New beginnings can be extremely refreshing and needed throughout tough times in life.
Whether you have just recently gotten out of a long-term relationship, lost your career, or even decided to start a brand new life, there are many flowers that symbolize new beginnings that are perfect for gift giving or for placing on display.
Flowers that symbolize new beginnings are: Daffodil, Daisies, Calla Lily, Lotus, Forget-Me-Nots, Roses, Carnations, Hypericum, Sunflower and Hazel.
1. Daffodil
The Daffodil, also known as the Narcissus flower, originated from the actual Greek God Narcissus himself.
The daffodil flower today takes on many meanings and symbolic interpretations, depending on the culture, religion, and region you are around and in.
In Greek mythology, Narcissus represents beauty and regeneration, which is why the daffodil flower is sometimes referred to as a flower that represents new beginnings as well as change.
In some beliefs, the daffodil flower is also representative of making new friendships and solidifying bonds between friends.
Most often, the daffodil flower is thought of as a flower that symbolizes new beginnings as it is one of the very first flowers and bulbs to bloom during the first signs of spring and the last signs of winter.
2. Daisies
Daisies are another common flower from the Asteraceae family that is commonly found throughout Europe as well as North America.
Throughout Europe, Daisies are typically known for their bright and cheery nature, which is why they are commonly associated with finding true happiness, joy, and prosperity in everyday life.
In Norse mythology, the Daisy is also known as a sacred flower of the Goddess Freya, which is why so many still associate Daisies with symbolic changes and new beginnings in life.
Because the daisy flower was tied to Freya, the Greek Goddess, it was also used to represent the transformation of man through motherhood, childbirth, and ultimately, fertility, which is also closely tied to rebirth and new beginnings.
3. Calla Lily
If you are a lover of unique flowers and you enjoy flowers that are vibrant and appear more on the tropical side, you may enjoy planting or giving the gift of a calla lily.
The calla lily is a popular flower that is given as gifts and even used in bridal bouquets, depending on the bride’s own traditions and preferences.
The calla lily appears tropical in nature and comes in white, pinks, and reds for a warm, yet inviting appearance.
With its long and flowery petals, the calla lily is truly unique in its own right.
Symbolically, the calla lily is known for representing new beginnings and making significant changes in one’s own life.
The term ‘calla lily’ is derived from Greek, which can be literally translated to beauty, which is fitting for these gorgeous bloomers.
4. Lotus
When you think of the lotus flower, you may immediately think of a blooming flower that blooms vertically–and you would be correct.
The lotus is rich with history and symbolism, which is why it is so popular in mainstream practices, decor, and cultures today.
The lotus flower has been thought to have had magical and majestic properties since its discovery and rise to popularity among the Egyptian people.
Because the flower itself is submerged in water towards the evening every night only to rise and bloom again in the morning from the water, it is symbolic of new beginnings and starting anew for many.
5. Forget-Me-Nots
The Forget-Me-Not flower is part of the Boraginaceae family, and is also known scientifically as the Myosotis flower.
Forget-Me-Nots are small in size and include 5 petals with a delicate center. In Greek, Myosotis can be translated into “mouse’s ear”, which is entirely fitting when looking at the appearance of the Forget-Me-Not flower up close.
While the name Forget-Me-Not may have you believing that the flower only represents remembrance or even grieving, this is simply not true.
While it is entirely acceptable to use or give Forget-Me-Not flowers during a funeral or while you are grieving, there are many more positive applications for the flowers in everyday life.
In many cases, Forget-Me-Not flowers are used to represent a loyal friendship, deep trust and bonds, and even new phases and new beginnings in your life.
Whether you are thinking of giving a gift to a friend who is moving away or if you have just started a new career that you are excited about, it is entirely appropriate to display and give Forget-Me-Not in scenarios that are celebrating the start of new beginnings.
6. Roses
When you think of the rose, your first thought may be that roses are classically romantic flowers.
While this is true in some instances, there are many different colors of roses and meanings behind each of them.
In the historical Renaissance period, roses were symbolic of not only regeneration, but of rebirth, and in some cases, new opportunities, especially a rose with 8 petals in total.
In Greek history and mythology, roses are also extremely important and take on a deeper meaning, as it is said that the Greek God of vegetation, or Adonis, grew from the ground after dying and came back appearing as roses.
For those who have a vested interest in Freemasonry, the rose is heavily symbolic and is often associated with light, the dawn of a new day, or a new beginning.
7. Carnations
Even if you are not an avid gardener, you have likely heard of carnations before. Carnations are from the Caryophyllaceae family, and are extremely silky and delicate flowers with vibrant solid colors such as white, yellows, pinks, and reds.
Carnations may be given as a token of friendship, but they also take on a much deeper meaning and symbolism that is tied to changes and new beginnings in life.
While a white carnation is typically representative of offering well wishes to a friend or a colleague or providing them with a token of good luck, it can also be symbolic of new beginnings for the individual who is on the receiving end.
Carnations are often given in positive situations and in scenarios where hope and optimism are at the forefront.
8. Hypericum
If the flower hypericum does not sound familiar to you, its common name ‘St. John’s wort’ is more likely to ring a bell.
The hypericum flower is a bright yellow flower that is often associated with summertime and the regeneration of nature and all that is around us, as the flower is typically harvested around June 23rd, just after the passing of the summer solstice.
The hypericum flower was first originally named from the Victorian Language of Flowers, although Hypericum’s genus name is derived from “hyper” and “eikon”, both of which are Greek words that can be translated into “above” as well as “picture”.
Hypericum flowers not only represent rebirth and new beginnings but can sometimes be closely associated with superstition and various ancient beliefs.
9. Sunflower
One of the brightest and most popular flowers that are commonly associated with sunshine is the sunflower itself.
The sunflower, a flower that belongs to the Asteraceae family, can be found throughout most regions in both North and South America alike.
In total, there are currently more than 70 species of sunflower that can be found around the world.
Sunflowers appear as giant smiling flowers with their vivid yellow hue, and can grow upwards of 10-20 feet tall without special soil or nutrition when planted outdoors in the proper conditions.
Sunflowers help to welcome the sun, and can sometimes be the very first flowers of the summertime. Sunflowers are also known to turn towards the sun, regardless of how they are originally planted in the ground, which is why they are associated with new beginnings, positivity, and looking forward.
Planting sunflowers is also an easy task, as long as you have available space outdoors, which makes them extremely popular for those who are looking to add a bit of positivity to their own yard or onto their own property.
10. Hazel
Hazel, also commonly referred to as Witch Hazel, is another popular flower that is associated with protection, magic, and for some, even new beginnings in an individual’s own life.
While Witch Hazel has been known to offer medicinal benefits, it is also believed to hold spiritual powers of protection and healing on its own.
The hazel flower is part of the Hamamelidaceae family, and can be found throughout various parts of Eastern Asia as well as North America, including right here in the US.
In the Victorian language, it was not uncommon for Hazel to be closely associated with reconciliation, especially during the late 1800’s.
Because there are so many symbols that tie Hazel to reconciliation and making amends, it is understandable why so many today still believe that the Hazel, or Witch Hazel flower, is a sign of new beginnings as well as rebirth.
Summary
Showing off that you are excited about new beginnings is possible with the right floral arrangement of flowers that represent youth, new beginnings, and the ending of old cycles.
With the right flowers in your own home, you can gain peace of mind knowing that the new beginning you need is right around the corner.
Header image courtesy: Photo by Vraj Shah
