The meaning of animals and flowers according to Feng Shui. Lily is a symbol of purity, a flower with a rich history. What do pictures with lilacs mean?

Lily– a royal flower with a rich history. Lily gained its fans many centuries ago. It is believed that the flower got its name from the ancient Galician word “li-li”, which means white-white. For many peoples, the lily flower is associated with a symbol of purity, lightness and sophistication.

History of the lily

Historical references to this flower date back to 1700 BC. Images of lilies on frescoes and vases were popular in Ancient Greece, Egypt and Rome. In Persia, these flowers decorated lawns and royal courtyards. And the capital of Ancient Persia, Susa, was called the city of lilies.

The history of this flower is surprisingly rich, interesting and sometimes contradictory. There are many legends and traditions that mention these delicate flowers. Most of the mentions are made about white lilies.

For example, according to ancient Greek legend, these flowers appeared from the drops of milk of Hera, the wife of the god Zeus. A beautiful legend says that Queen Alcmene secretly gave birth to a boy named Hercules from Zeus. Fearing the punishment of Zeus' wife Hera, she hid the baby in the bushes. But Hera found the newborn and decided to breastfeed him. Little Hercules sensed the change and roughly pushed the goddess Hera away. Milk splashed onto the sky and earth. So the Milky Way appeared in the sky, and lilies sprouted on the earth.

Lily It is also found in ancient Germanic mythology. For example, the thunder god Thor was depicted with a scepter crowned with a lily. There is also a mention of these flowers in ancient German fairy tales, where each lily had its own elf. These little fairy-tale creatures used lily bells to ring the bells every evening and pray fervently.


Later, with the spread of Christianity, the white lily began to be considered the “flower of the Virgin Mary”, as a symbol of purity and innocence. The lily was especially loved in Italy and Spain. Here it was customary to approach First Communion wearing wreaths of lilies. There is still a custom in the Pyrenees on Midsummer's Day to decorate the church with bouquets of these flowers. After the sacrament of consecration, flowers were nailed above the door of each house. It was believed that from this moment until the next Midsummer, the residents of the house would be safe.

It must be said that lilies are a very common symbol in Christianity. Many saints are depicted on icons with a branch of this flower. For example, Archangel Gabriel on the day of the Holy Annunciation, and of course, the Virgin Mary (the “Fading Color” icon)

Painting by the French painter Adolphe-William Bouguereau “The Archangel Gabriel”

Painting by the French painter Adolphe-William Bouguereau “Virgin Mary”

Orange-red lilies symbolized the blood of Christ. According to ancient legend, it changed color on the night before the execution of the Savior. Proud and beautiful, she could not stand the humble gaze of Christ when he bent over her. She felt ashamed and blushed. Since then, as legend says, red lilies lower their heads and close their petals at nightfall.

The ancient Jews also loved this flower. He was considered a symbol of purity. According to ancient legend, the lily grew in the Garden of Eden and witnessed the temptation of Eve by the devil. Despite everything, the flower remained pure and inviolable. That is why altars and crowned persons were decorated with it. According to one version, the ancient Jewish symbol - the six-pointed star, or “Seal of King Solomon”, identifies the lily flower. The influence of this flower is also reflected in architecture. For example, during the reign of King Solomon, huge columns of the temple appeared, which the court architect gave the shape of lilies.

In Egypt, fragrant oil called suzinon was made from delicate lilies, which was very popular among Egyptian beauties. This oil is mentioned in his treatise “On the Nature of Woman” by the famous ancient Greek healer Hippocrates, where he describes in detail its softening and soothing properties. There is also evidence that the bodies of dead Egyptian women were decorated with white lilies. One of these mummies with a lily on the chest is today kept in the Louvre in Paris.

In Ancient Rome, rich in spectacular masquerades, a holiday dedicated to the goddess of spring Flora was very popular. It was celebrated at the beginning of May. In these days, the doors of Roman houses were decorated with flowers. The elegant Romans brought gifts to Flora in the form of milk and. Fun entertainments were held everywhere, and the heads of the festival participants were decorated with wreaths of lilies. The winners of various competitions were literally showered with flowers. All this festive decoration required a whole sea of ​​flowers. So we prepared for this holiday in advance and grew flowers in greenhouses.


Painting by Italian fresco painter Prosper Piatti “Floralia”

Lily took second place of honor at this beauty festival after. Rich ladies decorated themselves, their boxes, and even their chariots with them, trying to show off in front of each other. It was a flower of luxury and refined taste. Therefore, lilies were incredibly popular in ancient gardens. It is not surprising that the image of a lily appeared on coins of that time.

Lilies were minted on coins in many countries. The starting point is considered to be the Persian period, 4th century BC, when silver coins depicted a lily flower on one side and a portrait of the Persian king on the other. Later this tradition moved to Europe.

But, perhaps, the lily flower played a special role in the history of France. According to legend, when the Frankish king Clovis fought with the Alemanni at Tolbiac, he realized that he was being defeated. Being a pagan, he turned to God and asked him to help. Raising his hands to heaven, he accepted baptism for himself. And at that very moment the angel handed him a silver lily, like a new weapon. Clovis's soldiers rushed into battle with redoubled force, and the enemy was defeated. Since then, the lily has always been present on the coats of arms of French rulers.

19th century fresco from the Pantheon (Paris) “Battle of Tolbiac”

According to another source, lilies appeared in French heraldry after the victory over the Germans on the banks of the Li River. Returning after the battle, the winners decorated themselves with beautiful flowers that grew in abundance in those places. Since then, France began to be called the kingdom of lilies, and three flowers, personifying three virtues - justice, mercy and compassion, adorn the coats of arms of the kings of all French dynasties.

There was a period when, during the reign of Louis XIV in France, coins called gold and silver lilies were in circulation.

Around the same time, the expression “etre assis sur des lys” appeared in secular circles, which meant “to have a high position,” since all the walls and chairs in administrative buildings were decorated with lilies. During the reign of Louis 12, she becomes queen of all French gardens. It is considered an impeccable flower and continues to win the hearts of European nobility. Since the end of the 12th century, the heraldic sign of the lily became very popular throughout Western Europe.

It must be said that this flower has been valued for its beauty throughout its history. A wide variety of symbolic meanings were attributed to it and, depending on the traditions, it was interpreted as the Divine, beauty, purity, innocence, greatness, rebirth, purification, and a symbol of fertility.

According to ancient legends, the hair of the ancient muses was woven into Zeus’s cloak. Christian symbolism used the image of this flower as an indispensable attribute of saints. It is believed that the expression “Hallelujah” refers to a stylized lily.

At different times, the beauty of this flower was considered angelic or devilish. For example, during the time of the ruthless Inquisition, the lily began to be considered a flower of shame. All sinners and criminals began to be branded with her image. Since then, in Europe, the fashion for this beautiful flower has acquired a dramatic hue, and it has become an indispensable attribute of luxurious funerals.

There was a time when there were many legends in Germany connecting lilies with the afterlife. According to local beliefs, it was never planted on graves. It was believed that this flower would certainly grow on the grave of a suicide or a person who died a terrible, violent death. The appearance of a lily meant a bad sign and was a harbinger of revenge.

Lilies occupy a special place in painting. This flower has captivated painters of all times with its beauty. The paintings in which they are depicted always have some kind of subtext that the artist wanted to convey. Perhaps the wisdom and perfection of the world, bliss from unity with the Higher powers, Dedication to all goddesses, or simply a declaration of Love.

Without exaggeration, we can say that this amazing flower has conquered the whole world, since its description can be found in religious treatises, ancient mythology, medieval painting, and on the coats of arms of French kings. In terms of popularity, lilies are second only to roses, firmly occupying their niche both as an indoor flower and as a wonderful decoration for a garden and pond.

Photo reproductions of paintings with lilies


Ancient fresco


Painting by Brooks Thomas (English, 1818-1891) “Water Lilies”


Painting by Charles Courtney Curran (American, 1861-1942) Lotus Lilies. 1888 Terra Museum of American Art, Chicago


Painting by Walter Field (English, 1837-1901) “Water Lilies”

Icon of the Mother of God “Unfading Color”

Painting by Claude Monet. Water lilies. 1899

Painting by English artist George Hillyard Swinstead “Dreams with Angels”

Painting by Giovanni Bellini “Angel”

Photo of a page from the liturgical Book of Hours from 1423, illustrating the legend of King Clovis receiving a lily flower

The meanings of the images in the paintings agree But

Feng Shui.

Feng Shui paintings are designed to attract positive energy into the home and create harmony. Any painting should be liked by its owner. The painting acts as a portal, receiving energy and directing it into our home.

It should be noted that from the point of view of Feng Shui, the most valuable works are those made with your own hands, regardless of what you do: draw or cross-stitch, your personal energy will greatly enhance the attraction of positive energy into your home.

According to the science of Feng Shui, the importance of paintings cannot be underestimated; every thing in the house, including a painted picture, can bring love, happiness, harmony to the house and, vice versa, be the cause of failure, ruin and infidelity of spouses.

In this section we offer a brief description of the paintings, but no matter which one you choose, they all represent goodness and will be very useful in any apartment, country house or office.

What kind of painting do you need? Where is the best place to place your masterpieces?

Love and Marriage.

If you are looking for a soul mate and want to maintain harmonious relationships in the family, such paintings should be placed in the bedroom or the southwestern part of the apartment or house (In the “Love and Marriage” sector).

  • Magnolia - symbol of female beauty and tenderness, marital happiness

  • Poppies and poppy fields (all flower fields) - "male strength", assistance in childbirth.

  • Yellow daffodils - symbol of a great career, professional growth

  • Forget-me-nots - symbol of true love
  • Orchid - family happiness, numerous offspring
  • Peonies - a symbol of fertility, passion, wealth and joy. It is the most favorable symbol for young married couples. The image of a peony in the bedroom or in the Love sector (southwestern part of the apartment) is a wonderful talisman, but its beneficial effect is only relevant in the first years of marriage. When children are born and a young wife becomes a mother, peonies in the bedroom begin to symbolize infidelity. That is, paintings with peonies are suitable for couples who do not yet have children, so as not to provoke infidelity in marriage.

  • Roses - pink and white symbolize purity of thoughts, red is a symbol of passionate and devoted love. Roses have unique properties and are a good conductor of earthly energies. This effect is especially strong in the love sector.

  • Lilac - symbol of beauty and love.

  • Tulips - a symbol of Pride, Glory and a wish for pure love.

  • Violets - symbol of fidelity and virtue.
  • Chrysanthemum is a symbol of joy, success, devotion and good luck, and everything that, in our opinion, should last forever. Chrysanthemum is especially favorable for people who find it difficult to find a balance between mind and feelings. It dispels the atmosphere of doubt, gives peace, and develops character.
  • A couple of people, a man and a woman - a symbol of love and fidelity, ideally they should hold hands or kiss.

Your dream home

A drawn house will help you buy a house, a dacha, or an apartment; it can be of any size, but it must be one in which you would like to live.

For some it is a small house in the village, surrounded by flowers and trees, but for others it is a cozy apartment overlooking the sea. Any building will help improve living conditions. But the basic principle of Feng Shui says: all thoughts materialize, what you strive for is what you get. Therefore, looking at the house of your dreams, you will experience positive emotions every time and get closer to your cherished goal. It is best to place this painting in the living room in a visible, well-lit place or in the south-eastern part of the house (in the “Wealth” sector).

Health and longevity.

As people say: “You can’t buy health!”

But according to the practice of Feng Shui, it is possible to activate the zones responsible for health (the health sector is located in the center of the room). This is the only sector that interacts with other sectors of Feng Shui, and is also one of the most important aspects in the life of any person, so it should be given special attention.

  • Cranes (preferably a pair of cranes next to a pine branch or tree)- one of the most important symbols of health and longevity.
  • Peaches - classic symbol of health, longevity, successful marriage

Money, wealth, success in business.

  • Sailboat - A wonderful talisman for attracting good luck in business. It means the symbolic “arrival” of good luck in the house. You need to draw a beautiful, powerful and outwardly reliable ship. It is advisable to place such a picture in the south-eastern part of the house (in the “Wealth” zone). It is important that the sailboat has its nose facing the inside of the house, that is, it is “arriving.”

  • Goldfish - symbolizes success in financial affairs.
  • Carps - an unchanging symbol of wealth; the image of 2, 5 or 9 carps is considered especially favorable. (This symbol works especially well in the zone responsible for wealth, in the house it is “southeast”)

  • Horseshoe - it is a constant symbol of good luck, abundance, and prosperity. According to the rules of Feng Shui, a horseshoe or a picture of a horseshoe should be placed with the ends up.
  • Money tree - an unchanging symbol of wealth and attraction money It is very important that your tree displays an odd number of fruits, berries, flowers, and coins. It is best to place such a picture opposite the front door, so that cash flows into your house))).

  • Oranges, orange tree - symbol of abundance, wealth.

  • Basket with fruits or berries- a symbol of wealth and abundance. It is recommended to place such a picture in the kitchen or in the south-eastern part of your apartment or house.

  • Violets - lilac in color, in a vase or in a basket, activate the wealth zone.
  • Chrysanthemums - an unchanging symbol of wealth. It is one of the most revered flowers in China.
  • Sunflowers are a symbol of solar energy, life, health and prosperity. It is believed that it has the ability to ward off evil spirits. Negative energies cannot withstand the presence of the “Sun Flower” and your sunflowers are best placed in the eastern or southeastern part of the room or home.

These exquisite flowers, which people affectionately call iris or cockerels, have been known since ancient times and are widespread throughout the world. In appearance, they look a little like orchids and can be painted in a variety of colors.

Currently, there are more than eight hundred varieties of this flower. All of them differ in the size and shades of satin petals, the grace of inflorescences, sharp leaves and buds. Irises never leave the flower Olympus; florists widely use them to create original floral gifts.

Surely our readers have received such bouquets. However, not everyone knows the meaning of flowers. Irises are shrouded in many legends, some of which we will tell you today.

Legends about irises

As legend has it, the iris first bloomed 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, which spread the ripened iris seeds throughout the earth. And when the sprouted seeds bloomed, the iris became man's favorite plant.

There is a version that Florence was named this way by the Romans because a huge number of irises grew around this ancient settlement. The literal translation of the city’s name from Latin into Russian sounds like “blooming”. Today, the Florentine iris adorns the city's coat of arms.

Since ancient times, people have been interested in the meaning of flowers. Irises in Ancient Greece are associated with the legend that has survived to this day that these flowers owe their name to Hippocrates himself. The great Aesculapius gave the name to the plant in honor of the goddess Iris. She brought the will of the gods to people, descending from Olympus to earth along the rainbow. “Iris” is translated from ancient Greek as “rainbow”.

Interestingly, in Japanese the words “warrior spirit” and “iris” are denoted by the same hieroglyph. On Boys' Day, which is celebrated annually on May 5, the people of Japan ritually admire these amazing flowers in iris gardens (hanami), where they are grown in water. On this day you can see iris on all household items. The meaning of the flower here is associated with courage and courage.

On the boys' holiday, a “magic” talisman is prepared from these flowers, which instills courage in the soul of the young man. According to the Japanese, iris leaves, similar in shape to swords, should awaken strength and courage in a boy. In the old days, on Hanami Day, the Japanese made a drink from orange and iris flowers, which they called May pearls. Everyone who used it got rid of many serious diseases.

Nevertheless, this flower represents a completely peaceful iris family, which belongs to the asparagus family from the class of monocots, and behind the feigned restraint and even severity hides a tranquility that is so attractive to many. This explains another meaning of flowers. In Christianity, irises are associated with the suffering of Christ, which became the reason for their cultivation in cathedrals and monasteries.

And another beautiful legend about the iris. Once upon a time, after a heavy rainfall, the sky was painted with a rainbow. But, to the surprise of people, it did not disappear, as always happened, but crumbled into tiny particles that fell to the ground. Very soon, in the places where the fragments of the rainbow fell, luxurious flowers, previously unseen on Earth, grew. These were irises, which even today give us their unearthly beauty, grace and delicate aroma.

Types of irises

The genus Iris consists of 800 species known today. In floriculture, bearded specimens are especially popular, valued by gardeners for their variety of colors and 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 the average amateur gardener, the decisive argument when choosing a variety is the flower shape and color scheme. Miniature and table, aryle-like and non-aryle-like, small-flowered and dwarf, tall and short - it is 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, 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 are located inside. The first ones are turned down and located horizontally, the second ones are vertically located and rolled into a tube. Most varieties resemble orchids. The color of the outer and inner flowers can be different. This gives the plant charm.

The leaves resemble those of gladioli: sword-shaped, 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. The height of the plants ranges from 20 cm to 120 cm, on which up to seven buds bloom.

Where do irises grow?

Under natural conditions, iris grows in clearings 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 flower sizes vary - from 8 to 15 cm in diameter. The original shape of the flowers is almost as beautiful as exquisite orchids.

In reality, the iris has no petals. What many think of as the petals is actually a perianth divided into six lobes. Alternately concave and concave lobes can be of different colors: from white to velvet black, bordered or with contrasting central lobes, plain. The perianth edges range 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, often could not speak when they wanted to. For this reason, they began to use flowers to convey their mood.

For example, in Ancient Egypt, the flower became a symbol of eloquence, in Babylon - the strength and power of royal power. Today in our country, the iris is associated with wisdom and trust, hope and faith, as well as fearlessness. The flower located at the top of the bouquet means work, at the bottom - the kingdom.

Irises: the meaning of the flower (Feng Shui)

The meaning of irises according to the teachings of Feng Shui is quite diverse. The main thing is life that knows no 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.

The iris is the favorite flower of French monarchs. Louis XIV was the first European ruler to introduce the art of feng shui into the country's palaces and parks. The blue color of the iris is the color of concentration. It helps in achieving high goals and aspirations. If you dream of doing great things, then you should have a blue iris. In addition, it helps you to be more collected and focused.

To whom and when should I give irises?

Since today many are interested in floristry, the question often arises: “Why do irises give?” The meaning of flowers allows these beautiful flowers to be used in men's and children's bouquets, as well as as a complement and bright accent in women's 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 and kind attitude to people close and dear to you. The color of the iris also matters. For example, the blue iris means purity. Orange is fun and joyful, it can lift your spirits. Pink is perceived as a symbol of tenderness and love.

In some cases, the iris symbolizes innocence. There are many positive comparisons and associations associated with this flower, so it is suitable as a gift for any occasion - a birthday, wedding anniversary or simply as a token of attention on a nice clear day.

What flowers go with 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, longi lily, hydrangea, lisianthus and delphinium;
  • classic - irises, santini and alstroemeria.

In this article we tried to briefly describe to you the meaning of flowers. Irises are truly unique plants that can be selected for any celebration.

White irises: varieties, description, cultivation features

Iris is a plant of the iris family, belonging to the perennial genus of rhizomatous flowers. They are distributed on all continents and are very popular. This plant is a distant relative of gladiolus. In total, there are about 800 species, distinguished by a variety of shades and shapes. According to legend, this flower received its name in honor of the goddess Iris, and translated from ancient Greek it means “rainbow”. Among the Slavic peoples, the name kasatik (Russia) was common, that is, desired, dear, dear; cockerel and even perunik (Ukraine).

White irises have extraordinary beauty. They are so perfect, beautiful and filled with meaning that it is difficult to find a person who would not admire them. The falling fouls and the harmoniously upward lines of the standards give the flower a special royal majesty. Of the huge variety of flowers, irises have a rich range of colors. However, pure white ones are a very rare variety and, accordingly, are especially valued.



Historical and cultural significance of iris flowers

The white flower of this plant, pure as the wings of an angel, has been endowed with different meanings in world cultures: an expression of grief for the deceased, a distinctive sign of a noble family, a noble person. Drawings of inflorescences decorated flags and coats of arms. White color represented only positive qualities. As a garden crop, irises are a symbol of aristocracy and power. Archaeologists often find images of this flower on scepters that belonged to the Egyptian pharaohs. Iris was mentioned several times in the philosophical works of Hippocrates. This flower was a symbol of courage among the ancient Greeks and was widely used in various rituals. White Dutch irises are traditionally considered a symbol of the Virgin Mary, so their cultivation in all monasteries was mandatory.


Flower structure

Depending on the species, the plant may have different root systems: fibrous, taproot, thin or fleshy, branching rather weakly. Iris leaves are wide, sword-shaped, bright or dark green. The condition of a plant can be determined by its waxy coating: if it is even, it means it is healthy. It is noted that the foliage retains its decorative appearance until late autumn. Peduncles can reach a length of 90 cm. Depending on the variety, tall (more than 70 cm), medium-sized (35-70 cm) and low-growing (25-35 cm) plants are distinguished.

Irises are famous for their unusual inflorescence shape. A description of the plant can be found in specialized literature: iris petals raised up and forming a dome are called standard, and three petals lowered down are called fouls. On the lower lobes of the flower there are thick bristly growths - a beard.


Preparing for landing

Beginning gardeners are often concerned about how to plant irises. According to professional plant growers, the growth and flowering of a given crop depends on the careful observance of all rules. The most protected from cold winds, but at the same time ventilated and well-lit place is suitable for planting. If you can’t find something like this, you can choose penumbra. The soil should be drained, light, slightly acidic. To do this, you can add a little wood ash or lime to it. It is important to prevent the appearance of stagnant moisture, since it is a destructive environment for irises. In addition, they do not tolerate the application of organic fertilizers well, which is why they first stop blooming and then rot. White irises do not tolerate the presence of weeds, especially those with strong rhizomes, so they should be planted in clean and well-groomed areas.

Before this, the long leaves and roots of the plant should be cut at an angle. The leaf part should be no more than 15 cm. When the seedlings are healthy, they do not need to be processed. If the plant shows signs of fungus or disease, it should be cleaned, washed and soaked for 20 minutes in a solution of foundationazole or pink potassium permanganate. Purchased or dug up iris bushes must be planted in the ground as soon as possible, as their roots may become weathered. For temporary storage, but not more than 2 days, you will need wet, coarse sand, which should be laid out at the bottom of the hole when planting to create drainage.

The best way to transfer into the soil is onto ridges after flowering. Such cultivation will ensure the survival of seedlings. For each flower in the flowerbed, it is important to make a slight elevation: over time, the ground will subside, so during rooting the seedling will be reliably protected from the formation of stagnant water. This planting method will protect the plant during winter frosts and thaws.


Creating Combs for White Irises

It is necessary to make several ridges in the flowerbed, the distance between which should be at least 80-90 cm. Using a rake, two parallel rollers with hollows in the middle are formed. They should be filled with water, allowed to soak into the ground, and then formed into ridges. Plants should not be planted very densely. If you plan to place irises on the ridges for no more than 1 year, then it is permissible to make the distance between seedlings 20-25 cm. With constant dislocation (3-4 years), the bushes should be located at least 40 cm from each other, since irises grow greatly .

Rules for planting irises

So, how to plant irises and when is the best time to do it? The optimal time is from April to March. August is also a favorable month for planting white iris bushes; the appropriate time of day is evening, after sunset. In such conditions, plants will take root faster. You can’t deepen them too much, but planting them too high is also not recommended. It would be optimal to make a wide hole, pour a handful of sand into it, place the rhizome on it, and place the roots themselves evenly inside the hole. After this, everything should be sprinkled with earth and compacted. The iris must be placed so that the cut leaf part is at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the windy side. This arrangement of the seedling will prevent the roots from turning out in a strong wind; the leaves will spring back and will not be able to break.

If necessary, plants can be replanted. This is permissible immediately after flowering (June - September). It is strictly not recommended to do this during flowering, since during this period their roots become weak and are not able to hold a blade of leaves in the wind.

Rules for caring for irises

As a rule, plants take root in the new soil after a month, after which new leaves begin to grow. There are differences in caring for irises that were planted in late summer - early autumn or after flowering has ended.

The need for moisture also depends on the growing conditions and the variety. Watering the seedlings must be done on hot summer days, and in the southern regions the ridges at the roots should be sprinkled with light sand to reflect the sun's rays. Irises planted in late summer or autumn are much easier to care for, since the soil dries out less and watering is required less often. If excess water accumulates, it is recommended to make a ditch for drainage.

In humid summers, periodic treatment with fungicides will be required, to which an insecticide should be added, which rids the plants of voracious insects. According to the rules, processing is carried out in the morning, during the day when the heat subsides, or at sunset. The temperature of the solution should be about 20 degrees.

White irises bloom mainly in May-June, but there are a number of later varieties that delight with beauty from late June to July. However, if the summer is cold, the buds will not form, and accordingly, the iris will bloom only the next year.

The soil should be loosened and fertilized, but using only mineral fertilizers. It is acceptable that they contain phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, since these flowers (white iris) accept only mineral elements. Fertilizer is applied to the soil in equal parts over three periods. The first feeding should be done when the first shoots appear above the ground. Fertilizers are applied a second time in a month. It is necessary to complete fertilizing after flowering. Another option for fertilizing irises is also possible. Phosphorus and nitrogen are used during the first feeding, during the second all useful elements are added, and during the third - only phosphorus and potassium. During the growing season, 9 g of minerals per 1 m2 of soil will be required. It is necessary to remember the following: since the rhizomes of the plant are on the surface, fertilizing can only be applied in dissolved and liquid form.

During the late summer season, irises are often damaged by an insect called the fall armyworm. To prevent plants from dying, you should periodically inspect the leaves and root system to detect insects and oviposition, since in a short time they turn into caterpillars that can quickly destroy seedlings. The caterpillars must not be allowed to overwinter in the soil, otherwise, with the onset of spring, they will finally bring the irises to death.


Preserving irises in winter

White irises must be carefully prepared for winter. At the end of autumn, before the onset of frost and before the first snow falls, the leaves should be shortened by half, inspected, if necessary, treated with pesticides, and loosened the soil with the addition of nitrogen fertilizers. You can cover irises in dry weather. First of all, you need to sprinkle the back of the root with clean sand, and then with peat to a height of 7 cm. The result will be a mound along which water will drain well. In some cold regions, dry leaves are used to cover white irises.

As a rule, this garden crop is resistant to frost, but a thaw can be disastrous for green pets, as water collects at the roots. But the plant is not in danger if it is planted on a hill and well covered.

With the onset of spring, the shelter must be removed early, in two approaches. The peat is removed first, and after a few days it will be possible to rake away the sand - so as not to harm the tender and young shoots. For better growth and to give the plant an aesthetic appearance, it is worth removing dead, dried leaves, freeing the backs of the rhizomes, ventilating and cleaning them, treating them with a pesticide and sprinkling them with new, clean sand.

As a rule, irises do not need abundant watering in the spring. Repeated exposure to chemicals should be carried out shortly before flowering, which lasts more than a month. The faded arrows of the plant should be cut off or broken out. After this, the irises need to be fed and processed, because it is during this period that young flower buds are formed. The bushes must be grown in one place for no more than 3-4 years, then dug up, divided into several parts and transplanted to a new place, otherwise the plant will stop blooming regularly.

Popular varieties of white iris

As mentioned, irises come in several hundred varieties. White varieties are always in demand: flowers are used to create bouquets, decorate flower beds and garden plots, and interior design.

There are many German varieties of white iris. For example, Immortality has a delicate white color, with a lemon yellow center. The bushes reach a height of 75 cm, the flowering period occurs in May-June. Iris Immortality is a perennial plant, its petals are even, its flower stalks are erect, and do not require a garter.

The Bianca variety reaches a height of 90 cm. This is a light-loving plant that does not tolerate excess moisture, so it is planted in a lighted, warm area protected from excess moisture. Flowering occurs in May-June.

The inflorescence of the Dawn Waltz variety is very similar to an orchid. For up to two months, the plant can delight with its soft pink flowers with pearl pink styles.

Irises Esther C.D.M. gained popularity in the 1980s. They have very powerful stems, large green leaves and huge snow-white flowers, like the first snow, that appear only at the end of June.

The name of the variety Mesmerizer is translated from Hungarian as “hypnotize”, “bewitch”. It must be admitted that the beauty of the plant is truly capable of enchanting.

The name of the bearded variety Lacy Snowflake in Russian sounds like Snowflake Lacy. No comments.

Iris White Nights evokes several associations: with the nights in St. Petersburg and the famous southern park “White Nights” in the vicinity of Sochi. It has a medium-sized inflorescence, up to 70-90 cm in height, blooms for a long time in June-July. Able to endure winter without special shelter.

Smiling Angel (or Smile of an Angel) is an exquisite variety. Their delicate shade will harmoniously combine with any range of colors. White irises combine perfectly with other types of flowers; they look self-sufficient both when planted in groups and when planted separately.


Propagation of irises

Reproduction of the plant occurs by dividing the rhizome into several parts or by its lobes with buds. The favorable period for this is the end of summer - the beginning of autumn, and only after 4-5 years of growing the bush in one place. If you do otherwise, the iris simply stops blooming, because over time, flower buds stop forming on the rhizome. Every year, the plant develops new root links with a bunch of leaves resembling a fan. The simplest method of propagation is to divide the annual link into pieces. They will need to be left indoors for two days so that protective wound tissue forms on the sections. They can also be sprinkled with crushed coal.

If waiting 4-5 years is not possible, many gardeners recommend seed propagation. Each variety has its own characteristics during propagation. For example, white Siberian or Japanese irises can be grown from seeds without much difficulty, but bearded ones, on the contrary, are more difficult to propagate, since seedlings appear only 2-3 years after sowing.

Irises in cosmetology, pharmaceuticals and cooking

But these beauties perform not only a decorative function. Irises have found widespread use in medicine in the fight against tuberculosis. From their roots, essential oil is produced, used in cosmetology, and starch, which is used in confectionery production. As you can see, delicate, exquisite flowers not only delight the eye, but also bring practical benefits!

What is the meaning of the iris flower?

Valia ovs



Restrained, hiding vulnerability under feigned severity, irises come in one-color and two-color: white, yellow, blue-violet. The iris, thin and straight, like an arrow, seems to demonstrate to others its proud character.
This is a universal flower that can be given to a beloved woman, a young romantic girl, a mother-in-law, and even a male boss, a birthday boy, or a competition laureate. The symbolic meaning of the iris is friendship, loyalty, reliability.



The iris got its name for its brightness in honor of the ancient Greek goddess Iris, the patroness of the rainbow.



The author of the name (a rare case when it is known) is the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates.



In many world cultures, irises had special meaning. Thus, in Japan, the iris is considered a flower of the warrior spirit (perhaps due to the fact that its sharp leaves look like swords).



In Ancient Egypt it was a symbol of eloquence. In the Christian tradition, it represents the suffering of Christ and is often grown in monasteries.



Iris can and should be bought when it has not yet opened, then the bouquet will delight its lucky owner for a long time.



Irises keep well in the refrigerator (if the bouquet is waiting in the wings), at temperatures up to 0 degrees. Flowers can be stored tightly wrapped in paper.



A bouquet of irises should be placed in water at room temperature, not forgetting to trim it first. You can tear off fading buds so that they do not spoil the appearance of the bouquet - they will not bloom.


Stella Zakharova

so what is the meaning of the iris flower?
In Japan, due to its sword-shaped leaves, the iris is known as the flower of warriors. In Egypt, this flower served as a symbol of eloquence for rhetoricians and orators.
Friendship, sincerity, respect, loyalty - the iris is one of those rare flowers that symbolizes the universality of relationships between people. With such qualities, it can be presented as a gift, as a sign of respect and gratitude.

Anna Odrina

They gave it to me once, I was very in love then. 8 years ago they gave it as a gift, and now the one who gave it is sitting in a bar talking with friends. he's so interested in it. you can understand) and I’m sitting and reading about this flower. For me it means faithfulness and tenderness, fragility. He is so vulnerable and bright, it’s clear that he won’t be saved by anyone. Our feeling has withered. How quickly time flies)

What does IRIS symbolize in the language of flowers among different peoples?

Are there symbolic differences in irises of different colors?


SHOW WHAT IRISES YOU PHOTOGRAPHED? Do you have something more WORTHY THAN this PHOTO?

M@ximu$

This flower is named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.
In Japanese, "iris" and "warrior spirit" are represented by the same character.
Iris leaves look like swords, so in Japan it is believed that a bouquet of irises as a gift to a man will awaken his courage and bravery.

Twilight

Iris is a plant that symbolizes frequency, greatness, and innocence. The name is given in honor of the Greek goddess of the rainbow.
The symbol is isomorphic to the lily. Due to the saber shape of the leaves, it received the name “saber lily”. It also acts as a symbol of the Virgin Mary, symbolizing her grief. As such, the iris became widespread in Dutch painting. Initially, the iris was a popular heraldic sign, but was later replaced by the lily: such a substitution could have occurred due to the similarity of the sound. In Spanish culture it was associated with the motif of the Immaculate Conception. Three purple irises served as the emblem of Cardinal Odoardo Farnese.

Elena

Iris - Iris is a symbol of courage, valor, dignity; symbol of the suffering of the Mother of God. Translated from Greek - "rainbow". The iris flower was named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. There is a beautiful legend according to which Mercury and the charming Iris escort the souls of the departed along a seven-color rainbow to the land of eternal peace. Perhaps that is why the iris was considered a symbol of peace and tranquility. But in Ancient Egypt this flower was a symbol of eloquence.
The blue color of the iris is a symbol of eternity.
Blue iris - a symbol of faith, truth, tranquility
Among the Arabs, white irises are a symbol of memory.
Yellow iris is a symbol of gold, happiness, abundance.
Pink iris is a symbol of sensuality, purity and faith.
Rare red irises in China are a symbol of happiness and mutual love.
Purple iris is a symbol of restraint and spirituality. The purple iris was also a symbol of Russian Art Nouveau, a revolutionary period in the world history of art.
The Chinese consider the iris to be the flower of friendship; in the language of flowers, it means respect, trust and loyalty.
For the French - I really value your friendship, trust, wisdom, faith, hope, fearlessness.
For the Greeks, it is a symbol of courage, valor, and dignity.
On Boys' Day (May 5), the Japanese use irises for decoration along with oak branches - both plants are considered symbols of masculinity.

Andrey

Irises - flowers of the Holy Land

Quote from Akmaya Read in full In your quotation book or community!
Irises - flowers of the Holy Land
3px;"> 10px;"> 3px;"> 3px;"> 10px;"> 3px;"> 1px;"> 10px;">
Irises - flowers of the Holy Land
There is a flower in Israel - don’t pick it!
This is a companion of happiness, a sign of earthly love.
It grows near the sea, rocks or sand,
Where our ancient people lived in all centuries.
Irises bloom in the Holy Land
In the foggy month of Shvat - February,
On the day when the rain hits your cheeks,
The irises put on a velvet outfit.
Irises, delicate irises
Thousands of years on Jewish land.
Irises, eternal irises -
Flowers of our faith, hope, love.
Symbol of an ancient country!
The enemy came cruelly, disaster struck.
The fields, temples, cities were empty...
The irises have drooped. The gardens did not bloom...
The faithful flowers were waiting to meet us.
The call of the millennium enchants us again -
Iris bloom, old love!
Paradise of the Jewish soul, the source of joy -
Velvety, delicate iris flower.
Boris Brusilovsky
David Blum
Iris flowers have been known to man since ancient times. On the island of Crete, among the paintings of the Knossos Palace, a fresco depicts a priest surrounded by blooming irises. This fresco is about 4000 years old. Iris flowers are imprinted in the stone of Oriental and Roman galleries and balustrades. In the Middle Ages, they grew in the gardens of castles and monasteries, from where they were transferred to the gardens of townspeople. Even in ancient times, Arabs planted wild iris with white flowers on graves. And in Ancient Egypt it was bred back in the 16th-15th centuries BC, and it was a symbol of eloquence there. In Arabia, on the contrary, they were a symbol of silence and sadness.



Iris has many names: Iris, iris, cockerel, songbird (beerweed), piskulnik, killer whale, scilla, pigtails, carp, iris, flat cake, chikan, cockerels, bells, chistyak, wolf cucumber, hare cucumbers, bear cucumbers, pikulnik, songbird , magpie flowers, chamomile. Among all the names, the most common is the gentle “kasatik”, that is, dear, beloved, desired.
In total, the genus of the family Iridaceae (Iridaceae) contains about 800 species with a rich variety of shapes and shades.

The flower “iris” received its name from the hands of the famous healer Hippocrates, who named the plant in honor of the ancient Greek goddess Iris, who proclaimed the will of the Olympian gods to people. The goddess Iris descended along a rainbow to the earth, which is why the word “Iris” translated from Greek means rainbow. Carl Linnaeus, who proposed a unified system of scientific names for plants, retained its ancient name for the iris.



But Florence was called Florence by the Romans only because irises grew in abundance around this Etruscan settlement at one time, and the literal translation from Latin into Russian “Florence” means “blooming”. Since then, the Florentine iris has graced the city coat of arms of Florence.



This type of iris has also become famous for the fact that for a long time they learned to extract fragrant essential oil with the aroma of violets from its rhizome. That is why the rhizome of this iris is called orris root. This natural fragrance was used in royal dressing rooms as early as the 15th century. From 1 kg of rhizomes, an average of 7 g of essential oil is obtained, which is used in perfumery. Fragrant substances are also extracted from flowers.



In Japan, iris protected homes from harmful influences. In any Japanese family with sons, on the traditional Boys' Day (the fifth day of the fifth moon), a magical talisman ("May pearl") is prepared from iris and orange flowers on this day, since in Japanese the same hieroglyphs indicate the names of iris and the words "warrior spirit". “May pearls,” according to legend, should instill courage in the soul of a young man: even the leaves of the plant are very similar to swords.

In Japanese, "iris" and "warrior spirit" are represented by the same character. On May 5, Boys' Day, all the people perform hanami - ritual admiration of flowers in iris gardens, where they grow immersed in water and on this day images of irises appear on all household items. On the traditional holiday of boys, a magical talisman is prepared from iris flowers, which should instill courage in the soul of the young man. Iris leaves look like swords, and the Japanese are deeply convinced that they should awaken strength, courage and bravery in a future man. Once upon a time, on Hanami Day, the Japanese prepared a drink called May pearls from iris and orange flowers. Those who used it were healed from many diseases.

As a religious symbol, the iris first appears in the paintings of the early Flemish masters, and in images of the Virgin Mary it is present both with and instead of the lily. This symbolic meaning is due to the fact that the name “iris” means “lily with a sword,” which is seen as an allusion to Mary’s grief for Christ.

For Christians, the iris symbolizes purity and protection, but it also became a symbol of sorrow and pain, the reason for which was its sharp wedge-shaped leaves, which seemed to personify the suffering and sadness of the Mother of God’s heart from the suffering of Christ. The blue iris is especially common as such a symbol in images of the Virgin. The iris can also symbolize the virgin birth.

In Russia, the word "Iris" appeared as a botanical name for plants in the second half of the 19th century, and before this period they used the popular name "Iris", the inhabitants of Ukraine called irises "Cockerel". In Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia, the iris is called Perunika - in honor of the Slavic god Perun.
The Slavic peoples widely used a rainbow range of colors and shades and bizarre forms of iris inflorescences. They could be seen in folk crafts, in the textile industry, as well as in decorating everyday life: painting homes, utensils, clothes (in the ornament of shirts, sundresses, towels, shawls and half-shawls).































There are many languages ​​on our planet, and one of them is the language of flowers. This is a universal language that any people can understand - any girl, no matter what continent she lives on, will be happy to receive a gift in the form of a flower; flowers dropped on a grave in any corner of the earth will speak of grief and participation.

True, relying on the universality of the language of flowers, sometimes you can get into an unpleasant situation, because every nation has its own idea of ​​​​the symbolism of a particular plant. So, for example, in European culture a white lily is a symbol of sadness, in Russian it is a symbol of innocence, and in the East it is a symbol of joy.

White lily – a symbol of purity

From sign to mark

In nature, there are many shades of lilies, but it is the white flower that is given a special meaning in the culture of various nations. By the way, the name of the lily comes from the ancient Gallic “li-li” - “white-white”. The white lily symbolizes purity, purity, and innocence.

In Catholicism, the white lily is considered the flower of the Virgin Mary. According to legend, the Archangel Gabriel held a lily in his hand when he brought Mary the good news of the Immaculate Conception. Girls in Catholic countries go to their first communion wearing a wreath of delicate flowers.

Lilies have been respected and revered at all times. The ancient Persians called their capital Susa - “the city of lilies”, the ancient Jews decorated their temples with this flower, the ancient Greeks believed that lilies appeared from drops of the goddess Hera’s milk that fell to the ground.

According to ancient German legends, in the corolla of each lily lives its own elf, who is born and dies along with the flower. During the day, the elves sleep, and at night they sway flowers, emitting a melodic ringing sound. The lily flower in Germany symbolized the afterlife and atonement for sins.

In Ancient Egypt, the lily symbolized the short duration of life. The bodies of girls who died young were decorated with white lilies as a sign of their innocence.

The French kings chose the lily as their emblem. The fleur-de-lis was depicted on their banners and coats of arms and symbolized mercy, justice and compassion.

By the way, this is where the modern European tradition of not giving lilies on festive occasions originates. The rulers of the Renaissance began to brand their enemies, dissolute women and traitors with the royal lily. The delicate flower received negative symbolism when it fell on the shoulders of criminals, so now in Europe it is customary to bring white lilies to funerals.

Previously, there was a custom among European aristocrats, according to which the groom every morning, until the wedding day, sent the bride a bouquet that necessarily contained lilies. In Russia today it is customary to give lilies for weddings and as a sign of sincere love.

Bouquet of lilies

Like any flower, lilies are often given to girls. Depending on what color of lily the gentleman chose, the hidden message presented with the bouquet may also change.

The “classic” bridal bouquet consists of lilies, because their snow-white color symbolizes purity, purity, nobility, and majesty. White lilies are given only to loved ones.

If a girl receives yellow lilies as a gift, most likely this is an attempt by the gentleman to attract attention; such a bouquet emphasizes the originality of the man who chose it.

Extraordinary men give yellow lilies to their chosen ones

You should be careful with red lilies. Their symbolism is wealth, pride, and sometimes contempt and hatred. A bouquet of red lilies can be more alarming than pleasing.

On the night before the crucifixion, the Savior walked through the Garden of Gethsemane. All the flowers sympathized with him and drooped as a sign of sadness. Only the lily was so proud of her own beauty that she did not bow her head, but a blush of shame spread over her petals when Christ passed by. So says the legend.

A bouquet of orange lilies symbolizes a man’s interest in a girl, as well as an attempt to find out whether she shares the feelings that arose on his part. This is a silent question: “Is your heart free?”

The tiger lily is a sign of abundance and prosperity. Men who are arrogant and very pleased with themselves and their successes will choose a bouquet of tiger lilies as a gift for their companion.

Lily and man

Lilies can be bought at a flower shop, or you can grow them in your own garden or even in your window. You can surround yourself with images of this elegant flower by hanging a painting in your home or wearing clothes with floral prints or embroidery. You can wear jewelry in the shape of a flower or lily bud. You can even imprint the lily on your body forever by getting a tattoo. After all, the lily flower is traditionally considered a talisman and gives a person not only a unique aroma, but also a powerful energy charge.

Lilies will decorate any interior

According to feng shui

Lily is a delicate, graceful flower with a wonderful aroma that successfully survives on a windowsill. This flower is grown and bred at home, mainly for aesthetic reasons, but its strong energy dictates certain rules for the placement of flower plants.

Lily brings abundance and harmony to the family, and attracts their soulmate to lonely people. If you want to improve your personal life, then the lily pot should be placed in the southwestern part of the apartment, since this sector, according to Feng Shui, is responsible for love.

Lilies bring harmony to the home

Lilies placed in the bedroom can increase the sexuality of a couple, since the delicate flower also symbolizes passion. It is also recommended to have lilies in the house for those who are experiencing separation from a loved one or their loss, because lilies help get rid of sadness and torment.

In ancient times, when a woman was widowed, a lily flower was woven into her hair so that sadness would leave her as quickly as possible.

In addition, the lily flower has another property - it drives away ghosts from a person’s home. According to Feng Shui, you should surround your home with lilies around the perimeter so that evil spirits do not dare to approach. Residents of apartment buildings are advised to place a pot of lilies on every windowsill and near the front door to reliably protect their home from ghosts.

To protect a house from ghosts, lilies must surround it

In tattoos

The image of a lily on the human body is traditionally considered a female tattoo, because few men want to decorate themselves with flowers. And the symbolism of the lily is more feminine than masculine. Although often the image of a lily is not chosen by the future bearer of the tattoo, the leading role in the choice is played by the elegance and beauty of the sketch.

The lily flower imprinted on the human body symbolizes nobility. Also, the floral motif, in which the leading role is given to the lily, means innocence, tenderness, fragility, and personifies feminine beauty.

When a lily is depicted surrounded by herbs and flowers, the tattoo symbolizes the sinless soul of its bearer. When one stem crowns several flowers, the meaning of the tattoo is rebirth or immortality.

During the Renaissance, a design in the form of a lily branded the body of a woman of easy virtue, so in some cases a tattoo with the image of a lily can be misinterpreted

In interpreting the meaning of a tattoo, the color in which the lily petals are painted also plays a role. Light colors are associated with purity and daytime, dark shades represent passion and night.

Dark lilies symbolize passion

The pink lily symbolizes youth, the white lily symbolizes purity. A tiger lily in a tattoo is a sign of the originality of its wearer, and a yellow one warns others about the proud and even arrogant nature of the owner of the tattoo. Although any tattoo on a woman’s body, especially one as ambiguous as a lily flower, suggests that other people’s opinions are not important to its owner.

Charms

Among the Slavs, the lily was a traditional women's amulet; its image was used by women in embroidery. Pink lilies surrounded by green leaves were embroidered on underwear, this protected against all diseases and improved health.

The ornament protecting people was embroidered in a circle on the collar, sleeves or hem of the shirt. You couldn’t embroider amulets for yourself, nor could you ask someone else to do it. For the amulet to work, it had to be given from a pure heart.

The image of a lily surrounded by a leaf and a bud symbolized the birth, flow and infinity of life. A dew drop embroidered above a flower is a symbol of fertilization. This ornament gave the owner vitality, the strength to continue life, and protected from disease.

A drop of dew over a lily flower symbolized the conception of a new life.

The image of a golden lily protected against adultery, it was a talisman against temptations, it was customary to embroider it on bed linen, most often on pillowcases. The white lily was considered a good luck charm.

The negative symbolism of the lily is firmly entrenched in the minds of many people, perhaps Alexandre Dumas is also involved in this, on whose books more than one generation has grown up, because the writer paid so much attention to the brand on the shoulder of his deceitful and dishonest heroine in the novel “The Three Musketeers.”

Unfortunately, people are afraid to give and receive lilies, attributing exclusively funeral and punitive symbolism to the delicate flower. We hasten to dispel this myth and wish you that your path will be strewn with roses and lilies, because this is how prosperity was wished in ancient times.

Video - How to arrange a bouquet of lilies

These exquisite flowers, which people affectionately call iris or cockerels, have been known since ancient times and are widespread throughout the world. In appearance, they look a little like orchids and can be painted in a variety of colors.

Currently, there are more than eight hundred varieties of this flower. All of them differ in the size and shades of satin petals, the grace of inflorescences, sharp leaves and buds. Irises never leave the flower Olympus; florists widely use them to create original floral gifts.

Surely our readers have received such bouquets. However, not everyone knows Irises are shrouded in many legends, some of which we will tell you today.

Legends about irises

As legend has it, the iris bloomed for the first time 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, which spread the ripened iris seeds throughout the earth. And when the sprouted seeds bloomed, the iris became man's favorite plant.

There is a version that Florence was named this way by the Romans because a huge number of irises grew around this ancient settlement. The name of the city from Latin into Russian sounds like “blooming”. Today, the Florentine iris adorns the city's coat of arms.

Since ancient times, people have been interested in the meaning of flowers. Irises in Ancient Greece are associated with the legend that has survived to this day that these flowers owe their name to Hippocrates himself. The great Aesculapius gave the name to the plant in honor of the goddess Iris. She brought the will of the gods to people, descending from Olympus to earth along the rainbow. “Iris” is translated from ancient Greek as “rainbow”.

Interestingly, in Japanese the words “warrior spirit” and “iris” are denoted by the same hieroglyph. On Boys' Day, which is celebrated annually on May 5, the people of Japan ritually admire these amazing flowers in iris gardens (hanami), where they are grown in water. On this day you can see iris on all household items. The meaning of the flower here is associated with courage and courage.

On the boys' holiday, a “magic” talisman is prepared from these flowers, which instills courage in the soul of the young man. According to the Japanese, iris leaves, similar in shape to swords, should awaken strength and courage in a boy. In the old days, on Hanami Day, the Japanese made a drink from orange and iris flowers, which they called May pearls. Everyone who used it got rid of many serious diseases.

Nevertheless, this flower represents a completely peaceful iris family, which belongs to the asparagus family from the class of monocots, and behind the feigned restraint and even severity hides a tranquility that is so attractive to many. This explains another meaning of flowers. In Christianity, irises are associated with the suffering of Christ, which became the reason for their cultivation in cathedrals and monasteries.

And another beautiful legend about the iris. Once upon a time, after a heavy rainfall, the sky was painted with a rainbow. But, to the surprise of people, it did not disappear, as always happened, but crumbled into tiny particles that fell to the ground. Very soon, in the places where the fragments of the rainbow fell, luxurious flowers, previously unseen on Earth, grew. These were irises, which even today give us their unearthly beauty, grace and delicate aroma.

Types of irises

The genus Iris consists of 800 species known today. In floriculture, bearded specimens are especially popular, valued by gardeners for their variety of colors and 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 the average amateur gardener, the decisive argument when choosing a variety is the flower shape and color scheme. Miniature and table, aryle-like and non-aryle-like, small-flowered and dwarf, tall and short - it is 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, 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 are located inside. The first ones are turned down and located horizontally, the second ones are vertically located and rolled into a tube. Most varieties resemble orchids. The color of the outer and inner flowers can be different. This gives the plant charm.

The leaves resemble those of gladioli: sword-shaped, 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. The height of the plants ranges from 20 cm to 120 cm, on which up to seven buds bloom.

Where do irises grow?

Under natural conditions, iris grows in clearings 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 flower sizes vary - from 8 to 15 cm in diameter. The original shape of the flowers is almost as beautiful as exquisite orchids.

In reality, the iris has no petals. What many think of as the petals is actually a perianth divided into six lobes. Alternately concave and concave lobes can be of different colors: from white to velvet black, bordered or with contrasting central lobes, plain. The perianth edges range from straight to semi-double.

The meaning of iris is interesting. This amazing language originated in the East. Women, raised in the strictest Muslim traditions, often could not speak when they wanted to. For this reason, they began to use flowers to convey their mood.

For example, in Ancient Egypt, the flower became a symbol of eloquence, in Babylon - the strength and power of royal power. Today in our country, the iris is associated with wisdom and trust, hope and faith, as well as fearlessness. The flower located at the top of the bouquet means work, at the bottom - the kingdom.

Irises: the meaning of the flower (Feng Shui)

The meaning of irises according to the teachings of Feng Shui is quite diverse. The main thing is life that knows no 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.

The iris is the favorite flower of French monarchs. Louis XIV was the first European ruler to introduce the art of feng shui into the country's palaces and parks. The blue color of the iris is the color of concentration. It helps in achieving high goals and aspirations. If you dream of doing great things, then you should have a blue iris. In addition, it helps you to be more collected and focused.

To whom and when should I give irises?

Since today many are interested in floristry, the question often arises : “What are irises given for?” Meaning of colors allows you to use these in men's and children's bouquets, as well as as a complement and bright accent in women's compositions. 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 and kind attitude to people close and dear to you. The color of the iris also matters. For example, it means purity. Orange is fun and joyful and can lift your spirits. Pink is perceived as a symbol of tenderness and love.

In some cases, the iris symbolizes innocence. There are many positive comparisons and associations associated with this flower, so it is suitable as a gift for any occasion - a birthday, wedding anniversary or simply as a token of attention on a nice clear day.

What flowers go with irises?

The following compositions are very popular today:

  • field flowers - bouquet with iris, chamomile;
  • springtime - iris with lisianthus, alstroemeria and birch branches;
  • VIP bouquet - iris, longi lily, hydrangea, lisianthus and delphinium;
  • classic - irises, santini and alstroemeria.

In this article we tried to briefly describe to you the meaning of flowers. Irises are truly unique plants that can be chosen for any occasion.