The Influence of Flowers

Red roses in full bloom

By Taheera Shabazz

All flowers hold different meanings, and the meanings that they carry are held in the eyes of the beholder. They symbolize love, joy, sorrow, hope. They have the ability to move people and convey a message that may better be expressed through floral arrangements than words. They are used as a way to show affection, and a way to display beauty. When someone receives flowers, studies show that they have the power to elevate one’s mood. There appears to be a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and flowers. Scientists believe that flowers send signals in order to activate humans to grow and propagate them, similarly to how they stimulate insects with pollen. Historically, the sight of growing flowers has been indicative of environments that humans thrive in due to their indication of forecasting food-growing opportunities and discovering ripe fruit.

Dating back to ancient periods, flowers have played an integral role in the sociology of cultures. They are an often-overlooked subculture that influences the shared norms, values, and interactions of every culture. In Africa and Asia, there are nuances assigned to flowers based on color, type, and positioning. As time has progressed, the symbolism of flowers has been mirrored in other cultures around the world or taken on new significance once they have been propagated in new lands.

In Africa, flower symbolism is a mirror of the vast diverse cultures within the continent. The different meanings and messages conveyed through flowers stand as evidence of the profound connections that African cultures have between tradition, nature, and spirituality. In Nigeria, the resilience and passion of the Nigerian spirit is symbolized in the vivid red petals of the hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower; it serves as the Nigerian national flower. The vivacity of the petals is also believed to portray beauty and the joy of life. Hibiscus is highly esteemed in Nigerian culture, representative of receptiveness and warmth. In Ghana, the African marigold is often used as a funeral or memorial flower. In the Ghanese culture, it is a symbol of the journey that the soul takes in Akan traditions - life, death, and transition. In Mexico, the marigold is considered the “flower of the dead.” Complementary to the symbolism in Akan traditions of the journey of the soul, in Mexico the brilliant yellow and orange tones of the marigold are believed to help lead the deceased back to the living world. 

In many African and Middle Eastern cultures, Adenium obesum, known as the Desert Rose, stands as a symbol of resilience and fortitude due to its ability to not only survive, but thrive in harsh environments. It is native to arid areas in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The juxtaposition of delicate elegance and tenacity has made it an emblem of hope, good fortune, and renewal. 

Roses (my personal favorite flower) hold significance in many cultures around the world. In Nigeria, when given red roses, it is a testament of romantic love, similar to their symbolism in American culture. However, roses of different colors (like yellow) are usually given to loved ones outside of a context of romance and instead are a symbol of friendship. Roses are often illustrated in Persian rugs and the Persian miniature painting style. In decorative arts and illuminated manuscripts, roses, irises, and tulips are utilized as portrayals of Paradise and human ideals. The Rose and Nightingale is a motif that is frequently depicted in Iranian art, literature, and culture. It symbolizes love, beauty, and passion. The nightingale wistfully sings to a disinterested and aloof rose. The motif is a poetic illustration of unreciprocated human love and the soul’s longing for a magical union with the divine. The rose has remained central to Middle Eastern poetry and Sufism as a symbol of divine perfection. Flowers of all kinds, but distinctly roses, are valued as decoration in Mosques, shrines, and religious festivals. They serve as a display of faithfulness and piety, one of many reasons why it is a source of Iranian national pride and deeply ingrained in Persian identity. 

Flowers have their own language, a language that can sometimes express a message better than words ever could. The type of flower and color of the blooms are representative of emotions and ideas that are passed down from generation to generation that hold significance in the shaping and sustenance of every culture.  

Taheera Shabazz, University of Arizona Master Gardener, is one of three co-chairs for Gardening, etc. She inherited her love of flowers, especially roses, from her grandmothers. She loves to garden because it reminds her of growing up in the garden with her mother and grandmother, who are also avid gardeners. Gardening Etcetera is written for the community by certified Master Gardeners of the University of Arizona’s Coconino County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program. To learn more visit https://extension.arizona.edu/programs/coconino-county-master-gardener.