Wedding Irises { Fleur-de-lis }
With its soft flap-like and frilly petals, the iris (or fleur-de-lis, as the French refer to it) is certainly in a floral league of its own.
This oh-so creative and “showy” flower is also characterised by its long stem which makes it ideal for anything from a simple single-flower arrangement to more elaborate floral displays. Traditionally, the blossom is known as the birth flower of February as well as the 25th wedding anniversary flower.
Legend has it that the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris, acted as messenger between heaven and earth, often delivering letters for Hera and Zeus by means of the rainbow. The flower is therefore symbolically associated with ideas and messages, and takes its name from the Greek word for “rainbow” – also significant of the wide array of available blossom colours.
Later on in history, the flower became associated with the Virgin Mary, with its three main petals representing the Holy Trinity.
In modern society, the iris is symbolic of inspiration, valour and the promise of everlasting love. What’s more, each coloured iris has a symbolic meaning of its own:
- The white flower is synonymous with purity and kindness.
- The yellow iris symbolises burning love and raw passion.
- The blue iris is generally associated with love and faith.
- The purple iris is symbolic of wisdom, saintliness, royalty and compliments
In Japanese culture, a vase full of breathtaking irises is usually placed by the entrance of the household to ward off disease, bad luck and evil.
Original images and their credits available on Pinterest
