Flowers often have symbolism or meanings. In Cyprus, we have some very loved wildflowers which cover the mountains during winter. Their meaning is interesting.
Because they bloom in December when nearly every other flower doesn't, paperwhites represent hope and optimism for the beauty when spring returns.
The most significant anemone flower meaning is anticipation. This is because the anemone flowers close up at night and open back up in the morning. Due to its wild nature, the flower specifically symbolizes relaxation and serves as a reminder to enjoy the moment, in order to take in opportunities at the right time. According to both Greek mythology and Christianity, the red anemone symbolizes death or the act of forsaken love. While Aphrodite was crying, Adonis shed blood on the anemones that came from her tears and stained them red. In Christianity, red anemones symbolize the blood that Christ shed on the crucifixion.
Cyclamen symbolises the empathetic, devoted heart, and was therefore planted beside old monasteries, ribats (Islamic monasteries, a sort of fortress) and churchyards in the countries around the Mediterranean. In Japan, the Cyclamen is the holy flower of love.
The ‘Did You Know’ series is made possible with the support of OPAP (Cyprus) and the Active Citizens Fund.
