Best known for their gorgeous appearance, layered petals, and long-lasting blooms, dahlias have numerous symbolic meanings. It is believed that both the color of the dahlia and the location play a vital role in determining what the dahlia symbolizes. Most historians believe that Royal Gardens director Antonia Jose Cavanilles gave the gorgeous flower its name. In Sweden, dal means valley. Thus, the dahlia is often referred to as a valley flower.
Dahlia Flower Meaning and Symbolism
Dahlias stand out in gardens and bouquets. They are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers with interesting meaning and symbolism, making them the ultimate choice for brides and florists in a garden or vase. While different people pull out different meanings of the flower, here is what the dahlia symbolizes:
- New beginnings and fresh new starts
- Committing to good acts, ideas
- Enduring kindness and grace, regardless of hard things get
- Diversity in a boring world
- Staying careful primarily in challenging situations
- Gathering the inner strength to thrive
- Making a positive life change through actions like traveling
- Finding the right balance between relaxation and adventure
- Standing out in a crowd and walking your path to prosperity and elegance
- Warning someone about a possible disloyalty or romantic relationship betrayal (black dahlia)
Cultural Significance of Dahlia Flower
Even though dahlias are native to Central America and Mexico, they are spread worldwide. While they are similar in appearance in varying countries, their symbolism varies.
Mexico
The dahlia is known as the Queen of the Autumn Garden because its blossoms outlive many other fall flowers. It is believed by many that the dahlia was used as medicine and for food. In 1963, Mexico declared the dahlia to be its national flower.
Victorian Era
Ever since its introduction in Europe, breeders have been working on producing gorgeous dahlias to showcase their stunning blooms. In the Victorian Era, these flowers were seen as a sign of love and devotion. Moreover, they were denoted as flowers of pure dignity and beauty. Thus, these beauties were used widely for wedding celebrations.
United States
Today, dahlia flowers are known for their beauty, kindness, and commitment. Moreover, they are symbolized as being steadfast. It is due to their long-lasting ability to bloom and survive while other flowers have died.
Dahlia Flower Meaning – Facts
- The Victorians used the dahlia to signify an everlasting bond between two individuals. However, modern flower lovers can see it as a celebration of joining something new.
- Even though dahlia is considered the birth flower for individuals born in August, some traditions also use it as a November flower.
- Since Mexico is the dahlia’s native habitat, it is also the country’s national flower.
- Some cultures use the dahlia to symbolize diversity. The concept behind this symbolism is that each petal fits into the entire head.
Dahlia Flower Meaning – Unique Characteristics
The dahlia is known to be one of the most breathtaking flowers in the world. Here are some of the unique characteristics it holds:
Finding the Inner Strength
It teaches you to thrive in difficult situations and find the inner strength to deal with circumstances. The flower is proof of how strong you need to be regardless of how others around you are.
Commitment
The dahlia flower symbolizes a commitment to other people and things. It pledges not to break the commitment no matter what.
Being Kind
One of the dahlia flowers meanings is to be kind. It denotes grace and invites positive energy into your life.
Changing in a Positive Manner
The dahlia radiates positivity. It is proof of never backing down and always striving for the best.
Remaining Graceful
The dahlia’s unique appearance and beauty remind you of its grace. It is a perfect gift for the woman in your life.
Staying Adventurous and Relaxed
It is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It signifies that everything should be in balance.
Standing Out From the Crowd
There is no doubt that the dahlia flower stands out. It teaches us to be ourselves, stand out, and follow our path.