Wisterias are the type of flowers you imagine dazzling down in clusters from up high a tree or wall. Imagine yourself daydreaming of a fairytale with lights glowing and suddenly, the climbing vines of wisterias begin gleaming and dancing with the soft breeze of the cool wind. Ah, the beauty and wonder of these beautiful flowers never fail to disappoint! It is no wonder that these are sacred to Pisces, Neptune, and Jupiter!
Many folks love taking photos of wisterias when in full bloom. But the flower meanings behind it is something many are not aware of. It is popularly used as an ornamental plant or folkloric medicine. Besides this, each wisteria floral color has its own meaning and symbolism.
For example, a white and blue wisteria flower means purity and a new beginning. A pink wisteria symbolizes simplicity. Lastly, a purple wisteria flower represents playfulness.
History of Wisteria Flowers
The wisterias are a beautiful cluster of long racemed showy cascading flowers. In fact, it was differently described in 1842 as a woody leguminous vine with a twinning habit of growth by botanist Thomas Nuttall.
The flowering plant arises from the genus Wisteria of the Fabaceae or pea family. To date, there are only about 8 to 10 species of these gorgeous flowers! Could you guess where this Latin genus name comes from? It’s quite intriguing to know that the Wisteria is actually named in honor of a late American physician – Dr. Caspar Wistar (1818).
Most wisteria varieties native to Southern Canada and across regions in Eastern Asia and North America are quite popular. Some of these beloved species include the Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda), the American Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens), and the Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis).
Enjoy the flower’s blooms in early to late spring when you begin to plant wisteria as early as late fall.
Symbolism of Wisteria Plants
The wisteria flower meaning symbolism is quite unique. In the colder regions of the Asian continent, symbolic meanings of wisteria include gentleness and obedience. It was a floral motif of many cultures. Traditionally, a symbolic wisteria represented a devotion to womanhood.
The flower itself was a powerful symbolism and a beacon signifying the spring seasons. Its blossoms hanging gracefully sways with the breeze and is enjoyed as the birth flower of May. Because of its beauty, Theodore Harris dedicated a book entitled Mysterious Wisteria.
In terms of floral arrangements in bouquets or vases, the wistaria is a symbol of a warm and hearty welcome to guests and loved ones. Its long vines represent new knowledge and long life while the flowers symbolize love. Surprisingly, it also is symbolic of self-reflection and meditation.
Additionally, if you are a first time mother and is thinking of unique baby girl names, wisteria makes an excellent choice and symbolizes a passionate love.
Meaning of the Wisteria Vine and Flowers
It’s quite obvious what the Wistaria vines and flowers mean – and the meaning changes between different people. It has a special meaning during the Victorian era.
In early Victorian England, the flowers mean I cling to thee or simply put – it means being clingy in the Victorian language! Why? Well, because of its viny and twinning habit of growth!
In the culture of Japanese folk, the wistaria meant youth and poetry. They regard these as the flower of April and believe that its bright sunny days represent the youth. Why poetry? They believe that the clusters of petals embody the words flowing in a poem. Quite a beautiful and unique meaning for a flower.
The flowers also convey very thoughtful reverence or messages. The flowers are messengers seeking new friendships meaning that even befriending a mere stranger is agreeable!
What does a White Wisteria Flower Mean?
A soft and dazzling cluster of these white flowers mean elegance and daintiness. Once you observe these flowers hanging high up the vine, you will see just how graceful and delicate they are.
Aside from this, it can also be symbolic of purity and innocence.
What does a Blue Wisteria Blossom Symbolize?
Since the wisterias from way up high, it isn’t a surprise what a pale blue vine and flower of a wisteria means. In the language of flowers, such flowers meant high aspirations and genuine happiness. It can also mean new beginnings.
What does a Pink Wisteria Floret Indicate?
The intricate beauty of a pink wisteria indicates a love simply like no other. And what do you expect from a love that’s nothing like the rest? Generosity and simply just the best!
What does a Purple Wisteria Bloom Represent?
These flowers’ twinning and viny growth represent spontaneity – that nothing is certain or set on stone because you can never really tell how tall they will grow! In fact, they also represent playfulness by how they sway with the wind as it blows!
What is the Cultural Significance of Wisteria Vines and Flowers?
The Chinese and Japanese have very beautiful cultural associations with wisterias. In traditional Chinese culture, the flowers were famously called the Purple vine. It was fashionably adorned in many wedding bouquets and decorations because of its clingy nature.
For the Chinese, this meant a hardy and steadfast but sweet growth of the married couple’s relationship! In Shin buddhism and Feng Shui, the wisterias represent humility because of its vine-like and drooping growth habit. Additionally, it culturally can symbolize playfulness, good luck, and honor.
In Japanese culture, these flowers were a popular floral motif of friendship and were famously found in family crests. It not only signified a healthy and strong friendship, but it also symbolized the wholeness and unity of the family.
The flowers were honored in a famous Kabuki drama and theater titled the Fuji Musume or the Wisteria Maiden. In Korean culture, this drama was also portrayed with a romantic meaning of two sisters falling in love with the same man.
What is the Spiritual Influence of Wisteria Blossoms?
The elegance of wisterias has a very special spiritual meaning. The flowers create an essence that can reduce feelings of loneliness and offer comfort during one’s spiritual journey. The showy flowers offer a soothing effect on stress and otherworldly struggles. It guides in environmental synchronization and radiance giving balance and harmony.
The flowers are a creation of beauty and gentleness. It is a divine blessing relieving even the most painful grief. It is said that the blossoms are a guiding beacon full of wisdom and knowledge. These can help you navigate through challenging obstacles while balancing your energy vibrations.
Don’t fret about the problems at hand because the Wistarias help promote psychic receptiveness to ensure prosperity even during tough times.
What are the Folktales Associated with Plumeria Florets?
The Wisterias are flowers fondly admired during the bright days of Summer in April and May. According to some tales, these plants are considered lucky for newborn babies and a new booming business! So, for all expectant mothers and aspiring new start-up businesses, you better have Wisterias nearby!
What does a Wisteria Floral Tattoo Symbolize?
A beautiful wisteria tattoo has a very deep symbolic meaning. In some beliefs, these flowers symbolize the timeless beauty and serene gentleness of a modern-day woman. The floral design is also a decoration for protection from evil spirits. For others, the flowers are a motif of being very clingy in any relationship – or maybe just clingy in general!
Uses of the Wisteria Plant
The very elegant wistaris is a crowd favorite in gardens with trellises or as a wall-climbing flower. If you don’t want it hanging outside, you may always opt to have it decorated indoors as potted ornamental plants or a bouquet to give to a friend or loved one!
It’s not hard to believe that such flowers have some traditional uses. In some cultural folkloric medicine, the flowers were made into a poultice that was used to treat bruises and throbbing varicose veins. Would you believe that a remedial kind of honey was made from these flowers? Well, back in the European 17th century, wisteria honey was a popular cure to alleviate common coughs and sore throats!
In Chinese culture, the seeds of a Chinese wisteria serve as a diuretic that was used to treat certain heart ailments. It also had beneficial sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. They also practiced extracting the essence of the flowers in water and alcohol as a stimulant to increase blood flow.
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.
