The practice of giving flowers stretches further back than one might first assume. Even the act of affectionately giving a bouquet to a loved one is mirrored by centuries-old civilizations. Even then, there was a language to flowers with each bloom holding a different meaning. For example, the red hibiscus denoted youth and beauty in ancient Egypt and the lily symbolized glory in ancient Rome. Floriography, the language of flowers, is still very much alive today all over the world. Each of Egypt’s flowers have meanings rooted in both history and modern times that one may not expect. The Lotus Flower The Nymphaea lotus, otherwise known as the Egyptian lotus, has been an important flower in the country for thousands of years. While it was not as favored as the blue lotus, this flower also grew on the Nile and was used by common folk and royalty alike during celebrations. It was a symbol of the unity of Upper and Lower Egypt, and remains associated with rebirth. Due to its significance in both Egypt’s history and modern culture, the lotus has earned its place as the country’s national flower. The…
Beyond Simple Blooms: Discovering the Meanings Behind Egyptian Flowers
August 17, 2023
