Beautiful National Flowers
Beautiful National Flowers
Written by: Sitara Nair
Everyone knows that every country has its own unique national anthem, but did you know countries also have their own national flower? These flowers represent a great deal, from resilience in battle to pride in government, so let’s learn about some National Floral Emblems from various countries and what they signify.
United States of America
The national flower of the United States is the rose, a symbol of life and love and devotion, of beauty and eternity. In 1986, it was made the national flower by president Ronald Reagan, in the National Rose Garden in the White House during a beautiful ceremony. Despite the long-standing debate on what the flower should be, Reagan explained its significance in his proclamation, “Americans have always loved the flowers with which God decorated our land. More often than any other flower, we hold the rose dear as the symbol of life and love and devotion, of beauty and eternity… We grow roses in all our fifty States. We find roses throughout our art, music, and literature. We decorate our celebrations and parades with roses. Most of all, we present roses to those we love, and we lavish them on our alters, our civil shrines, and the final resting places of our honored dead.” Throughout Reagan's speech, he explained how the rose is a beloved flower with a rich history in mythology, poetry, and culture, making it a fitting symbol for the nation!
France
In France, the national flower is the Iris or the fleur-de-lis (specifically the sweet iris!). This flower is a symbol of French royalty and cultural heritage, representing concepts such as divine right, strength, purity, and elegance. French monarchs in the 12th century used the fleur-de-lis as a royal emblem, and it appears on coats of arms and various flags. The flower also has significant religious significance, with the three petals of the iris symbolizing the Trinity (a Christian doctrine stating that there is one God who exists eternally as three coequal, distinct persons). “Iris” is a genus of 260-300 flowering plants in the Iridaceae family; however, it is often mistaken for a lily, causing debate over what the actual flower of France is.
India
The national flower of India is the lotus (scientifically the Nelumbo nucifera). It was chosen for its significant cultural significance in India and symbolizes purity, beauty, wealth, knowledge, and triumph. It was adopted in 1950, and is regarded as a sacred flower in prominent Indian religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. (In Hinduism, it represents the Goddess of wisdom Saraswati, and is frequently used in religious celebrations). The plant is deeply found within the art and mythology of ancient India and is even featured on the national emblem like many other countries do with their national flowers. Growing across India, this aquatic plant is greatly respected and used beyond its symbolic meaning, with its various medicinal and nutritional uses for people.
Thailand
Thailand’s national flower is the Ratchaphruek, also known as the Golden Shower Tree, or scientifically referred to as Cassia fistula. This striking, vibrant yellow flower holds deep cultural and symbolic significance in Thailand. It symbolizes the Thai monarchy and is a prominent emblem of the predominant religion in the country, Buddhism. The flower is also known by other names, including “Dok Khoon,” which signifies good fortune and prosperity. Adopted as the official national flower in 2001, the Ratchaphruek is prominently featured in numerous Thai ceremonies and festivals, such as the traditional pillar-raising rituals and during the Songkran festival, which is the Thai New Year. Its bright yellow blossoms are a familiar and beloved sight across Thailand, further representing honor, and cultural pride.
References
An Qi. 2019. “The Myth of France’s National Flower: Lily or Iris?” CGTN, September 18, 2019. Accessed [access date]. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2019-09-18/-The-myth-of-France-s-national-flower-Lily-or-iris--K5n0JCvdew/index.html.
“National Flower, Bird, and Tree of the USA.” 2024. Birds & Blooms. Last modified September 27, 2024. Accessed [access date]. https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/gardening-basics/national-flower-bird-tree-united-states/.
“National Flower of India: The Lotus.” 2022. Russian Flora Blog, November 8, 2022. Accessed [access date]. https://blog.russianflora.com/national-flowers/national-flower-of-india-lotus/#:~:text=As%20phrased%20by%20Thomas%20Kintaert,some%20of%20the%20country's%20institutions.
Hall, Heather. 2023. “Discover the National Flower of Thailand: Cassia Fistula Linn.” A-Z Animals, February 6, 2023. Accessed [access date]. https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-the-national-flower-of-thailand-cassia-fistula-linn/.