Blue Anemone Flower: Meaning, Symbolism, and Color

The blue anemone flower hails from the family of Ranunculaceae which popularly houses buttercups. There are over 120 species of the anemone flower. They are native to all regions in the temperate and subtropical areas, especially in North America, Europe and parts of Asia. The only exceptions to this are Antarctica, New Zealand and Australia. They were named by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Etymologically, the word “anemone” originates from the Greek derivation “anemos” which means “wind” and the suffix “one” which means “daughter of”. In Greek mythology, the daughter of the wind god is called Anemone and thus these flowers are more colloquially known as windflowers. Their petals are said to be so gentle that they can be swayed open and closed by the wind.

Their blooming period is through spring and they are found in a swath of colors like pink, yellow, blue, red, purple and white. They are characterized by their soft dainty petals and can grow up to 1 to 3 feet high. They are broadly classified as blossoms blooming during spring, fall and tuberous ones which are found in the Mediterranean region. They are perfect for floral arrangements, as a vividly colored bouquet or picturesque cut flowers that brighten your home.

What Do Blue Anemone Flowers Symbolize?

The blue anemone flower meaning is inextricably linked with the Greek myth of Adonis and Venus, the goddess of love. Various iterations of the myth see Adonis dying in the arms of Venus after being attacked by a wild boar. In a bid to save him, she seals his wounds with nectar but she is too late and his soul departs to the underworld. In a fit of grief and rage, she turns her back on love and curses it, the very domain over which she reigns.

From the drops of her lover’s blood that spilled to the ground, anemone flowers are believed to have sprouted. Another version of the myth says the flowers burgeoned from her tears. The powerful act of Venus abandoning love and ridding the world of love when her beloved no longer exists in it is a symbol of doomed and forsaken love. The anemone flower thus symbolises love that refuses to be forgotten. It also has other connotations.

Expectation: The blue anemone flower meaning is perfect for exciting occasions where one is expecting good news. They can be given when someone is welcoming a new bundle of joy, graduating or starting a new job.

Vernal Equinox: Since the anemones bloom in spring, they are considered to be the harbingers of spring. They signal the end of the gloomy winter and the onset of lush joyous days.

Rainfall: Historically, some cultures believed that the closing of the flower’s petals meant that a rainstorm is fast approaching. These fresh blossoms ought to make a good gift for someone you adore after a rainy day.

Talisman: The blue anemone flower meaning is exemplified as a talisman that helps in guarding against misfortune and evil. They are believed to usher in plenty of good luck and positive energy.

Foreboding: Interestingly, the Chinese and Egyptians thought that anemones are believed to be a sign that ominous things are about to happen. This depends on where you might find them. If you find them on your path, be extra careful to what lies ahead.

Invigorating: The anemones are also a symbol of vitality and prosperity. They remind one to take care of our health. This is due to the anemones mimicking the human circadian rhythm of opening their petals during the day and closing themselves at night.

Mourning: Anemones also signify the loss of loved ones. White anemone flowers are a good choice for memorial services.

What Do the Various Colors of the Anemone Flower Mean?

Blue – The blue anemone flower meaning is expressed as protection against all ills that are about to befall you. They are a good flower to give to people you care about when they embark on an important journey. They also denote love, wisdom and trust.

Red – The red anemones are popularly linked with the Greek myth of Venus and Adonis. They are a sign of undying love and devotion to your partner even in death. They are the ideal flowers for your lover or spouse.

Yellow – These golden blooms are symbols of personal growth, wealth and success in Asian cultures. Their sunny personality makes them an apt choice for gifting some cheer to people you love.

Pink – The pink anemones are known for their delicate beauty and are versatile flowers that can be given to anyone. They are perfect as anniversary gifts, baby shower arrangements or cut flowers for the vase.

White – Some ancient traditions in Greece and China associated the white anemones with demise but modern Western cultures have applied an optimistic and cheerful meaning to the flower.

Purple – The blue anemone flower’s purple cousin is closely linked in meaning. These purple blooms signify that great things are on the horizon and are a favourable herald to the receiver.

Interesting Facts and Characteristics of the Blue Anemone Flower

– Famous French painters like Monet and Matisse have been inspired by the different colored anemones and made them the subject of their paintings during the Impressionism movement.

– Anemone flowers are known for their mildly toxic nature and no part of it should be consumed directly. They are still used after detoxification for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities.

– In Victorian flower language, the blue anemone flower meaning stood for fragile beauty. It was given to women to appreciate their delicate charm and precious beauty.

– The anemone flowers have a biblical significance. They represent the blood spilled by Jesus Christ when he was crucified. They also stand for compassion, redemption and holistic love.

– It has been used in homeopathy for treatments like period-related and stomach-related pain, nausea and arthritis. Ancient Romans extracted the essence of the anemone flowers to treat wounds and fever.

– The numerological significance of the blue anemone flower meaning lies in the number 8. They hence make the perfect gift for people born in the month of August.

– In medieval England and Ireland, it was believed that the anemone petals closed at night to protect the fairies that were resting inside. Peasants also carried them to keep negative energy and diseases at bay.

Best Time to Gift Someone Blue Anemone Flower

Since the blue anemone flower meaning differs from one culture to another, the occasions during which they can be gifted also differ. Typically though, they make a great choice for gifting to people you cherish, trust, respect and admire. The purple blooms can be given to wish someone good luck or a happy journey. In Asia, the white anemones are ideal as funeral flowers. In the West, the yellow flowers make a good thank you gift and the pink ones can be used in wedding arrangements. The red anemones can be given to your paramour on important dates. Utilizing the broad spectrum of colors and meanings of the anemone flower will help in deciding to whom and when to gift these multicolored beauties.