Peonies are one of the most-loved flowers out there. They’re gorgeous, lush, and beloved by many. They’ve been around for over 4,000 years, and people still can’t get enough of them. Just check out Instagram, where the #peonies hashtag has been used nearly 3 million times!
But the peony is more than just a pretty face. The peony flowers meaning is rich and varied, encompassing everything from happiness and romance to good fortune and even bravery.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the peony, exploring its cultural significance and the symbolism associated with its different colors. By the end, you’ll have a complete understanding of why this flower is so beloved and what it represents.
A brief history of peonies
The peony’s story begins in China. People have cultivated peonies there for more than 4,000 years. Over time, these gorgeous blooms traveled from China to other parts of the world, where they quickly gained popularity.
Peonies aren’t just beautiful; they’re also incredibly resilient. Some peony plants can live for over 100 years, making them a lasting symbol of beauty and endurance.
What do peony flowers symbolize?
Peonies are popular flowers, and they come loaded with symbolism! Different cultures around the world associate peonies with love, romance, prosperity, honor, wealth, healing, and more.
The most common themes are love, wealth, and good luck. In China, the peony is sometimes called the “king of flowers” and is considered a symbol of royalty, honor, and wealth. In Japan, the peony represents bravery, honor, and good fortune.
Because they represent love and devotion, peonies are often used to mark 12-year wedding anniversaries.
Peony Meaning by Color
Like roses, peonies are rich with symbolism, and the peony meaning can vary depending on the flower’s color. Here’s a quick guide to the symbolism of different peony colors.
White Peonies: Purity and Innocence
White peonies stand for purity, innocence, and fresh starts. If you’re trying to make amends, white peonies can be a beautiful way to say you’re sorry. White peonies are also often associated with remembrance and can be appropriate for memorial services.
Pink Peonies: Romance and Grace
If you’re looking for a flower to represent romance and grace, you can’t go wrong with pink peonies. They’re a popular choice for weddings because they symbolize love and beauty. Pale pink peonies tend to represent gentler emotions, while hot pink peonies are a bolder statement of love and affection.
Red Peonies: Passion and Respect
Red peonies are all about passion, love, and respect. They’re also associated with wealth and honor, making them a great choice when you want to show someone how much you admire them.
Purple Peonies: Nobility and Luxury
If you want to convey a sense of nobility, luxury, and maybe even a little enchantment, purple peonies are the way to go. Purple has long been associated with royalty, so these flowers can add a touch of regal elegance to any occasion.
Yellow Peonies: Happiness and Friendship
Yellow peonies are like a burst of sunshine, symbolizing happiness, joy, and friendship. They’re the perfect way to brighten someone’s day and let them know you care.
Coral Peonies: Desire and Charm
Coral peonies are often used to symbolize desire. Some varieties, like the “Charm” peony, even change color as they bloom, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their already captivating beauty.
Peony symbolism in different cultures
The peony has a rich history and is freighted with meaning, though that meaning can vary depending on where you are in the world.
Eastern traditions (China and Japan)
In China and Japan, peonies are tied to love, romance, prosperity, and good fortune. The Chinese word for peony is sho yu, which translates to “most beautiful.” The flower is so beloved in China that the city of Luoyang holds an annual Peony Festival.
Western cultures
In the West, peonies tend to represent wealth, honor, and even divine favor. They’re seen as emblems of elegance and luxury.
Greek mythology
The peony’s symbolism in Greek mythology is centered on healing and protection, a connection that comes from Paeon, the physician of the gods.
One myth tells the story of Paeonia, a nymph who caught the eye of Apollo. Aphrodite, jealous of Paeonia, transformed her into a peony. Other versions of the myth tell of Paeon, a student of Aesculapius (the Greek god of medicine), who angered his teacher with his medical skill and was transformed into a peony to save him from Aesculapius’s wrath.
Peonies in modern pop culture and art
Peonies are everywhere these days. You see them all over social media, in movies, and in art. They’ve become a symbol of luxury, romance, and elegance.
Think about the movie Bride Wars (2009). The warring brides fight over peonies for their weddings! And while it’s not exactly “modern,” the 15th-century painting The Madonna with Saint Giovannino and a Donor by Dieric Bouts features peonies. They’ve been popular for a long, long time, and they don’t seem to be going anywhere.
What are peonies used for, and when should I send them?
People all over the world use peonies for a variety of purposes. They’re popular in landscaping and cut-flower arrangements. Peonies are also used to make perfumes and other fragrances. In some cultures, the petals are candied or added to salads. Some traditional medicine practices also incorporate peony roots and flowers.
Because of their association with love, beauty, and honor, peonies are great for:
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Romantic gestures
- Celebrations
- Apologies
- Congratulations
- “Good luck” gifts
Final Thoughts
From weddings to funerals and everything in between, peonies are a versatile flower with a rich, complex symbolism. The meaning of a peony can depend on its color, the culture it’s found in, and the circumstances in which it’s given.
But no matter what color or variety you choose, peonies have an enduring appeal as symbols of beauty, love, good fortune, and prosperity.
Whether you’re celebrating a new marriage, expressing sympathy, or just want to brighten someone’s day, peonies are a meaningful, beautiful choice.