If humans have been concerned with anything from the beginning of time, it has been survival, and plants have been an integral part of their survival. Another critical aspect of survival, particularly for women, has been purity. Thus, it makes sense that many plants would hold the symbolism of purity.
Humans have needed to ensure that women in society were protected from those who would cause them harm. We expressed those feelings of care and protection through requiring purity.
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Plants and Flowers and the Meaning of Their Color Throughout History
Humans have long attached meaning and symbolism to flowers and plants. We give roses for love, lilies for new births, and mint or lavender to ward off bugs. Those flowers and plants can have multiple meanings and hold symbolism across cultures, so it’s fascinating to explore how each society sees plants and flowers.
If you think about it, plants and flowers were some of the first interactions humans had as we evolved. We may not have been quite prepared to hunt for deer and rabbit, but we had to know which plants could feed us and which would kill us. We had to differentiate between deadly mushrooms and highly beneficial ones. Some berries provided lifesaving properties, and others could take us out in a single bite.
It makes sense that we imbued plants and flowers with deep meaning. Belladonna could make you fall asleep or send you to your grave, so we call it a nightshade, symbolizing peace or murder. Take your pick.
Mint can ward off bugs or help with digestion, so we grow it in our gardens and imbue it with properties of fidelity and protection from illness.
Now, we cultivate herb gardens, grow wildflowers, or buy roses for our friends or loved ones, all to share the symbolism that has been passed down to us and that we will continue to pass down to the generations that come after us.
Purity in Plants and Flowers and Its Historic Symbolism
Depending on the culture, purity in plants can have various connotations. Of course, there is the purity in women referenced above. While some may take it as sexist to expect a woman to be pure, in ancient societies women were incredibly vulnerable, and once exposed to danger and violation, could end up with unexpected children that they could not support. Throughout history, marriage was an institution that protected women and children, so a woman’s purity was critical.
However, we also see purity expressed through the love of innocent children. Babies in most cultures are seen as inherently perfect and pure, so we give new parents flowers and plants to celebrate their new addition.
Finally, in spirituality and religion, purity can mean transcendence, forgiveness, and compassion. You go through something difficult, find personal enlightenment, and come out the other side washed clean and pure. Flowers and plants in this instance celebrate a rebirth of sorts, a recognition of someone having overcome a struggle and finding their own divinity.
Five Purity Plants and Flowers and Their Meanings
Lotus
The lotus plant is the most obvious flower that symbolizes purity. In Buddhist and other eastern traditions, the lotus flower is the ultimate representation for purity.
It grows from mud, in the worst conditions, and it is capable of growing something beautiful. It is a beautiful way to express recognition for someone, or for yourself, who is coming through a difficult time and making something beautiful from it.
You might give lotus flowers, a painting of a lotus flower, or some people will even get the lotus flower as a tattoo to show their growth and purity after dark times.
Hyssop
In western tradition, the hyssop is the symbol of purity. The Christian God calls for his people to be clean, holy, and filled with purity in the Bible.
The hyssop is a kind of mint that grows native in the middle east, where early Christians originated. It is also a naturally cleansing herb, helping with digestion and internal cleanliness; therefore, it makes sense that it would be referenced in the Bible as a plant of purity.
Peace Lily
Across multiple cultures and throughout history, the color white is a symbol of purity, and by extension virginity, so it stands to reason that one of the most prominent white flowers, the peace lily, would symbolize purity. In addition to being white, it also commonly appears as perfect, standing upright and reflecting goodness.
Ice Plant
The ice plant is closely related to the peace lily, and as such also symbolizes purity, innocence, and goodness.
Many people who grow these plants hope to cultivate peace and purity in their homes and gardens. They are easy to grow and easy to care for, so having them in your yard honors how easy it can be to just be good, do good, and live a pure and serene life.
White Magnolias
To go even bigger, the white magnolia tree is the ultimate symbol of purity. It is a large tree that arches outward, so the magnolias drip down and spread their strong, powerful fragrance to anyone who enters the environment.
One great note about the magnolia tree is it not only represents purity, but it is also the quintessential plant for female energy and strong women. It is an enduring plant that has survived for millions of years, so this is a great plant for purity combined with perseverance.
In the end, purity can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, and the flowers that represent purity are lovely to behold. Plant them, grow them, give them. You’ll be so happy you did.
What is your favorite purity flower and why? Let me know in the comments. I love to hear from my readers.
