving enlightenment with happiness – but purple tulips represent pure happiness coming from the beauty of nature and the countryside.
What does a Pink Tulip Flower Symbolize?
If you’re out looking for a tulip that symbolizes loveliness and dainty yet majestic charms, then pink tulips are just what you need. These beautiful flowers are the perfect gift to congratulate someone on their new home or new job.
What does an Orange Tulip Blossom Represent?
The perfect lover is what is meant by an orange tulip blossom. Orange tulips are the perfect flowers to depict the perfect lover’s image. This flower also means ardent and undoubted compassion.
What does a Brown Tulip Floret Indicate?
Brown Tulips are not really brown in color – it is actually a deep shade of reddish-brown when the sun shines on it. This kind of Tulips represents nature’s beautiful eyes!
What is the Cultural Significance of a Tulip Bloom?
Different cultures have high regards for these flowers. Tulips are one of the sacred flowers honored in Turkey. They are called Lale in Turkish culture and have the same Arabic characters for the name of Allah. This very coincidence makes these flowers sacred and important in the house of Osman.
In the cultural traditions of Turkey in the Middle East, the Tulip floral motif are decorated in tiles, mosques, and fabrics during the Ottoman Empire. The time tulips were famous was called the tulip season or tulip era.
Other Western and Asian countries also hold this flower in high regard. Countries that hold various Tulip festivals include the United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Australia.
In the town of Lisse, Keukenhof park holds a huge tulip festival every spring in a gigantic tulip garden. This is to celebrate the importance of the bulbs during World War II. More bulbs of tulips were used as everyday life food to prevent people from starvation.
What is the Biblical Meaning of a Tulip Flower?
With the very distinct shape of Tulips, there are a few key religious meanings behind this flower. It is symbolic of the Chalice or more commonly known as the Holy Grail.
Italian scholars and wise men also say that this flower is a symbol of divine love – it withers away if kept away from the sun or the light of God.
Devout Christians preach of this flower as a symbol of passion and faith. Representing the time of Easter, a Tulip can speak of forgiveness and loyalty such as Christ was towards His disciples.
What is the Spiritual Influence of a Tulip Blossom?
A Tulipa blossom essence can bring a lot of positivity and good energy. It clears out annoying and raging energies caused by stress and weariness. Tulip essences initiate a better sense of relaxation and focus for errands and important engagements.
In terms of relationships, Tulips grant an environment of healing and serenity. It inspires for to live simply and well-grounded but still very charming and confident.
What are the Folktales Associated with a Tulip Floret?
With a rich history and symbolic meaning, it’s no wonder that a few folktales go around about tulips. During the height of the Tulip Mania, a myth about the goddess who owned these flowers. Tulips once belonged to Roman goddess Flora – artists in satirical arts degraded their beauty to become lewd!
In the Middle Ages, some folks began whispering about how tulips were more extremely expensive compared to diamonds and other precious gems! This doesn’t sound too impossible since Antwerp is known as the city of diamond industry and trade!
According to a Persian legend, tulips represented the tragic love story of Farhad and Shirin. There are two versions to this story. One story says that Farhad was near to accomplishing a task assigned by the King and as he was nearing victory, the king told Farhan that the princess Shirin died. Farhad took his own life upon hearing the news and as the blood touched the ground, tulips bloomed.
Another story says that Farhad was a stone cutter and was trying to win Shirin’s love. She rejected his advances but he still proved his love to her by digging a canal to profess the never ending flow of love he has for her.
There is a homey folktale associated with a Tulip. Place this flower in a vase placed in the kitchen to attract good luck and bountiful blessings into the home!
What does a Tulip Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
A Tulip floral tattoo is mostly chosen by those who wish to embody their timeless beauty and refined grace. In a much deeper understanding, Tulipa flower tattoos express very deep love and passion yet are kind and tender.
Uses of Tulip Plants
Tulips are among the most popular flowers in the world. The flowers make an excellent and beautiful addition to your garden as a ground cover flowering plant or potted plant perfect.
They also make a gorgeous tulip bouquet or a vase arrangement. Tulips were all-around floral decors for bridal bouquets, wedding designs, and even baby showers!
The tulip market goes crazy every Mother’s day or Valentine’s because it is an excellent gift and a popular choice of flower to give to a loved one. With proper care, tulips can stay fresh for up to a week. Your first order of these flowers is truly a special one!
During the early 17th century, young women would crush the petals of red tulips and rub the purple dye onto their cheeks as a blush! Another benefit of doing this was the wonder of clearing up any spots on the face!
The bulbs were often used as a food source during the great Dutch famine after the war. It was combined with other dishes to add a little more substance to food to avoid starvation during the harsh days.
Because of its extreme price way back, tulips were often not used for medicinal purposes. For those who could afford it, a poultice was made from crushed petals as a remedy for burns, skin rashes, bites, and stings.
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.
