Peonies are among the most beloved and sought-after flowers in the world, captivating people with their lush blooms and sweet fragrance. But their beauty is more than skin deep. Peonies carry a rich history, cultural significance, and a wealth of symbolism that has captivated people for thousands of years.
Peonies in History
Originating in regions of Asia, Europe, and North America, peonies have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. Their early uses weren’t purely for aesthetic reasons either; in Ancient China, their roots and seeds were used to treat illness such as headaches, asthma, and convulsions. In Ancient Greece and Rome, physicians also prescribed peonies for health issues like inflammation and fever.
The peony is thought to have got its name from Paeon, a figure in Greek mythology who was a student of the god of medicine. As the legend has it, Paeon was turned into a peony by the gods to save him from the wrath of his jealous mentor. As you can probably imagine, this is likely where the association with healing and protection stemmed from.
The Cultural Significance of Peonies
In China, peonies are more than just decorative flowers; they hold deep cultural importance and are considered symbols of wealth, prosperity, and honour. Referred to as the "flower of riches and honour", they were historically associated with the elite and were often depicted in imperial art and literature.
During festivals and celebrations, peonies are frequently used as decorations to bring luck and prosperity. They are also featured prominently in traditional Chinese paintings and are often included in wedding arrangements, symbolising a happy and harmonious marriage.
In Japan, peonies are admired for their elegant beauty and are seen as symbols of bravery, honour, and good fortune. They are frequently depicted in Japanese art and tattoos, often accompanied by tigers, dragons, or lions to represent balance between beauty and strength.
Peonies also appear in the Japanese concept of "mono no aware," a term that refers to the transient beauty of life. As peonies bloom briefly but magnificently, they embody this concept of appreciating beauty while it lasts, a theme that resonates deeply in Japanese culture.
The Symbolism of Peonies
Peonies carry a range of meanings that vary depending on their colour and the cultural context. These are the most common symbols associated with the peony:
Romance and Love
In Western cultures, Peonies are often associated with love. Their large blooms are reminiscent of the fullness of the heart in love, making them a favourite choice for romantic occasions like weddings and anniversaries. Pink peonies, in particular, are seen as symbols of love and affection, while red peonies signify passion and deep emotions.
Honour and Wealth
In Chinese culture, peonies are symbols of wealth and honour. They represent nobility, status, and good fortune, particularly when depicted in golden hues or paired with the colour red. As the "king of flowers" in China, peonies are often used in events and settings where one wishes to invoke luck, wealth, and success.
Healing and Protection
Drawing from their historical use in medicine, peonies also symbolise healing and protection. In Greek mythology, they were associated with the healing arts, while in traditional Chinese medicine, peonies were believed to possess powerful healing properties. Even today, they carry connotations of protection, making them an ideal flower to symbolise well-being and recovery.
Bashfulness and Beauty
In Victorian flower language, peonies symbolised bashfulness or shyness, owing to their round, layered shape, which can look like they’re hiding their beauty beneath folds of petals. White peonies, in particular, are associated with modesty and elegance, often given as tokens of respect or appreciation.
Peonies in Floral Arrangements
Given their wide range of symbolic meanings, peonies are an incredibly versatile flower for floral arrangements. Their soft, rounded petals add a romantic and lush feel to wedding bouquets, while their regal association with wealth and prosperity makes them perfect for formal events. Peonies work well in large, bold arrangements as focal points, or they can be paired with other blooms like roses, ranunculus, and eucalyptus for a more delicate look.
Peonies come in various colours, each adding its own layer of meaning:
Pink peonies: Romance, love, and femininity
Red peonies: Passion, wealth, and honour
White peonies: Purity, elegance, and modesty
Yellow peonies: New beginnings, joy, and healing
Peonies pair well with so many different flowers, with some of our favourites being anemones, ranunculus and snapdragons, especially when you can get some really vibrant colours to contrast against the more muted shades of the peonies. For a garden-fresh, rustic feel arrangement, you can use dust miller or eucalyptus as the filler foliage – the very cool-toned feel of these two matches the peonies really well!
But while peonies do really well with other flowers, they also look completely stunning on their own. Keep it super simple with a single-colour bouquet, or mix it up by pairing different coloured peonies together – yellow and white together are just magical.
As you work with peonies in your floral arrangements, remember the rich history and cultural significance behind their petals, and let them inspire your creativity and designs. Don’t forget to tag @myblooms on Facebook and Instagram to show us how you style your peonies.