Meaning of Orchids - What Do Orchids Really Mean?
They say flowers mean something. You just do not give whatever flower you see at a flower shop, but you take time to choose and make the perfect selection not just for the occasion but for the recipient of the flowers. Knowing the meanings will amplify the significance of the rite of giving flowers.
There are many kinds of flowers, so many that it can be mind boggling which to choose.
Orchids are very popular. Orchids never fail to amuse a person, as many stare in awe at how exotic and beautiful they are. Orchids have become a popular choice to give for all occasions. Orchids undoubtedly have become the perfect gift.
Earlier said, flowers have meanings. Yes, it’s tempting to choose orchids over other plants. But, before deciding if this is the perfect flower, let’s check what orchids can mean.
Historically, orchids are related to the concepts of love, wealth, and beauty. Such meanings to the flower are easy to believe given the impression an orchid has to people.
Why love? Coming from Greek word “orchis”, which denotes “testicle”, orchid flower signifies ecstasy. It is given this name due to its tuberoids which seemingly play an image of the testicles. Orchids to the eyes of the ancient Greeks meant virility. Ancient Greeks even believed that orchids can determine the sex of their unborn child. How so? If the father eats Orchids with large tubers, the child will be probably a boy. Otherwise the child will be a girl. Illogical it may sound, but the Ancient Greeks believed it so.
The exoticness and rarity of orchids, on the other hand, led to Victorian England viewing orchids as a symbol of luxury. Although nowadays orchids can be grown almost in any part of the world, these flowers were known as tropical plants. Facilities to maintain or to grow orchids for Victorian England must have been costly. The fact that the flower is rare assumed its lavish place.
Some orchids, such as the Vanilla Orchid, are viewed as medicinal, symbolizing health. This belief led Aztecs to drink Vanilla Orchid blended with chocolate. They believed that taking in the Vanilla Orchid would provide them strength and power. Even the Chinese have this notion for the orchid to cure lung illnesses.
There are varying meanings attributed to Orchids. All the meanings are based from their physical appearance, translating into an intangible concept universal to everyone who ever gets a sight of this magnificent flower. Giving an orchid as a gift can provide a lasting impression to the recipient as, an impression perhaps greater than they would have expected.