Here is a passage from an on line site about the meaning of flowers, specifically the iris, which happens to be flowering in the garden.
History and
Meaning of Iris
by Samantha
Green
Primary Significance: With
history dating back to Greek mythology, irises come in a rainbow of colors, the
most popular being the deep blue variety. Their primary meanings include faith,
hope, wisdom, courage, and admiration.
With striking
uniqueness and beauty, irises have rich meanings, and when given as gifts, they can convey deep
sentiments. With over 200 varieties in a wide spectrum of colors, the iris,
which fittingly takes its name from the Greek word for "rainbow," can
be found in virtually every part of the world, growing both naturally and in
farms. While garden irises can come in any of these many varieties, the
flower's cut versions are mostly blue (the most popular type), white, and
yellow.
The iris's
history is rich, dating back to Ancient Greek times when the Greek Goddess
Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, acted
as the link between heaven and earth. Purple irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the Goddess to
guide the dead in their journey. Ancient Egyptian kings marveled in the iris's
exotic nature, and drawings have been found of the flower in a number of
Egyptian palaces. During the Middle Ages, the meaning of irises became linked
to the French monarchy, and the Fleur-de-lis eventually became the recognized
national symbol of France. From their earliest years, irises were used to make
perfume and as a medicinal remedy. Today, they are primarily seen in gardens,
in bouquets, and in the wild all over the world.
Through its
intricate history, the meanings of the iris has come to include faith, hope,
and wisdom. Depending on factors such as color and region, irises may bear
additional meanings as well. In some parts of the world, the dark blue or
purple iris can denote royalty, whereas the yellow iris can be a symbol of
passion. Irises may also express courage and admiration.
Today, the
iris is the state flower of Tennessee, and the Fleur-de-lis is the emblem for
the city of New Orleans. Irises are cultivated all over the world, and they can
be found naturally in Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa, Asia, and North
America.
