Roses are red and indeed some violets are blue! Amidst this very famous childhood rhyme, the violets in both that rhyme and this article are not about the color but beautiful flowers! Oftentimes confused for the color, violets are not your ordinary everyday flower.
It is popularly used as a garden ornamental as well as in the perfume, culinary fields and folkloric medicine. Apart from this, its intriguing shape and various colors actually holds very deep meaning and symbolism.
For example, a white, red, or blue violet each means hope, romance, and the truth. A pink or purple violet flower symbolizes beauty and loyalty. And lastly, an orange or a yellow violet flower represents good virtue or happiness.
History of the Violet Plant
Human history has a lot to say about this beautiful flower. The violets first came to fame in the 14th century and were described as an herb with very showy spring flowers. It is either an annual or perennial flowering plant naturally growing worldwide.
It is most abundantly found in the temperate climates of the Andes mountains of South America. It can also be found native to Europe in the northern hemisphere and temperate regions.
The violets are asymmetrical flowers that feature heart shaped leaves and delicate petals. In fact, these flowering plants are host plants for many lovable pollinators. Here are some other interesting facts about violets.
The best time to plant and the preferred growing season for violets is in the early spring. Since it loves cooler climates, you can mulch liberally during extreme cold conditions to keep a consistent moisture. Give your plant a moderate amount of water and not too much bright light and you’re all set! For aesthetic reasons, you can plant violets in a pot to make it prettier.
Violets typically are close relatives to wild pansies and belong to the same genus. Violets belong to the genus Viola of the family Violaceae. To date, there are as many as 500 species in this genus from the Violaceae family.
On a brighter note, you might be wondering if the genus name is the same as a famous French word. Don’t get confused though because the genus Viola is very much different from the French word Viola! In fact, the pronunciation of both is very unalike.
Now that the French have been mentioned, the genus name actually comes from an Anglo-French word viole meaning a violet flower. Surprisingly, the name also comes from the Latin word viola referring to any spring flowers, and the Greek word íon meaning the color violet.
Amongst the 600 species of these quaint flowers, there are a few garden favorites. Many species of this flower include the common blue violet (Viola sororia), African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha), and dog violets (Viola riviniana). One popular variety is the Sweet violet (Viola odorata) which is a flower prized for its fragrance.
Symbolism of Violet Flowers
Violets have been associated as the birth flower of March because it first blooms during this time. In the language of flowers, a violet flower symbolizes humility and modesty. It also bears the image of loyalty and faithfulness.
The story behind its symbolism of loyalty occurs in the time of love for Clemence Isaure and Count Raymond of Toulouse. Purple violas symbolize their deep affection for each other. In a Midsummer Night’s Dream, the violet’s association is known as the only remedy for Demetrius infatuation and give him mental clarity
Meanwhile, the Victorian language of flowers has a different symbolism associated with the Violets. According to it, the flowers were symbolic of rural living, the pursuit of happiness, and faithfulness.
The Violets are also honored as the official state flower in some American states. These include the states of New Jersey, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
In fact, middle ages monks called the violets the herb of the trinity because of its three primary colors: purple, yellow, and green. Also, violets are often under the dominion of the planet Venus with a symbolic reference to everlasting love.
Meaning of Violet Flowers
The beautiful meaning behind these Viola flowers is modesty and love. Take a nice look at it and you won’t disagree! In some perspectives, the violet meaning has a deeper meaning. A violet flower meaning can indicate tenderness and intensity both at the same time. Quite the polar opposite, but if you have a keen understanding of deeper symbolic meanings, it is a message depicting untainted morality.
In fact, violets are the ultimate guide flower that declares the truth.
What does a White Violet Flower Mean?
A white violet flower conveys the meanings of innocence and glistening hope. It is also a reminder of the goodness in all pure things.
What does a Red Violet Flower Symbolize?
Red violets are symbolic of a passionate romance and a deep-rooted affection.
What does a Pink Violet Flower Indicate?
Beauty and rarity are indicated by the sight and presence of pink violet flowers.
What does a Purple Violet Flower Represent?
You may not think a violet color of violets exists, but it does! These purple flowers represent a heartfelt thought of love and an undoubted loyalty paired with romantic love.
What does a Blue Violet Flower Symbolize?
Violets that are blue symbolize watchfulness. Like an all-seeing eye, it gazes at you and looks as if it is watching your soul! Surprisingly, these flowers are also symbolic of truthfulness and are actually romantic flowers.
What does an Orange Violet Blossom Mean?
An orange violet flower means overall good virtue. This also has a meaning of grounded morals and values.
What does a Yellow Violet Floret Represent?
Happiness and glee are gracefully represented by Viola flowers with yellow petals! It beams just like the sun during a bright day in Spring!
What is the Cultural Significance of Violet Flowers?
There are quite a few cultures that speak of the importance of violets. In native American cultures, there is a Haudenosaunee legend saying that violets are children of both the heavens and the earth. The flowers were then symbolic of harmony, balance, and equal opportunity.
Ancient Romans and ancient Celts also professed their love for violets. Romans once used the plants for aesthetic purposes and crafted a wine from its flowers. For them, it was a symbol of innocence and modesty.
For the Celts, Iroquois tribes believe the flowers were used on potions for love and bewitchment.
What is the Biblical Meaning of a Violet Flower?
In Christian tradition, violets were believed to represent Mary’s humble nature because it was a faithful blooming plant. It was also a symbol of Virgin Mary’s humility.
The Christian symbolism believed that the flowers blossomed when the angel Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would be her baby. The child born would redeem the sins of the world.
When the baby Jesus was born by the Virgin Mary, religious art works portrayed Christ’s ability to spread love and the word of God. It was a symbol of modesty and humbleness.
What is the Spiritual Influence of Violet Blossom?
Violet flowers hold a very keen spiritual passion on spiritual wisdom and psychic opening. It has the mystical awareness that guides one in choosing a spiritual path and purpose aligned with the deepest desires of the heart and mind.
In achieving these deep desires, such blossoms will help in opening the eyes to the divinity of every day and create a crown chakra. It invigorates the clairvoyance of the mind and the integrity of the spirit during such times. The energy focuses on doing and feeling better.
While on the journey, violets help purify and calm the environment for better learning and healing; driving away evil spirits. In that case, these flowers are known to promote good habits for a healthier daily life.
What is the Folklore or Mythology Associated with a Violet Floret?
There are quite a few very intriguing and striking folktales and myths going around about violet flowers. According to a tale, wild violets were a common ingredient in love potions and spells because of the flower’s heart-like shape! For some folk, it is believed that a potion made from this flower can mend a broken heart!
If you don’t fancy drinking the potion, some say that you can instead wear the flower on you to attract love! You can also plant them in your garden if you want the right kind of love in your life. They say that if the plant grows – love will follow!
Another tale goes around to tell about the dark secret about these florets. According to the stories, plucking violet flowers still wet and fresh with morning dew will entail death upon someone dear to you! It was also said that mourning such loss will go on until a full moon rises! So whatever you do, don’t go around picking these flowers in the morning!
In ancient Greek mythology, the floral name violet from the Greek word íon was taken from the nymphs of Ionia in ancient Greece. The nymphs offered these flowers to the god Jupiter and had many great myths and legends about the Violets.
Greeks and Romans also believed that violets were great funeral decorations. Ancient Rome also made a sweet wine from the flowers that they believe could prevent drunkenness.
According to Victorian times, wearing violets was said to be a symbol of good fortune. The Victorian era also believed that carrying violets on you could keep evil spirits at bay,
What does a Violet Flower Tattoo Symbolize?
Violet flowers are one of those florals with a simple appearance yet a very meaningful in-depth secret to behold. It is true that a violet tattoo is not one of the most favorite designs chosen, because it symbolizes modesty, innocence, and morality. If you think deeper about it, this tattoo depicts the good nature and untainted of the soul and spirit.
Uses of Violet Plants
There are many uses for violets dating back to the middle ages. Violets are famous as garden ornaments, edible decorations, or potted plants indoor or outdoor! It’s the perfect gift for a loved one.
These flowers love a full sun time and can be beautifully made into cut fresh flowers on bouquets or as bedding violets in open gardens. Grow violets starting early spring!
It was mentioned earlier that the Sweet violets (Viola odorata) is a florist’s favorite – this is because the flowers are most popularly extracted for their fragrance. The fragrance from this flower is used in the perfume industry and cosmetic industry. A popular violet tea can also be made from most violets and can also sweeten food.
Apart from their horticultural uses, these flowers also have some traditional medicinal properties. The leaves are said to be rich in vitamin C and are commonly used in modern medicine. The flowers are also herbal remedies often used to alleviate inebriation.
Folkloric medicine also used violets as a calming agent with a few health benefits. Applications of this floral decoction are used to remedy common ailments such as coughs, cases of flu, pneumonia, and some diseases of the liver and stomach. It can also be used to treat headaches.
Meanwhile, drying the flowers also holds key properties such as antipyretics. The ancient Greeks and Romans medically used dried or fresh flowers as syrup to treat common coughs and colds.
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.
See more violet varieties you can grow.
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