Orchids are one of the most popular decorative plants in the world. These beautiful and striking flowers come in many different colors. They have a long history of being used symbolically in art, culture, and everyday life. The symbolic nature of orchids varies depending on the culture and the context of their use. Let’s take a closer look at the true orchid meaning and symbolism.
What Do Orchids Symbolize?
The popularity of orchids means that they have been historically used to symbolize different things. For example, in ancient Greece, orchids were associated with fertility; ancient Greeks placed orchid plants in their homes in the hopes of increasing their chances for children.
In the 19th century, the symbolic meaning of orchids shifted considerably. The Victorians saw orchids as an elegant, luxurious flower. Orchids were frequently depicted in upper-class portraits to symbolize different facets of the person being portrayed. Pink orchids, for instance, were commonly used in pictures of children or young women in wealthy families to express innocence and humility. White orchids were considered a classic symbol of elegance and refinement.
Photo by Petra Keßler
Orchids Meaning and Symbolism by Color
Many of the symbolic meanings for orchids today can be traced back to the Victorian era. Today, however, orchids come in a much wider variety of colors, which allows for a greater range of symbolism.
Here are the most common orchid colors, orchid meanings and what they symbolize:
Pink Orchid
What’s not to like about pink flowers? If they are orchids, it’s even better! Pink orchids symbolize innocence, femininity, pure joy
White Orchid
Delicate and fragrant, white orchid are the best housewarming gift! The symbolize elegance, humility, purity
Photo by Joanna Kosinska
Purple Orchid
Dignity, respect, royalty
Photo by Jeremy Bezanger
Red Orchid
Red orchids are not the most common flower among all red flowers. The meaning, although, it’s similar to other crimson blooms. Red orchids symbolize passion, strength, courage.
Yellow Orchid
Yellow orchids symbolize love, friendship, and loyalty. They represent beauty, innocence, and purity. Yellow flowers are often given as gifts during special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and engagements.
Green Orchid
What does green mean to you? Green flowers has always been associated with nature and growth, but it also represents prosperity, wealth, and abundance. For green orchids, their color symbolizes good health, good luck, long life.
Orange Orchid
Among orange flowers, Orange orchids have a strong and powerful meaning. They signify pride, inner strength, daringness.
The exact meaning of orchids can even vary depending on the context. For instance, orchids are a considerably popular plant for funeral arrangements due to their beauty and dignity; combining this context with orchid symbolism can result in a meaningful bouquet of flowers that may bring solace to the bereaved.
Orchids have been a popular flowering plant for thousands of years and they will continue to fascinate and inspire anyone with an interest in flower symbolism.
