The Poppy Flower: Its Meaning & Symbolism
Few flowers played such an important role in religion, mythology, politics, and medicine as the Poppy. Often found growing along roadside ditches and other humble places, these flowers have enchanted poets and helped doctors treat their patients for centuries. Besides the medicinal and edible qualities of the Poppy, the flower symbolizes some very deep emotions.
What Does the Poppy Flower Mean?
For many cultures, the Poppy is a symbol of:
- Restful sleep and recovery
- Consolation for a loss or death in the family
- Remembering the fallen of various wars and armed conflicts
- A lively imagination
- Peace in death
- Messages delivered in dreams
- Resurrection and eternal life
- Beauty and success
- Extravagance and luxury
The symbolism of the Poppy varies greatly from country to country, but most of them share at least one or two common meanings for this particular flower.
Etymological Meaning of the Poppy Flower
All of the common Poppies used for landscaping, grown for edible seeds, or used for medicine share the common name of Papaver. This name is based on the Latin word for milk, pappa, due to the white and opaque latex sap that drips out when the stem or seed pod is cut. Some of the most widely used grown types of Poppies include the Papaver somniferum, the Papaver orientale, and the Eschscholzia californica.
Symbolism of the Poppy Flower
The Poppy is one of the most widely used symbolic flower around the world. Ancient Greek, Egyptian, and Roman societies linked it with sleep due the sedative effect of the plant’s sap. The Greeks in particular tied it to sleep because of Morpheus, the God of sleep. The Victorians gave the flower a variety of meanings based on the color, including consolation for loss, deep sleep, and extravagance. Chinese and Japanese flower experts recommend the Poppy for couples because it means a deep and passionate love between two people, but white Poppies are tied to death in those cultures too. Other colors represent success and beauty in Eastern cultures. The red Poppy is the traditional flower of remembrance for Europe and North America because of its ties to World War I and II. Some people simply think it is a cheery sign of summer because of its size and intense colors.
Poppy Flower Color Meanings
The color meaning of a Poppy varies greatly. Some common connections include:
- Red – Linked to death, remembrance, and consolation in the West. Symbolizes success and love in the East.
- White – Used for funerals and memorials in the East, sleep and peaceful rest in the West.
- Purple, Pink, Blue – Tied to imagination, luxury, and success.
Do you want to have more success and joy in your life?
The best way to do this is by learning more about your name through numerology. It is a 4,000 year-old science that can help you learn the meaning of your name, because your name was no accident! All it takes is your name and date of birth, click here to get your free personalized numerology reading.Meaningful Botanical Characteristics of the Poppy Flower
The Papaver somniferum is the Poppy used to produce morphine, codeine, opium, and other drugs that played a crucial role in the development of modern medicine. Of course, demand for Poppy products has also fueled many political moves and armed conflicts. Other types of Poppies are used for tea or produce plenty of tiny black seeds used for seasoning breads and other foods. The oil pressed from those seeds is also good for cooking and cosmetics. Some Poppies grow in tough conditions too, making them a useful decorative plant.
Special Occasions for the Poppy Flowers
Since the flowers are large, cup-shaped, and colorful, Poppy bouquets and sprays look impressive. Give the gift of the Poppy for occasions like:
- Funerals and memorial services, especially for soldiers that pass away while serving or veterans
- Encouraging better sleep in friends and family members experiencing insomnia
- Making an offering to the dead by leaving the flowers on graves or tombs
- Sending a sign of your love to a spouse or romantic interest
- Setting up a luxurious atmosphere for a specific event
The Poppy Flower’s Message is…
Remember those who have passed away to protect you and all that you love. Develop your own sense of inner peace so you can rest at night and get all the sleep you need. Honor the dead and cultivate your imagination for a richer life.
Do Your Essential Oils Pass the "Triple Purity Test"?
Discover How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from the 4 Shocking Ingredients Lurking in Most Oils. The essential oils that are in your home right now could be doing more harm than good. As you’re about to find out, it’s a chance you probably don’t want to take. Here’s Why: New research shows all essential oils are NOT the same. Believing that they are could deliver very negative consequences. Even worse, the less-than-pure ingredients being found in some oils could completely eliminate their health benefits altogether and could even leave you worse off than when you started!
>>Click Here To Learn More And Find Out About Organixx Essential Oils
It’s amazing to know about the poppy flower especially the red and black ,it’s very popular in Lebanon mountains lest we forget
You make a good point in explaining the meaning of white poppy flower as sleep and peaceful rest for funerals. My friend’s dad has recently passed away, and I’m considering on giving flowers for the funeral service. It’s good to know that poppy flowers are also significant for funerals and memorial services, especially for soldiers that pass away while serving or veterans. Thanks for the tips!
I left you a message regarding growing poppies. Hope it helps.
Northern Gardener
This comment is for Bill. I live in Canada’s Northwest Territories where wild poppies begin to grow up from the ground in late May. By mid June my yard is teeming with orange, yellow and white arctic poppies. Every spring I can’t wait to view the green leaves raising themselves in the morning sun. As the red poppies are not perennial here, I simply drop my seeds all over the ground in the fall and allow winter to cloak them in a blanket of snow. The seeds germinate much later in the summer than the perennial ones.
The red poppies even grow in the clay which lies under the gravel on the driveway. Not knowing what type of soil you have in Oklahoma, I have no doubt that poppy seeds will grow there. Go online and buy some seeds and good luck to you. Your Northern Gardener.
Leonard Cohen died today, and out bloomed a flawless white poppy, standing alone and beautiful. The only one in the garden. A sign of peace as it is also Armistice day. Halleluiah
Your comment gave me chills, so beautiful. Rest In Peace Leonard Cohen and now another great pianist, songwriter and singer, Leo Russell.
I remember when I was little that the VFW use to past small poppy
Flowers (not real). I always looked forward to Memorial Day to get these flowers. Now I’m much, much older and I always wonder why these poppy flowers no longer are passed out. Such a sad thing since we have so many soldiers fighting for our freedom.
God Bless all the soldiers and their families.
Agreed.