lavender symbolism

Lavender Flower Meaning And Symbolism: Let it Fascinate You!

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If you are trying to find a flower with a heavenly scent that is useful both in the kitchen and outside of it, you won’t find a better fit than lavender flowers.

Technically an herb, lavender plants produce gorgeous spike-like violet flowers with multiple tiny purple blossoms. This plant has a soothing fragrance along with a medley of medicinal and culinary applications such as the use of lavender essential oils. 

Part of the mint family, this perennial shrub comes in many varieties. Common lavender shrubs include Portuguese lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula dentata, and Lavandula stoechas

With its silvery green foliage and lavender stems, this lovely herb is a fixture in many a floral arrangement and garden beds all over the world. But did you know that these beautiful flowers have a deeper spiritual meaning, symbolizing everything from serenity, grace, and calmness to feminine beauty, eternal life, and spiritual awakening?

Lavender has been used by many different cultures to bring about a sense of emotional well-being and an elevated state. It’s believed to inspire spiritual growth and it symbolizes peace, both inner and outer. It’s a great representation of all the finer things in life!

If you’ve been thinking about adding lavender flowers to your garden, you’re in luck. There are many popular types of lavender flowers you can grow, but no matter what type you choose, knowing the lavender’s meaning and symbolism is essential. 

Let’s take a closer look!

What Does Lavender Mean?

The word “lavender” is an English term that is believed to be derived from the Old French word, lavandra. This is a derivative of the Latin word, lavare, which means “to wash.” 

The word is believed to refer to how infusions of the plant can be used for washing. However, there is also some argument against this translation, with some plant scientists and language experts believing that the word “lavender” is actually derived from the Latin livere, which means “blueish.”

lavender flower meaning

Lavender flowers are known for their spiritual significance, but they’re also easy to grow. As members of the Spikenard family, lavender seeds are prized for their seeds and leaves. Extracts that contained lavender essential oils have long been used in a wide range of settings for their healing and spiritual signifinace.

This plant has almost a prophetic meaning. While most of the blooms produced by the flower head are a cool blue or purple, white flowers are not uncommon. These flowers are borne upon long stems and harken to a plant that can be used in dozens of ways. Not to mention it’s downright beautiful to look at!

Regardless of what you believe, there are multiple species of the lavender plant. While the name “English lavender” is usually used for the plant with the name L. angustifolia, there is also French lavender and Spanish lavender, or L. stoechas, L. dentata, and L. lanata, depending on the type. 

What Does the Lavender Flower Symbolize?

Like most flowers, lavender flowers have a ton of potential meanings. Some of the most common meanings for the lavender flower include serenity, calm, grace, devotion, silence, and purity. Lavender symbolizes luxury as well.

These relaxed, tranquil images are all closely related and likely stem from lavender’s hypnotic, calming, and therapeutic properties.

Lavender flowers are almost always a deep blue-purple shade in color. It is symbolically used to represent healing and calmness. This is probably because it is so highly revered for its uses in aromatherapy and for the treatment of minor injuries. You can make an infusion of lavender oil to soothe acne, insect bites, and even headaches. 

Lavender flowers are also used to repel insects and to help you relax at bedtime, too.

In addition to symbolizing tranquility and relaxation, lavender is often used to symbolize femininity, grace, and elegance, too. 

What is the Cultural Significance of Lavender?

Lavender’s history dates back more than 2550 years. Native to the Mediterranean region along with India and the Middle East, this plant was first referenced in ancient Greek texts, where it was called “nardus” after the Syrian city of Naarda. 

One of the holy herbs used to prepare the Holy Essence, it is also mentioned in the “Song of Solomon” and other religious texts. 

In ancient Egypt, it was used for embalming mummies and it was highly valued during Europe’s Middle Ages all the way through Victorian England. During the Black Plague, it was especially valued. It was used in prayer rituals and religious rituals and used to adorn castles. 

In many parts of the world, including Ancient Rome and in the Victorian era, people used lavender to treat all kinds of infections (skin, bacterial and fungal infections, tooth problems, etc) as well as to treat respiratory issues and digestive problems. It was believed to have a variety of medicinal purposes and was often included in a slave to heal wounds and skin irritation. 

In the ancient healing arts and folklore, lavender was believed to help users achieve spiritual enlightenment. From Ancient Greece to the ancient Egyptians, this is a plant that was believed to be a sacred herb with deep spiritual meanings.

Even in the Christian tradition, it is said that Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with fragrant oil from the lavender plant!

Today, it is a natural remedy that is used to calm people and is part of the sixth and seventh chakras (crown chakra or energy center). It’s found in many cosmetic products. It’s a fixture in home decor and other products with its essential oils. 

Today, lavender is cultivated in its countries of origin as well as in North and South America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. This is the ideal herb for well draining soil. The plant grows best in full sun.

What is the Symbolism of a Lavender Tattoo?

Lavender is frequently used in tattoos to symbolize its healing properties. It can also be used to symbolize purity, love, or devotion to a person or to a cause. It’s usually inked in soft shades of the color purple, making it a good choice if you are looking for a more feminine touch in your body art.

If you decide to get a lavender tattoo, rest assured that it will have rich symbolism. As you now know, lavender comes with many meanings. Besides its relaxing scent and gorgeous appearance, a lavender tattoo represents purity and virtue, spiritual practice, and more. 

Whether you’re hoping to get a tattoo that reminds you to slow down and enjoy life, you want one that is a reference to the Virgin Mary, or you just want a refreshing tattoo that reminds you of late spring, the lavender meaning won’t disappoint.

When Should You Give Someone Lavender?

Lavender is frequently grown in home herb gardens for its powerful aroma and wide array of medicinal uses like lavender essential oil for relieving stress. However, you could always give someone a bouquet or arrangement of spike lavender, particularly if you want to convey a message of love and healing. 

You can grow indoor lavender plant easily as long as you have the right type of pots and soil.

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