Culturally, different things are significant to countries across the world. To make these things important, different things play roles, like religious sentiments, beliefs, myths and legends, and geographical distinctions.
The same way that certain values hold a certain amount of importance to different countries, flowers and plants also hold different values. Whether it's because of associated legends and stories or because of experience-based beliefs, these are 6 different types of flowers that hold importance enough to be called the "official flowers" of these nations.
• Different Flowers Termed "Official Flowers" of these 6 Nations
1. Wales - Daffodils
Even if you ask the Welsh how the Daffodil came to be their national flower, there would be a lot of confusion. However, the Daffodil has been their flower symbol since the 16th century or before that.
Daffodils are yellow flowers, easily recognizable by their bright sunshine petals. They have a distinctive color and stand out in a sea of flowers. The rise in their status in Wales seems to have been because of their Welsh name - cenhinen Bedr. This translates to "Peter's Leek" quite literally.
However, something that may have given them more of an upper hand is that they come into bloom almost exactly around the Welsh National Day - 1st March - also called St David’s Day. So, every year on St David’s Day, people across the country wear and adorn places with this stunning bloom.
Buy Daffodil Bulbs
2. France - Iris
There has been great confusion about which type of flower is the national emblem of France - Lily or Iris. However, simply put - the answer is Iris. Specifically, Sweet Iris - a type of flower in the Iris genus that has slightly paler violet flowers as compared to the more commonly seen Iris flowers.
This flower has represented France as one of its national emblems since before the 12th century, when the Royal family used it as their representative symbol. This flower and its three leaves are said to represent a Trinity - also standing as symbols for pureness, brightness, solemnity and freedom.
Louis VII of France also adored the flower Iris the most, meaning he adorned some of his most important clothes with these flowers. His Royal blue robe was adorned with golden Irises due to which, eventually, the flower came to be known as "the flower of Louis."
Buy Iris Bulbs
3. Italy - White Lily
The Lily, also called fleur-de-lis, is an important representation of Italy. This stunning white flower isn't just a symbol in Italy, it is woven into the very existence of the nation.
The Lily was used as a mark of nobility while also being the very thing that declared and established the depth of Italy's grandeur. It declared the nation's involvement with the arts and also adorned the coats of arms during the Renaissance period.
The official symbol of Florence happens to be this majestic white flower. It also resonates and reflects the country's core values of spirituality and integrity.
4. Japan - Sakura
The Cherry Blossoms, often called Sakura, grace the country through its already stunning regions. These flowers have long been the official flowers of Japan because of the religious belief that they resonate with. What Buddhism believes in a lot is the transience of life, and Sakura depicts just that.
With their stunning pink flowers, the Cherry Blossoms symbolize the end of the cold days of winter and signal the coming of brighter, warmer spring days. They also symbolize the transient nature of life with their short-lived yet gorgeous blooms, indicating that human lives are also short but extremely valuable and sweet.
5. Austria - Edelweiss
If you've watched the timeless classic movie "The Sound of Music", you must know that the importance and influence of the flower is also depicted in songs and movies. Also known as leontopodium alpinum, the Edelweiss flower is a rare mountain flower known for its stunning appearance and medicinal uses.
The Edelweiss is a national symbol in Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Bulgaria and Romania. It represents the integrity and purity of the Alpine region and there have also been tales of the bravery of those who went to pick this white flower as it happens to grow in hard-to-reach conditions, in mountainous regions.
This flower has also been established as one of the greatest remedies because of its many uses in traditional medicine.
6. Mexico - Dahlia
In 1963, the Dahlia was named the official flower of Mexico. It adds a burst of color to its already rich cultural tapestry. Symbolizing elegance and dignity, Dahlias are cherished for their vibrant hues and diverse shapes.
Embraced during celebrations like Dia de los Muertos, these blossoms culturally are used to honor life and death. With roots in Mexican history, Dahlias are a symbol of unity and resilience, and are used to embody the nation's spirit.
Their cheerful presence in gardens and festivities reflects the warmth and beauty ingrained in Mexican culture.
