Last updated on May 22nd, 2023 at 02:58 pm

You may have already seen it without recognizing it, but do you know what the bib flower is? A bib flower typically has five petals and a lovely shape. Some popular flowers in this category are Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis) and Violets (Viola). 

Wild pansy, one of the ancestors of garden pansy, is a little frail plant with small tricolored (purple, yellow, and white with streaks) flowers that measure 2-3 inches and have a moderate flavor. Since the nineteenth century, later species have captivated European gardeners and flower enthusiasts. 

Violets are found in approximately 500 species, including closely related pansies, which are vividly colored hybrid plants with identical petals.

The bib flowers are part of a vast genus of flowering plants that come in white, red, purple, and pink. They are appealing to hummingbirds and pollinators and require little maintenance.

What does the Bib flower symbolize?

The five-petaled flower (usually, but not always, the rose) symbolizes the “feminine mystique.” It has a lot to do with Roman and post-Roman faiths. Some bib flowers, like pansies, also symbolize feelings of love.

Pansies can also indicate freedom of thought and reflection. Pansies are frequently used as get-well flowers too. They express that you empathize with someone’s grief and distress.

Cupid, who represents desire, attraction, and passionate love, is said to have changed the viola (wild pansy) into a flower of genuine love. Cupid fired one of his legendary arrows at the imperial votaress. But he didn’t make it. The arrow, instead, struck the bloom of a wild viola! 

As a result, the viola’s juices took on cupid’s characteristics and were thought to be useful in love potions. There exists a major difference in the significance of a pansy based on its hue, which we will discuss in the next section of this article.

Another bib flower that is associated with February birth month is the violet. The violet flower represents truth, loyalty, modesty, spiritual wisdom, and humility. This dependable bloomer is named after its typical purple petals, corresponding to February’s purple birthstone, amethyst. 

Violets were created in Greek mythology when one of Artemis’ nymphs, who had all pledged to remain maidens, was followed by her twin brother, Apollo. Artemis changed her nymph into a violet to protect her, which led to the violet as a symbol of modesty.

The violet also has Christian roots, representing the Virgin Mary’s modesty. The violet also denotes spiritual insight, faithfulness, and humility, all shown in religious art. 

All in all, the bib flower symbolic meanings are:

  • faith
  • hope
  • charity
  • justice
  • peace

Meaning of the Bib flower colors

Purple color

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Purple pansies are used to represent nobility, beauty, and monarchy. The purple petals of violet represent “I’ll always be true.”

White color

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Like other white flowers, white pansies are associated with faith, simplicity, and purity. The white violet represents “taking a risk.”

Yellow color

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The yellow color of pansies is associated with enthusiasm, positive vibes, and happiness.

Red color

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Red pansies are commonly associated with love, passion, and affection.

Orange color

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Orange pansies aren’t as popular as other colors. However, they normally represent joy, prosperity, and optimism.

Blue color

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Blue pansies are often associated with loyalty and honesty.

Interesting facts about the Bib flowers

  • The bib flower meaning is synonymous with LGBTQ love. In fact, in 1926, a female character in the play The Captive brought a bouquet of violets to another female character, causing a scandal. The issues of lesbianism in this play sparked outrage and calls for censorship, according to literary professor Sherrie Inness, who wrote in the National Women’s Studies Association Journal. As a result, in 1927, the New York City district attorney’s office shut the production.
  • Violet’s sales were also down as a result of the relationship. However, some ladies put flowers on their lapels for the play’s Paris premiere to indicate their support. 
  • Tennessee Williams included violets and their meaning in his drama Suddenly Last Summer by naming a character Mrs. Violet Venable. Violets are also the reason why the color purple is in the Pride flag.
  • Pansy is a word from Christopher Looby’s book Flowers of Manhood that persisted, especially for men who dressed flamboyantly. The flower’s strong, vibrant colors may have inspired the link. As a result, several homosexual bars have had names like “The Pansy Club” throughout history. Later in the 1920s, drag queens like Jean Malin helped popularize gay-friendly pubs in major cities, a trend dubbed “the Pansy Craze” by historian George Chauncey.
  • The violet is the state flower of Rhode Island, Illinois, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. The dog violet is the county flower of Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom. The purple violet is New Brunswick’s provincial flower.
  • Violets and badges representing them are sold in fund-raising activities in Australia and New Zealand around Violet Day to remember World War I troops who died.
  • Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s signature flower was the violet. He used it when his wife died in 1814 to cover her grave. Furthermore, some of Bonaparte’s supporters were known to use violet flowers to determine whether subjects were loyal to the emperor by asking them if they liked the flowers.
  • Pansies are edible and can be used in cake decoration. These beautiful flowers are also rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
  • The pansy blossoms can manufacture syrup, flavored honey, and natural colors.
  • Violets have been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. Violets were supposed to be used as funeral decorations by the Greeks and Romans. In comparison, the Persians used them to relieve rage and headaches. 
  • In Ancient Rome, violet blossoms made wine, which they believed might cure drunkenness. 

Best time to gift Bib flowers

If you have loved ones who celebrate their birthday in February, Bib flowers would be the perfect gift for them as they are birth flowers. Moreover, these flowers can also be gifted to show empathy to someone who is sad or is going through a traumatic time.

Conclusion

The significance of the bib flower is the cherry on top. The cultural and historical importance of these flowers is evident because they were also used as symbols against discrimination.

Their aesthetic colors are pleasing to the eye and could be a great addition to your garden. 

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!