Despite their delicate petals, anemones are some of the first flowers to appear in the new year. This early blooming nature coupled with simple, stunning flowers and lacy foliage makes the anemone a favorite of growers and flower lovers alike. And with a variety of colors to choose from, you can find an anemone that’s perfect for you.
Rich symbolism and various meanings accompany the anemone’s beauty. People in Ancient Greece, Victorian England, and modern-day Japan attach unique meaning to these stunning flowers. Plus, each color anemone has its own symbolism. Keep reading to learn more about anemone symbolism.
Anemone Basics
Anemones are a group of flowers in the Anemone genus that are commonly called windflowers. Although you can find multiple species of these flowers, people are most familiar with the poppy anemone due to its use as a cut flower. Although this flower is native to the Mediterranean, it’s currently grown throughout the world.
Anemones grow from swollen underground stems known as corms. Rather than planting seeds or bulbs, growers tuck corms into the ground and watch anemone plants emerge a few months later. Eventually, the plants produce beautiful flowers with large, thin, delicate petals surrounding a perfect circle of stamens. Not only are these flowers beautiful, but they’re also long-lasting! When cut in the bud stage, anemones can last two to three weeks in a vase.
What Do Anemones Symbolize?
The anemone flower meaning varies across cultures. Therefore, it’s helpful to explore various parts of the world to get a full picture of anemone symbolism.
Anemones in Ancient Greece
Let’s start with Ancient Greece and the story of Aphrodite and Adonis. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was head over heels with the mortal Adonis. One day, Adonis was out hunting and was tragically gored by a wild boar. Aphrodite rushed to the scene and held Adonis in her arms as he died. She wept over her lost lover, and as her tears mixed with his blood, an anemone flower appeared. Therefore, the Greeks viewed anemones as symbols of romantic passion and tragic love.
The name anemone also comes from two Greek words: ánemos meaning ‘wind’ and the suffix –ṓnē meaning ‘daughter of.’ Therefore, anemone means daughter of the wind, which refers to the delicate petals that can easily blow away in the wind. Over time, people shortened this term until anemones were known as windflowers.
Anemone Meaning in Victorian England
During Victorian times, people used flowers to convey various messages. This language of flowers became a unique way to let someone know how you were feeling. Although the anemone meaning varied depending on the flower color, anemones generally symbolized anticipation.
Anemone Meaning in Japan
Anemone flowers hold a different meaning in Japan. These delicate flowers are often viewed as the flower of the dead, so they’re commonly seen at funerals and are popular gifts to offer condolences to the bereaved.
However, people also view anemones as a symbol of anticipation. Therefore, you may see people decorate with them at baby showers, graduations, and other events that go along with big changes.
Anemone Meaning Based on Flower Color
Like with most types of flowers, the anemone’s symbolism depends on the flower color. Each color anemone holds a different meaning, so you can choose different colors to convey different meanings.
White Anemone
Like most white flowers, white anemones symbolize innocence, purity, and sincerity. Therefore, they’re popular flowers at events like weddings and baptisms. They can also be used to convey heartfelt wishes during a move, breakup, or other big life change.
Red Anemone
Deep red anemones symbolize romantic love. Depending on who you ask, you may hear that these flowers specifically portray lost love. Maybe that’s because of the story of Aphrodite and Adonis, or maybe it’s because of the anemone’s delicate petals that blow away in the wind. Regardless, there’s no doubt that red anemones symbolize passionate love.
Pink Anemone
While red anemones symbolize romantic love, pink anemones relate to sweet, platonic love and friendship. That means pink anemones are excellent options for birthday arrangements, get well bouquets, or just because flowers. After all, it’s hard to look at the pretty pink flowers and not feel happy.
Purple Anemone
Finally, we have purple anemones. These flowers are said to protect from evil. Therefore, people like to have them on hand if they’re facing challenging times or planning a big event like a move.
Have Anemones & Other Flowers Delivered
Whether you want to send a message using anemones or brighten your home with flowers, you’ve come to the right place! We make it easy to order anemones online and also offer flowers, including tulips, ranunculus, and lilies. All of our flowers are sustainably sourced from partner farms, so you can feel good about filling your life with flowers.
Order our Bejeweled Bouq, which features a mix of anemones with assorted roses.
If you’d like to learn more about flower meanings, we can help. We’ve put together articles on orchid symbolism and the meaning of lilies. So, after you order your flowers, take a minute to learn about their unique symbolism.
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