A peony is a beautiful flower with soft petals that is known for its lovely scent and round shape. They originated in china and has spread around the world through time. Peonies holds great depth of symbolism, where the different colors holds a unique meaning. This makes them perfect to express your true feelings towards beloved ones and friends.
| Color | Meaning | Perfect Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Red Peonies | Passion, Deep Love, Respect, Honor, Wealth, Abundance | Anniversaries & Romantic dates. |
| White Peonies | Purity, Innocence, Remorse, Honor, Elegance | Weddings. |
| Pink Peonies | Romance, Prosperity, Good Luck | Mother’s Day & Weddings. |
| Yellow Peonies | Happiness, Joy, Friendship | Birthdays & Get-togethers. |
| Orange Peonies | Enthusiasm, Passion, Zest for Life | Anniversaries & Birthdays. |
| Blue Peonies | Tranquility, Depth, Mystery | Can’t be found in real life. |
Peony flowers holds an fascinating history in China and in this article we will explore their symbolism further. Let’s get started!
Pink Peonies Meaning
Pink peonies represent romance, luck, and prosperity. This makes them a delightful choice for occasions such as Mother’s Day or weddings, symbolizing blessings for the future.
White Peonies Meaning
The ethereal beauty of white peonies is timeless and elegant. These flowers brings an aura of purity, innocence, and reverence. They serve as wonderful additions to wedding bouquets, symbolizing unblemished love and commitment.
They can also be a means to express remorse, making them a good choice for an apology.
Red Peonies Meaning
Red peonies stand for love, passion, and respect. They have a strong color that shows deep feelings. This makes this beautiful flower perfect for anniversaries and romantic dates.
Yellow Peonies Meaning
Yellow peony flowers stand for happiness, joy, and friendship. Their bright color brings a sense of cheerfulness and warmth making them the perfect pick for occasions like birthdays and get-togethers.
Orange Peonies Meaning
Orange peony flowers symbolize enthusiasm, vibrant energy, and a zest for life. Their color captures the spirit of joy and celebration. They are ideal for events like milestone celebrations, congratulatory moments, or any festivity filled with laughter and joy.
Blue Peonies Meaning
While blue peonies do not occur naturally, the color blue in flowers traditionally embodies tranquility, depth, and mystery. A blue peony, therefore, encapsulates feelings of serenity and calmness reminiscent of vast skies and deep oceans.
History of Peony Flowers
The story of the peony flower began in the sprawling landscapes of China, where they were initially cultivated over 4,000 years ago.
In ancient China, peonies were not merely admired for their aesthetic appeal. They held a prominent place in the imperial gardens and were seen as symbols of opulence and luxury. They were often reserved for royalty and emperors would often commission artists to paint magnificent art pieces.
Peonies were also deeply embedded in traditional Chinese medicine. Various parts of the plant, from the petals to the roots, were believed to have curative properties. They were utilized to treat a range of ailments including fevers, pain, and even certain female health issues.
As trade routes expanded, peony flower traveled from China to Japan. By the 8th century, the Japanese began cultivating peonies, and they became integral to their culture.
Europe’s introduction to peonies came much later, around the medieval period. Travelers and traders brought tales and, eventually, samples of these mysterious Oriental flowers. European botanists and horticulturists were instantly enamored, and by the Renaissance, peonies were well-established in European gardens.
As settlers moved to the New World, they brought along many cherished plants from their homeland, and among them were peonies. In the diverse climate of North America, peonies thrived, and they quickly increased in popularity.
Interesting Facts About Peony Flowers
- Queen of Flowers: In ancient China, peonies were often referred to as the “queen of flowers” for their beauty and fragrance.
- Ancient Medicinal Use: Beyond their beauty, peonies have been used in traditional medicine, especially in China. Different parts of the peony plant have been utilized for remedies ranging from headaches to childbirth pains.
- A Long Life: With proper care, a peony plant can live to be over 100 years old.
- Imperial Significance: During certain periods in Chinese history, only the emperor was allowed to own peonies. They were symbols of opulence and imperial privilege.
- Diverse Varieties: There are more than 30 species of peonies and thousands of hybrids. They can be found in a variety of colors, except blue.
- Tree Peonies vs Herbaceous Peonies: While most are familiar with the common herbaceous peonies that die back each winter, tree peonies are woody shrubs that keep their structure year-round.
- Peony and Ants: It’s very common to find ants on peonies. A myth suggests they’re needed for the buds to open, but in reality, they’re just attracted to the flower’s nectar.
- National Flower: The peony is the state flower of Indiana and the traditional floral symbol of China. It’s also used to represent the 12th wedding anniversary.
- Festival Bloom: The city of Luoyang in China, a significant place in the history of peony cultivation, hosts an annual peony festival where these flowers are showcased to be admired.
Final Thoughts
While writing this article I really fell in love with peony flowers so my next mission to try and grow them in garden. The colors are so beautiful and they smell amazing. I think that this flower has become my new favorite and I hope that they can bring you great joy as well.
