History and Meaning of Anemones

Anemones are unusual looking flowers known for their ability to predict rain. The old wives tale says when an anemone’s petal closes up a storm is on its way! Because it grows well in zones 4-9, it is a popular choice for gardeners.

Shop Best Selling Flowers

Fiesta Bouquet

$85$69 - $105

Shipped in a Gift Box

The Fiesta Bouquet is composed of a lively mix, fit to celebrate any and every moment. With a combination of vibrant flowers, this florist–designed arrangement brings a pop of color and a burst of excitement as soon as it arrives.

Please Note: The bouquet pictured reflects our original design for this product. While we always try to follow the color palette, we may replace stems to deliver the freshest bouquet possible, and we may sometimes need to use a different vase.

Light of My Life Bouquet

$57 - $90

Shipped in a Gift Box

The Light of My Life Bouquet blossoms with brilliant color and a sweet sophistication to create the perfect impression! Pink Lilies make the eyes dance across the unique design of this flower bouquet, surrounded by the blushing colors of orange roses, lavender cushion poms, hot pink carnations, and lush greens. Presented in a clear glass vase, this fresh flower arrangement has been created just for you to help you send your sweetest thank you, happy anniversary, or thinking of you wishes.

Please Note: The bouquet pictured reflects our original design for this product. While we always try to follow the color palette, we may replace stems to deliver the freshest bouquet possible, and we may sometimes need to use a different vase.

Beyond Blue Bouquet

$80$65 - $105

Shipped in a Gift Box

There is something about the shade of blue that brings a sense of calmness and serenity. Our Beyond Blue bouquet is designed with billowing white blooms and pops of bold florals to deliver just the right sentiment for any reason.

Please Note: The bouquet pictured reflects our original design for this product. While we always try to follow the color palette, we may replace stems to deliver the freshest bouquet possible, and we may sometimes need to use a different vase.

Meaning

The Greek derivative of anemone, anemos, means wind, which is why it is often referred to as the “wind flower”. Many symbolic references to anemones also talk about death because of their interesting history. They have often been linked to the forsaken or those left behind because of the myth of Adonis and Aphrodite.

Adonis and Aphrodite have a great love story that inspired writers like Ovidius and Shakespeare. One day, Adonis was hunting through the forest followed by Aphrodite in her chariot. Ares, Aphrodite’s ex-lover, grew jealous of her relationship with the mortal and attacked him disguised as a boar.

Aphrodite covered his wound in nectar and carried his body out of the woods in an attempt to save him, but his soul had already departed to the underworld. The crimson anemones were said to have grown where each drop of blood and nectar landed. The anemone’s association with the mythic love of Aphrodite and Adonis led to the flower symbolizing unfading love.

Meanings in different cultures:

According to Christianity, anemones are a symbol of the blood Jesus shed on the cross.
In the Near East, the flowers were believed to carry disease and bad luck.
Europeans used to hold their breath through anemone fields because they believed anemones carried bad omens and misfortune.
In a more charming tale, the English and Irish believed the flower’s petals closed when fairies were sleeping inside.
The Chinese associate the red anemone with death.

History

While similar in appearance and closely related, the anemone is a separate genus from the pasque flower and grows wild throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. There are over 200 types of flowers that belong to the anemone genus. Because of its prevalence across North America, Europe, Japan and other parts of Asia, it is difficult to pick a point of origin.

Anemones were once used to treat stomach cramps and menstrual pain. Ancient Romans also ground the flower and used it to treat fever, bruises and freckles. While some varietals are poisonous, in small doses they are thought to help many ailments. Unless you are very familiar with botany, avoid consumption!

Back to Flower Meanings Guide