These exquisite flowers, which the people affectionately refer to as kasatiki or cockerels, have been known since ancient times and are widespread throughout the world. Outwardly, they are a bit like orchids and can be painted in a variety of colors.
Currently, there are more than eight hundred varieties of this flower. They all differ in size and shades of satin petals, grace of inflorescences, sharp leaves and buds. Irises never leave the flower Olympus, florists widely use them to create original flower gifts.
Surely our readers have ever received such bouquets. However, not everyone knows the meaning of colors. Irises are shrouded in many legends, some of which we will tell you today.
Legends of irises
According to legend, the first iris blossomed on Earth several million years ago . The flower was so beautiful that not only birds, insects and animals came to admire its beauty, but also the wind and water that spread ripened iris seeds all over the earth. And when the sprouted seeds bloomed, iris became the man’s favorite plant.
There is a version that Florence was called by the Romans in that way, since around this ancient settlement a huge number of irises grew. The literal translation of the name of the city from Latin into Russian sounds like “blooming”. Today, the Florentine iris adorns the coat of arms of the city.
Since ancient times, people have been interested in the meaning of flowers. Irises in Ancient Greece are associated with a legend that has survived to this day that these flowers owe their name to Hippocrates himself. The great Aesculapius named the plant in honor of the goddess Irida. She carried the will of the gods to people, descending from Olympus to the earth in a rainbow. “Iris” is translated from the ancient Greek language as “rainbow”.
Interestingly, in Japanese, the words "military spirit" and "iris" are denoted by the same hieroglyph. On boys' day, which is celebrated annually on May 5, the people of Japan perform ritual admiring these amazing flowers in iris gardens (khans), where they are grown in water. On this day, on all household items you can see the iris. The meaning of the flower here is associated with courage and courage.
On the holiday of boys, a “magic” talisman is prepared from these flowers, which instills courage in the soul of a young man. According to the Japanese, iris leaves, similar in shape to swords, should awaken strength and courage in the boy. In the old days on the day of the khans, the Japanese made a drink from the flowers of orange and iris, which they called May pearls. Everyone who consumed it got rid of many serious illnesses.
Nevertheless, this flower represents a completely peaceful family of irises, which belongs to the asparagaceae from the class of monocotyledons, and behind the pretense of restraint and even severity lies the peace that is so attractive to many. This explains another meaning of colors. Irises in Christianity are associated with the sufferings of Christ, which became the reason for their cultivation in cathedrals and monasteries.
And another beautiful legend about iris. Once upon a time after a heavy rainfall, a rainbow painted the sky. But, to the surprise of people, it did not disappear, as it always has been, but scattered into the smallest particles that fell to the ground. Very soon, in the places where the fragments of the rainbow fell, luxurious flowers that had never been seen on Earth had grown. These were irises, which today give us their unearthly beauty, grace and delicate aroma.
Types of irises
The genus of irises consists of 800 species known today. In floriculture, bearded samples are especially popular, which are appreciated by gardeners for a variety of colors and an original shape. They look great in independent bouquets, as well as in compositions with other plants.
In the scientific world, these flowers have a complex classification, which consists of several levels, but for an ordinary amateur grower, the decisive argument when choosing a variety is the shape of the flower and the color scheme. Miniature and dining rooms, aryl-like and non-aryl-like, small-flowered and dwarf, tall and stunted - it’s really difficult to understand all this variety of species. Therefore, in this article we will focus on bearded irises, which are especially popular among gardeners.
Iris: description, the meaning of the flower
This plant belongs to the group of rhizomes. Annual flower stalks have six petals. Three of them are located outside and three more - inside. The first ones are turned down and arranged horizontally, the second - vertically located and rolled up into a tube. Most varieties resemble orchids. The color of the outer and inner flowers may be different. This gives the plant charm.
The leaves resemble foliage of gladioli: xiphoid, flat, collected at the base of the stem. Their color can vary from lemon yellow to blue-green. Irises can have single or grouped peduncles. Plant height ranges from 20 cm to 120 cm, on which up to seven buds bloom.
Where do irises grow?
In natural conditions, iris grows in glades and forest edges, in well-lit areas. In the garden, it is better to plant it on the sunny side, away from trees: iris does not tolerate close contact with the roots of powerful plants.
Iris flowers
Irises do not bloom for long. The dimensions of the flower are not the same - from 8 to 15 cm in diameter. The original shape of the flowers is almost inferior in beauty to exquisite orchids.
In fact, the iris has no petals. What many consider to be petals is a perianth divided into six lobes. Concave and concave alternately lobes can be colored differently: from white to velvet black, bordered or with contrasting central lobes, monophonic. Perianth margins are from straight to semi-double.
The meaning of iris in the language of flowers is interesting . This amazing language originated in the East. Women raised in the strictest Muslim traditions were often unable to speak when they wanted to. For this reason, they began to use flowers to convey their mood.
For example, in ancient Egypt, a flower became a symbol of eloquence, in Babylon - the power and might of royal power. Today in our country, iris is associated with wisdom and trust, hope and faith, as well as fearlessness. Located at the top of the bouquet, a flower means work, below is a kingdom.
Irises: the meaning of the flower (feng shui)
The meaning of irises in the teachings of Feng Shui is quite diverse. The main one is life that does not know old age, eternal youth. In addition, they are a symbol of hope and faith. That is why these flowers perfectly harmonize the space in the living room where the family gathers.
Iris is a favorite flower of the French monarchs. Louis XIV was the first of the rulers of Europe to bring the art of feng shui to the palaces and parks of the country. The blue color of the iris is the color of focus. It helps to achieve lofty goals and aspirations. If you want to do great things, then you should have a blue iris. In addition, it helps to be more focused and focused.
To whom and when to give irises?
Since many people today are interested in floristry, the question often arises : “What are the gifts of irises for?” The meaning of the flowers allows the use of these beautiful flowers in men's and children's bouquets, as well as a complement and a bright accent in female compositions. A bouquet of irises will be a wonderful gift for a friend.
According to the flower horoscope, Iris patronizes those born in February. These flowers will be appropriate as a gift to loved ones and friends. They will convey warmth, good attitude to people close and dear to you. The color of the iris also matters. For example, blue iris means purity. Orange - fun and joy, he will be able to cheer up. Pink is perceived as a symbol of tenderness and love.
In some cases, iris symbolizes innocence. There are many positive comparisons and associations with this flower, so it is suitable for a gift for any occasion - for a birthday, a wedding anniversary or just as a token on a nice clear day.
What colors combine irises?
The following compositions are very popular today:
- field - a bouquet with iris, bush aster, chamomile;
- springtime - iris with lisianthus, alstroemeria and birch branches;
- VIP-bouquet - iris, lilies longa, hydrangea, lisianthus and delphinium;
- classic - irises, santini and alstroemeria.
In this article, we have tried to briefly describe the meaning of colors. Irises are truly unique plants that can be matched to any celebration.