The iris is a very complex projection of human beings. It’s actually not just one thing, but many worldly and esoteric ways to understand it. The iris represents many things, such as the eyes, the aura, the mind, the heart, the soul, and the different chakra centers of a human being. Let’s get into the spiritual meaning of the iris. The iris flower means love and the purple iris has spiritual meaning.
Iris is a genus of the flowering plant family Iridaceae. There are about 150 species in the genus, distributed throughout all tropical regions of the world. Its range may have been greater in the past, before human activity significantly changed the environment; several species are rare or endangered. It was named after the Greek messenger goddess Iris, who carried messages from Olympus to Earth; those who believed that only one goddess existed at a time called her the goddess of “rainbow.”. The exact definition and classification of all the species involved is under review, but currently there are about 35 generally accepted species. The high number of synonyms (about 150) for such a small genus reflects this difficulty.[1]
Iris Meaning & Symbolism. The iris is a powerful symbol of faith, hope, wisdom, and eternity. In ancient Egypt, the iris represented immortality and guided souls to the afterlife. For Greeks, it was a rainbow bridge to the gods.
Spiritual Meaning of Iris
The iris is a symbol of the mysteries of life. It is a flower that blooms in the spring, and it’s also the color of our eyes. The iris flower represents renewal and rebirth, as well as new beginnings and new opportunities.
The iris flower has been used in spiritual practices for centuries. In ancient Egypt, people wore or carried flowers made from the root of the iris plant to represent their connection with the gods. The ancient Greeks believed that wearing flowers made from this plant would bring them good luck and protect them from evil spirits.
In modern times, people still use this beautiful flower as a reminder of their own inner power as well as their connection to nature and others around them.
Iris is a flower that has long been associated with the Greek goddess Iris, who was said to be the goddess of rainbows. The iris is one of the most popular flowers in Western culture, and it’s no wonder: its gorgeous colors and delicate petals make it a symbol of beauty and purity.
But there’s more to the iris than just its looks. The flower’s meaning has evolved over time, from representing love and beauty to representing spiritual enlightenment. Today, many people see the iris as a spiritual guide that helps them achieve their goals and discover their true selves.
The iris is a flower. It symbolizes the color of the eyes, and it is used to represent purity, innocence, and beauty. The iris can also be used to symbolize hospitality and welcome.
In Greek mythology, Iris is the personification of the rainbow and messenger of the gods. She travels between earth and heaven carrying messages from one god to another.
Iris’ name means “rainbow” in Greek.
In Egyptian mythology, Iris was associated with Thoth as an envoy of Ra; she was sometimes considered his wife or daughter. She was often depicted as a goddess who had seven different colors to her wings: red, blue, yellow, white, green, violet and black.
Spiritual Meaning of Iris Flower
One of the most recognizable flowers, iris often features bluish-purple petals with contrasting yellow and white accents—but it comes in a variety of colours including yellow, pink, orange, brown, black and white. Let’s take a closer look at its origin, significance and practical uses today.
Iris Flower Meaning Love
Iris is the genus of flowering plants in the Iridaceae family. It contains hundreds of flower species and most of them are native to southern Europe, central Asia and Mediterranean regions. The Iris germanica or the bearded iris is probably the type that comes to mind when people think of irises. Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, iris comes in a variety of colors.
Most irises feature six upright or downward-facing petals and sword-like leaves. Some grow from bulbs, while others grow from rhizomes. Each stalk can bear three to five flowers that usually stand about 7 inches off the ground. Irises are one of the earliest bloomers in spring, but some bloom in fall. Unfortunately, they can’t be found in regions with tropical climates.
The name Iris is a popular girl’s name. The flower is also the birth flower for the month of February.
Meaning and Symbolism of the Iris
From purple to blue and white, there are different color varieties of iris and each one carries its own symbolism. Here are some of them:
- Purple irises symbolize royalty, wisdom, and valued friendship.
- Blue irises represent faith and hope.
- Yellow irises symbolize passion.
- White irises represent purity.
Irises have been used in divination and magic and carry symbolic meanings depending on its type. Here are some of the most popular interpretations:
- Bearded Iris (Iris germanica) – It’s the symbol of flames, and many believe it has magical powers of wisdom, love, and protection. In fact, it’s often used as a pendulum in divination. Some homes in Japan are decorated with them to ward off evil spirits. Sometimes, it’s also referred to as Queen Elizabeth root iris or Florentine iris.
- Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) – It represents faith, courage, and wisdom. In some cultures, it’s regarded as a symbol of luck, and used as a charm to attract wealth and abundance. Some hang the flower at the doors while others place a bouquet of irises on altars. The flower is also known as Snake Lily, Poison Flag, Harlequin Blueflag, and Dagger Flower.
- Fleur-de-lis Iris (Iris pseudacorus) – Also known as the yellow flag and flaming iris, the flower symbolizes passion and is believed to have the power of wisdom and purification.
- According to The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, the roots of some irises, especially the orrisroots, have been used as an amulet for protection and to attract love.
Cultural Significance of the Iris
- In ancient Egypt, the flower was treasured and even carved on the Great Sphinx of Giza.
- In China, an iris broth was used for ceremonial baths, and sometimes infused with wine linked to a long life.
- In France, the flower represents royalty and power, where it inspired the fleur-de-lis emblem of French Monarchy. In the 12th century, King Louis VII used the purple iris as his emblem, and called it fleur de Louis. In 1339, it appeared on their coat of arms when Edward III claimed the throne.
- In U.S. the purple iris is regarded as the flower of the state of Tennessee state.
- In Christianity, the iris was associated with the Annunciation, when angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. It’s probably because of the flower’s depiction in the 1482 painting of Hans Memling.
- In some cultures, the flower represents 25 years of marriage.
Spiritual Meaning of Iris In Dream
- At Funerals
Funerals in ancient Greece were elaborate rituals, and a purple iris was specifically planted on a woman’s grave upon her death. In Greek mythology, Iris is the goddess of the rainbow who was the companion of female souls on their way to heaven.
Planting irises on the graves in Kashmir, India is common, although in some Muslim regions, it’s more favorable when wildflowers grow on them.
- In Medicine
Disclaimer
The iris, especially the Blue Flag or Iris versicolor was a popular medicinal plant used by Native Americans for treating cholera, wounds, earaches, and colds. It was also used as a cure for liver problems. On the other hand, the juice of the orrisroot was used to remove freckles.
- In Beauty and Fashion
An iris perfume made of orrisroot and base oil was popular in ancient Greece and Rome. Most of them were contained in alabaster jars to last for six to twenty years. Also, floral corsages were popular during the Victorian era, where irises and other flowers were packed tightly into vases and other containers.
- In Arts and Literature
The beauty of the iris has inspired many artists including Vincent van Gogh, who featured the flower on his painting Irises in 1890. It’s also the common subject in Japanese haiku poems, and the highlight in The Wild Iris, a book about flowers, by Louise Glück. During the Victorian era, iris was a popular motif in stained glass, church decorations, and fireplace tiles.
The Iris Flower in Use Today
Nowadays, irises are favored for brightening up indoor and outdoor spaces, especially flower gardens and borders, as they’re easy-to-grow plants. They come in a variety of colors and look beautiful alone or with other flowers.
On the other hand, the Blue Flag or Iris versicolor is commonly seen along the shorelines and is more common in the wild than in home gardens. Irises are a popular subject in Ikebana, a Japanese flower arrangement. Also, it’s often featured in bridal bouquets and centerpieces on spring weddings.