Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers initially discovered in Japan. Translated into English, the meaning of the Hydrangea roughly translates to “water barrel” as a nod to the flower’s large, cup-like shape and its need for plenty of water. Its undeniable beauty makes Hydrangea a lovely addition to any bouquet or garden.
Hydrangea’s name comes from the Greek word hydros (meaning “water”) and Gana (meaning “vein”). It has been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. In fact, it was one of the first plants ever cultivated by humans in their backyard gardens. Hydrangeas Meaning and Symbolism depend on the color of the pom-pom style blooms.
In Nature, Hydrangeas exist in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, yellow, orange, and even black. They can be found growing wild throughout North America and Europe.
Different people, religious groups, and flower language dictionaries have used these gorgeous flowers for centuries due to their rich history and cultural significance.
In Asian culture, hydrangeas are often given as gifts on special occasions like graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, or wedding bouquets. The Japanese have long associated these beautiful blooms with luck, happiness, and longevity and use this flower type for romantic proposals.
Hydrangeas Meaning and Symbolism
Hydrangeas’ meaning can be traced back to Japanese culture. According to legend, the Hydrangea symbolizes heartfelt emotion and understanding. It is said that a Japanese emperor gifted Hydrangea to the family of a woman he loved as an apology for choosing his business over her.
In Victorian times, hydrangeas were viewed as boastful, vain, and pompous flowers. These negative sentiments and connotations might have been assigned to the flower because Hydrangea’s blooms look like pom-poms, and the flowers don’t produce many seeds. They were considered ungenerous during a period in history that was focused on growth and change.
Additionally, the care and maintenance of the flower might have contributed to a third meaning for Hydrangeas. Due to needing a lot of care and water, Hydrangeas have been associated with vanity. Be careful who you are gifting hydrangeas to! It’s also true that in modern days, hydrangea flowers are often at the base of beautiful floral arrangements
Hydrangea Colors
If you’re going to give a hydrangea as a gift, you’ll want to be sure you’re not offending the recipient, and you can do so by checking the common hydrangea colors and their meanings below:
Blue Hydrangeas
Blue color hydrangeas are what the Japanese emperor gave to the family of the woman he loved. It’s a flower to gift to a special person. Because of these deep meanings, the blue hydrangea flower meaning is one of an apology, gratitude, and deeper understanding.
Blue hydrangea meaning is about being honest and sincere. These popular flowers are perfect for giving to people who need a fresh start or an infusion of positive energy into their lives.
White Hydrangeas
The meaning behind white hydrangeas is a bit complicated. On the one hand, white hydrangeas mean purity and grace. On the other, they are vain and boastful. The latter meaning is likely to have come from Victorian men who used them to court women.
Pink Hydrangeas
Pink hydrangeas make an excellent addition to any bouquet or centerpiece. If you look closely at a pink hydrangea, you may notice that the blossoms are shaped as little hearts, ball-like or pom-pom flower clusters. Because of this, pink hydrangeas mean romance and true and sincere emotions. Linking this flower to romance, friendship, or love is not uncommon.
Hydrangeas are beloved for their beautiful clusters of flowers, which range from white to pink to purple to blue. They add variety and beauty to the summer garden. Pink Hydrangea is a beautiful and eye-catching flower that will bring joy to anyone receiving it.
Pink Hydrangea is also a traditional symbol of emotions and loyalty. For this reason, these colorful flowers are often gifted as a wedding anniversary gift.
Purple Hydrangeas
The purple hydrangea flower meaning is related to that of royalty. Across many cultures, but mainly European, purple symbolizes pride, understanding, and appreciation. Purple hydrangeas are given in bouquets for wedding anniversaries and other beautiful occasions with pink hydrangeas.
Green Hydrangeas
Green Hydrangea flowers symbolize wealth, happiness, good fortune, good luck, and youth.
These lovely blooms, in particular, can express deep understanding and genuine emotions for your friend’s good health and prosperity. Green hydrangea plants symbolize wealth, good luck, health, and youthful vigor. These attractive flowers are popular in gardens and landscapes worldwide and flower bouquets and wedding flower arrangements.
Despite the different meanings of hydrangeas across cultures, their sheer size and color make them a lovely addition to any garden and instantly brighten any room! Freshly cut hydrangeas have a pleasant smell that will fill your home with the sweet scent of springtime.
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