Peony bouquets are universally loved, renowned for their elegance, alluring fragrance, and breathtaking colours that have captured the hearts of many flower enthusiasts for centuries. However, the appeal of peonies extends beyond their visual and aromatic splendour, boasting fascinating history and an array of symbolisms that enhance their allure. Ever wondered more about its origins and symbolisms behind these blooms?
Petite Fleur is a leading florist in Singapore, and this article explores these topics to give you a better understanding of these pastel beauties.
Meaning of its name
According to Greek mythology, the peony was named after Paeon, the physician to the gods, who incurred the wrath of his teacher Asclepius by extracting a milky liquid from the root of a peony that cured Pluto. Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, then threatened to kill Paeon out of jealousy for outsmarting him. This led to Zeus intervening, transforming Paeon into a stunning peony flower to save his life.
History
Peonies date back to 1000 BC, where they first appeared in Chinese gardens and Japan, who are now major players in producing peonies. Peonies were held in high esteem in ancient China and were a symbol of prestige and affluence. Additionally, the roots of the plant were believed to possess healing properties and were used in traditional medicine. The popularity of peonies continued to spread, making their way to Europe in the 18th century where they gained popularity as a garden plant.
The Victorian era then saw peonies become a staple in weddings as peony bouquets, representing love and romance. As floral arrangements became more elaborate, peonies were also included to add a touch of luxury and elegance. Today, peonies remain widely seen in weddings, gardens, and floral arrangements alike, captivating people across cultures and time periods.
What different colours symbolise
Peonies come in a wide range of colours, with each hue associated with different symbolisms. For instance, pink peonies are commonly associated with romance, grace, and elegance. The soft, delicate blooms of pink peony bouquets are often used for birthday flower bouquets to symbolise love and affection. Red peonies, on the other hand, represent passion, desire, and strength, making them a popular choice for Valentine's Day or wedding anniversaries.
White peonies symbolise purity, innocence, and honour. They are frequently used in bridal bouquets, as they signify the bride's purity and the sincerity of the couple's love. Yellow peonies represent prosperity, good fortune, and happiness. These are commonly gifted to celebrate success, good news, or new beginnings. With such a diverse range of colours and meanings, peonies offer endless possibilities for expressing emotions and sentiments through the language of flowers.
Learn more: 5 Lucky Flowers According To Feng Shui
Whether you're on the search for a flower to represent love and romance or friendship and happiness, there's a peony for every occasion. Now that you have a deeper understanding of the peony, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and the rich history and symbolism behind it the next time you see one.
In need of some inspiration on the best blooms for a special occasion? Petite Fleur carries an extensive range of flowers for various celebratory needs - get in touch with our team to learn more about our same day flower delivery services and the array of blooms available!