Jasmine Flower – Meaning and Symbolism
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The sweet smell of jasmine is one of the most intoxicating scents that come from a garden. The snow-white blossoms of the flower make them popular ornamental and decorative plants, and they look perfect in outdoor gardens or as potted plants right outside your bedroom window.
However, there’s more to jasmine than meets the eye, as the flower carries deep symbolism and meaning. Read on to find out more about the history of the jasmine flower and what it symbolizes.
What is Jasmine?
Jasmines are part of the Jasminum genus, belonging to the Oleaceae family, and includes plants with over 200 species that are mostly found in tropical areas. Its name was derived from the Persian word Yasmine, which means Gift from God in English.
Also known as the Queen of the Night, jasmine releases a sensuous, floral aroma that most peole find balances the mind and promotes feelings of peace and relaxation.
Hailed as Pakistan’s national flower, Jasmine originated in Asia but is now found almost everywhere. Its increasing popularity as a houseplant has made it one of the most popular ornamental plants across the globe.
Meaning and Symbolism of Jasmine
Jasmines symbolize many things, some of which include positivity, sensuality, and warmth. It usually represents positive emotions, but it’s also been associated with a couple of surprising meanings across time. Here are some of the most common meanings of the jasmine flower.
Love
Jasmine symbolize love. They have been traditionally used as decorations and bouquets in anniversaries and weddings in different countries. Their pleasant and sweet fragrance as well as their fragile appearance tend to be reminders ofof things related to beauty and love.
Jasmine flowers are great gifts for people who are close to your heart. There exists a story about a Tuscan man who received a jasmine flower from some dealers, but he loved them so much that he refused to part with the flowers or to show them to others. This story hints at the feelings of love that jasmine is purported to enhance.
Purity and Motherhood
The white color of the jasmine flower also makes it a popular symbol of purity. This is why it is commonly seen in ceremonies like baptisms and weddings. Its gentle appearance reminds people of something fragile and pure.
In Thailand, jasmine flowers are considered to represent the purity of motherhood. Their motherly beauty and purity make them a perfect gift to loving moms.
Beauty
Who can deny the beauty of jasmines? It was even used in Greek mythology to represent Aphrodite the goddess of love and beauty, and her Roman counterpart Venus.
The jasmine flower possibly became a symbol of beauty because of its fragile yet captivating appearance. It continues to be a popular choice among gardeners and florists because of its timeless beauty.
Warmth and Sensitivity
Aside from their fragile beauty, jasmines are also known for the warm feelings that they invoke. These flowers bring a positive feeling of warmth, which is why it is also used to welcome guests in Hawaii. This beautiful appearance and scent can add life to any room or garden.
Good Fortune
Some people say that jasmine brings good luck. In some countries, it has even become a tradition to bring jasmine into homes because of the good fortune that they supposedly bring. Some people even wear it in their pockets because it gives them a sense of security and makes them feel safe throughout the day.
Divinity
Some people believe that jasmines have divine, godlike qualities, and in many cultures, it has been deemd to be the flower of God. The Persians, for example, believe that God gave jasmines as a gift of beauty and purity to humanity.
Jasmine Colors and Meanings
While white jasmines are probably the most popular variety of jasmines out there, this flower comes in other colors as well. Each color means something different, which can add meaning the next time you arrange a bouquet of jasmine flowers for someone.
- White –Most people think of the color white when they think of jasmine, simply because this color is the most common variety. . White jasmine is a symbol of innocence and purity. Giving someone white jasmines means that you respect them and that you think of them highly.
- Pink – Pink jasmines symbolize love and romance. They can also represent female energy, making them an ideal gift for a feminine and gentle person. It is a great pick if you’re looking to confess your love to someone.
- Yellow – A yellow jasmine represents optimism, friendship, and happiness. They are great gifts for friends who are going through a rough patch as they can give them positive feelings of hope. They may also bring some good luck because jasmines are believed to bring good fortune in some cultures.
- Red – Looking for Valentine’s gift other than traditional roses? Look no further – red jasmines are an excellent choice. Red jasmines represent passionate love, and their sensuous scent will surely make your special someone swoon over you. However, these are also the rarest variety, so finding red jasmine can prove to be difficult.
It’s important to note that some plants contain the word “jasmine” in their common name, but are actually unrelated. For example, Clematis crispa, commonly known as blue jasmine, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and not to the Oleaceae family. This flowering plant symbolizes trust and honesty so it’s a perfect gift to someone who always has your back. However, it’s not the fragrant jasmine that we all know.
Meaning of the Name Jasmine
The name Jasmine is a popular girls’ name, originating in Persia. It derives from the Persian word Yasmin, which refers to the popular white flower, and means Gift from God. There are many variants to the name Jasmine, including Jazmin, Yasmeen, Yasmin, and Jessamine.
The name Jasmine, and its variants, are highly popular in the Western world today, with many celebrities such as Michael Jordan, Nigel Barker, and Martin Lawrence naming their daughters Jasmine. In media, one of the most popular characters with this name is Jasmine from the popular story Aladdin.
Uses and Benefits of Jasmine
Disclaimer
Throughout history, jasmine has been used for a range of purposes. Some of these are as follows.
One of the main uses of jasmine is for fragrance. Jasminum officinale, for example, is known by many for its fragrance. Catalonia or Spanish jasmine is quite similar as it has become a vital ingredient in perfumes and has been cultivated in the city of France for centuries.
Since the 13th century, the Chinese have been using Jasminum sambac, another variety of jasmine, to make tea. They continue to use its extract as a main ingredient in herbal teas that help alleviate insomnia, headaches, and body pains. It’s commonly made with green tea, but it is also paired with oolong, white, and black tea.
In aromatherapy, jasmines are popular for their relaxing scent. It’s used in essential oils or added as a fragrance in incense and scented candles. It’s believed to have aphrodisiac qualities and is also marketed as something that can induce relaxation, release tension, and promote intimacy.
When used in a therapeutic massage, jasmine essential oil is said to soothe aches and pains and ease the mind and spirit. Some people also use it topically because it is considered to improve the skin’s suppleness and natural radiance.
In Hawaii, they use this flower to create leis, a garland of objects strung together, as it symbolizes love, celebration, and friendship. Also known as pikake, its bell-shaped blossoms were first brought to Hawaii in the 1800s, where it immediately became a favorite among the royals. Brides often wear leis made from pikake flowers. They are sometimes used in anniversaries and birthdays as well.
Caring for Jasmines
Whether you’d like to get yourself a pot of jasmines or you’ve received one as a gift, it’s a great idea to learn more about how to care for this vining plant.
Make sure to plant jasmine in a warm location with enough sunlight. Put them in a well-draining potting mix and provide some support structure that its vines can crawl on.
Use soft plant ties or weave them through a trellis to train them to climb while they are still young. Also, it’s recommended to spray jasmine with neem or horticultural oil once or twice a week to prevent pests like spider mites.
Wrapping Up
Jasmines have always been popular not just for their medicinal and healing properties but as well as for their beauty and meaning. Whether you’d like to have them as a houseplant or you’re thinking of giving them to someone, the mesmerizing beauty of jasmines will not disappoint.
