Did you know that orchids are the most prominent group of flowering plants, containing over 25,000 plants worldwide?
That means there are more orchids than there are mammals and birds combined!
Because of this plant’s abundance, it carries a range of symbolism for cultures worldwide.
Nevertheless, they all agree that it is the perfect gift, wonderful to behold, and will invariably leave the recipient feeling happier than they were before.
The Etymology of the Name
According to paleontologists, orchids predate the Continental Drift system and thus, are possibly over 200 million years old.
This may explain why you can find orchids on all continents, except Antarctica.
The word ‘orchid’ is derived from the Greek word ‘orchis’, which means testicles in English, a name given by botanist Theophrastus.
He gave that name because he believed the flowers and tubers of the plant resembled male gonads.
The Symbolism of Orchids in Ancient History
In ancient Greece, orchids carried a connotation of male virility.
Greek women who wanted to give birth to boys would give orchids to their male counterparts.
The Chinese used orchids mostly for medicinal purposes for people who suffered from respiratory issues.
The Chinese believed that this plant had a positive affect on the lungs and it could relieve people who had a bad cough.
Confucius, a well known philosopher from China, compared honest and virtuous people to orchids.
Some Chinese individuals even used orchids to signify love, fertility and unity by gifting orchids to married couples.
During the Victorian age, orchids would have been found in the tropics and were regarded as a luxury because of their rarity and were a sign of good taste.
When gifting to others, the more rare the species, the more you cared for the gift recipient.
In the Philippines, orchids are tree protectors. In Indonesia, the Ludisia or Jewel orchids were believed to comprise parts of a fairy’s cloak.
In the Christian belief, the spots on orchid blooms represent the blood of Jesus Christ. Thus they became a symbol in some Easter and Christmas floral bouquets.
In Mexico, the Aztecs viewed orchids as a sign of strength.
They drank concoctions made with vanilla orchids to give them strength.
Cultural Significance of Orchids In the Modern World
Like was said before, the symbolism of orchids is vast and incorporates many cultural differences.
There are many cities and countries that hold this flowering plant in high regard.
Colombia’s national flower is the orchid Cattleya mossiae.
Likewise, Guarianthe skinneri is Costa Rica’s national flower while Rhyncholaelia digbyana is Honduras’ national flower.
Other countries that celebrate these lovely orchids include:
- Belize
- Brazil
- Guatemala
- Panama
- Singapore
- and Venezuela
The Symbolism of Orchid Colors
Here’s the symbolism of different orchid colors.
Black Orchids
A select number of orchid types produce dark flowers that appear almost black
Usually, it’s because there’s an excess of pigment appearing in red and purple orchids.
Occasionally, a florist will apply black dye to the orchids to cause them to be dark.
Black orchids make the perfect gift for people who do not conform to social norms; the contrarians, the born rebels, the independent people, or the trendsetters.
They are also prized by people who like to use black to offset and accentuate the white color palette in their interior design.
Blue Orchids
Due to their infrequency, blue orchids will often be given as gifts to special individuals.
giving blue orchids as a gift may mean a lot to the recipient, given that natural blue orchids are so rare to find.
In addition, artificial blue orchids are also well received, and signify a unique gift. On top of that, blue orchids are reliable symbols of spirituality and well-being.
Red Orchids
Red has always been a color that signifies passion and love. Just like red roses, red orchids are given to convey love, attraction and sentiments of the heart.
You can give orchids on their own or give roses and orchids together.
Additionally, Aztecs drank mixtures containing chocolate and red orchids to increase their power and strength.
These types of plants signify courage, desire and perseverance too.
Green Orchids
In the event that a friend or family member is going through a difficult time (for example, illness), sending them a green orchid may be a thoughtful gesture.
Some values associated with green orchids are health, happiness, and longevity.
The Japanese believe that green orchids mean luck in your life, as well as your job, relationships, and finances.
Orange Orchids
Including orange orchids in your bouquet at any celebration creates a positive and optimistic atmosphere.
Orange represents power, excitement, pride, and success.
Also, if you want a gift that wishes someone good health and wellness, orange orchids are a suitable choice.
Pink Orchids
Pink Cattleyas are an excellent choice for newlyweds and wedding anniversaries.
Pink orchids symbolize gentleness, happiness, unity, and fertility.
You can also give pink flowers to mothers-to-be to help them celebrate their conception.
Purple Orchids
Purple was a popular color for many of the ancient kingdoms and was prized by the affluent.
In the Victorian period, purple orchids were all the rage with the elites.
Today, when presenting purple colored blooms, you are honoring and showing esteem to someone.
White Orchids
When you think of white flowers, purity and peacefulness are the first things that may come to mind.
White orchids, especially Phalaenopsis, add beauty and elegance to home decor and are lovely additions to the floral bouquets for your wedding day.
You can also incorporate white orchids into your place of worship to inspire others with a sense of spirituality.
Yellow Orchids
Yellow represents joy, friendship, and new beginnings.
That is why yellow is a popular gift for friends who are celebrating their birthday.
You can also give yellows to a friend who is beginning a new chapter in their life, for example, moving to a new country or job.
Orchids as a Present
Orchids, with their stunning beauty and pleasant fragrance, are a great gift idea for just about any occasion, as they will always lift someone’s spirits.
Where And When Can You Use Orchids As A Gift?
Birthdays
Are you unsure what to buy your friend for their birthday?
Consider giving them a yellow orchid that represents friendship.
The most common yellow orchid is the Oncidium orchid, also known as the Dancing Ladies Orchid.
Here are other yellow flower-producing species:
- Cattleyas
- Cymbidiums
- Dendrobiums
- and Phalaenopsis
Funerals
There is no more fitting tribute to the departed than to take purple orchids to the funeral.
As I emphasized previously, purple denotes respect.
Get-Well-Soon Gift
Bringing a bedridden friend flowers is one of the best things to do during your visit.
Green Cymbidium orchids and white Phalaenopsis orchids are a couple of popular colors that signify good health.
If you want flowers that have a nice, revitalizing aroma, Miltonia orchids are another great option.
Housewarming Parties
When sending a thank you for having them to their home, you won’t look behind the times in using orchids.
There’s a variety of colors and types of orchids to fit your friend’s style.
As a case in point, if your friends do not have a green thumb or much time for flowers, get them a Dendrobium.
They can tolerate lower amounts of water and suboptimal temperatures which is different from most orchids.
Mother’s Day
Most mothers tend to be the kind and loving type.
This Mother’s Day, you can recognize policy issues in the life of your mother by giving them flowers.
Unlike other houseplants, orchids appear blooming for weeks and months, and can be relished for years with proper care, so they have elegance and longevity.
Deep purple and deep pink orchids look well with mothers, but also represent admiration, grace, respect.
Purple Vandas and the deep pink Spotted Leonard Prince Orchid are great for caring and loving moms.
Weddings and Anniversaries
Finding a gift for newlyweds can sometimes be a challenge, especially if the couple are good friends.
If you’re looking for something different but still affordable, think about buying a potted moth orchid.
They are easy to care for, and the flowers are gorgeous and white!
And married couples that have been together for many years know that orchids are a beautiful gift for your partner.
Couples commonly of all over the world give pink Cattleya orchids for their 14th and 25th wedding anniversaries as the orchids symbolize unconditional love.
Significance of Orchids in Tattooing
The person getting the tattoo understands it best.
An orchid tattoo is therefore a symbol for accepting one’s sexuality.
It means that they see what makes them different from everyone else.
What are Other Uses of Orchids?
Besides their aesthetics, orchids have several other uses.
For instance:
- They are the natural source of the vanilla flavor.
- The Chinese use the plant to treat all sorts of things, such as poor vision and malignant tumors.
- Turkish people have used orchids to make a drink called salep.
- The drink was used to treat gum disease and gastrointestinal conditions.
- Lastly, orchids are used in perfume. The lovely scent helps with sleep, purifies the air, and reduce stress.
Why You Need to Conserve Orchids
While you can always purchase cultivated orchids from your florist, many wild orchids are an endangered species.
In North America alone, there are more than 100 species on the verge of extinction.
Most orchids have an association with specific fungi to grow, and, therefore, a healthy natural habitat attaches to their existence and reproduction.
Much like other living things, the human impact on the environment affects orchids.
For example, forest encroachment is a threat to the orchids that grow in tropical rainforests.
Wrapping Up
Orchids are the ideal way to express love, friendship, and caring toward others and yourself!
These incredibly lovely flowers that have been also used in many parts of the world as aphrodisiacs, medicines, perfumes, and measures of strength.
Sadly, many of the orchid species are threatened with extinction.
The best way, at this point, for you to ensure that all of our children and future generations experience the benefits of these plants is to conserve our environment.
Stop encroaching on their indigenous ecosystems and other activities that contribute to climate change.