The honeysuckle is a flower that is inspiring to many with its sweet fragrance, gorgeous appearance, and overall hardiness. Prized in both French and Chinese cultures, this bloom is known for its many different meanings – are you familiar with them all?
If not, consider these many different meanings of the honeysuckle flower.
What is the Etymological Meaning of a Honeysuckle Flower?
The scientific name for the honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, is derived from the name of the Renaissance botanist, Adam Lonicer. Plain and simple, the name is a tribute to this man.
However, the common name for the plant likely gets its origin from the way that hummingbirds and other pollinators “suckle” at the sweet blossoms of the plant, hoping to extract some nectar.
Honeysuckle flowers grow in temperate climates and there are many types you can grow, including Lonicera periclymenum, Lanicera smpervirens, Honeysuckle lonicera, trumpet honeysuckle, and more.
What Do Honeysuckle Flowers Symbolize?
Although the honeysuckle has had many different flower meanings throughout history, today, it is predominantly viewed as a symbol of happiness. Because the honeysuckle vine is notoriously hardy and challenging to kill once established, it can often be used to symbolize devotion and everlasting bonds, too.
This flower has a straightforward meaning that is tied directly to its sweet aroma. Hummingbirds love the bloom, which is likely why it is so closely related to meanings of happiness and affection.
Interestingly, though, the flower can also symbolize affection – particularly in the form of a lover’s embrace. This is probably due to the way the honeysuckle vine clings to features in its environment like posts and walls.
Honeysuckle flowers can be found in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red. Each honeysuckle flower meaning is different depending on the color.
What is the Yellow Honeysuckle Flower Meaning?
Yellow honeysuckle flowers are a symbol of happiness, joy, and optimism.
They emit feelings of positivity, and their vibrant color is a reminder of the sunshine. Yellow honeysuckle flowers are also believed to have the power to heal negative emotions such as anxiety and depression.
Gifting a bouquet of yellow honeysuckle flowers to someone you care about can bring a ray of sunshine into their life.
What Does a Red Honeysuckle Flower Represent?
VRed honeysuckle flowers are known for their intense, passionate, and fiery nature. They are often associated with love and passion, making them popular choices inalentine’s Day bouquets.
Apart from being the symbol of love, red honeysuckle flowers also represent the feeling of gratitude and appreciation towards someone.
What is the Pink Honeysuckle Flower Meaning?
Pink honeysuckle flowers are the symbol of motherly love, affection, and nurturing. The color pink represents femininity, and pink honeysuckle flowers convey a sense of tenderness and care.
Gifting pink honeysuckle flowers to your mother or someone who has been like a mother figure to you is an excellent way to show your appreciation and acknowledge their love and support.
What is the Symbolic Meaning of a White Honeysuckle Flower?
White honeysuckle flowers are an emblem of purity, innocence, and spirituality.
They represent a new beginning and signify the start of something new. White honeysuckle flowers are also used to symbolize protection, making them popular choices in wedding bouquets.
Giving someone a bouquet of white honeysuckle flowers signifies that you wish them good luck and hope for a fresh start.
What is the Cultural Significance of a Honeysuckle?
The world of flowering plants is fascinating and the history and cultural significance of each flower is incredible.
Honeysuckle flowers were first recognized by the Druids, with the Ogham, an ancient Celtic alphabet, carved into stones. The character for the honeysuckle stood for following one’s path and sticking to your guns, so to speak. It also represented attracting sweetness in all aspects of life.
Chinese and Japanese Honeysuckle Meaning
The Chinese, on the other hand, relied on the honeysuckle, or Jin Yin Hua, as a cure for many different ailments. Honeysuckle is a cooling herb that can remove toxins and give you positive feelings of nostalgia and comfort.
Honeysuckle flowers bloom readily in Japan as well. Here, the sweet nectar of the honeysuckle plant is used for perfumes and other uses.
French Honeysuckle Meaning
In French culture, the honeysuckle played a significant role, offering sweet moments in the garden as well as deep symbolism.
It stood for things like fidelity, love, devotion, and spiritual vision. It was included as a major symbol in the French book “Le Langage des Fleurs,” written by Louise Cortambert who wrote as Madame Charlotte de la Tour.
Other Uses for Honeysuckle Plants
Honeysuckle flowers are often used for medical purposes, used as remedies for coughs and colds. In fact, many of today’s herbal cough medications have bits and pieces of honeysuckle flowers mixed in.
The pretty flowers can also be used to treat staph infections and other bacterial problems as they are natural antibiotics. Honeysuckles attract bees and repel evil spirits – that makes them the ideal gift for anyone, don’t you think?
What is the Symbolism of a Honeysuckle Tattoo?
With more than 180 different species of honeysuckle plants, there are just as many potential interpretations for these flowers when used as tattoos, too. Honeysuckle tattoos are usually chosen to symbolize undying love and passion.
When Should You Give Someone a Honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle is an appropriate flower to give to anybody on practically any occasion that comes to mind. It is the birth flower for the month of June, so it’s a good choice for people celebrating birthdays in this month, too.
Many believe that the honeysuckle vine can bring good luck and good fortune to your home – and that it can protect you from evil, too.
Therefore, you may wish to give this plant to others as a promise of good fortune, true love, and other positive tidings.
Image by jessicahyde/depositphotos
