Have you ever caught sight of a flower so bright and cheerful that it instantly made your day better? That’s the magic of the calendula. With its radiant orange and yellow petals, this bloom is like a little drop of sunshine you can hold. But beyond its lovely appearance, there’s a rich story to tell.
Understanding the meaning of the calendula flower helps us appreciate it even more, whether it's sitting in a vase on our desk or gifted to someone special.
What Is The Meaning Of Calendula?
The primary meaning of calendula is overwhelmingly positive. It represents joy, optimism, and warmth. Its bright, sun-like appearance is directly linked to feelings of happiness and good cheer, making it a fantastic flower to have around to lift your spirits and brighten up any living space.
At its core, calendula is a symbol of sunshine and all the positive energy that comes with it. Think of it as a floral reminder to look on the bright side. This flower’s association with light and warmth makes it a beacon of hope and happiness in the language of flowers.
Exploring Deeper Calendula’s Symbolism
Beyond its initial sunny impression, calendula symbolism offers a wonderful depth that makes it suitable for many of life's moments. It’s a flower that communicates warmth and sincerity without being overly complicated, speaking a language of gentle, positive encouragement.
A Message of Affection and Gratitude
Unlike the intense romantic passion of a red rose, calendula offers a softer, warmer kind of affection. Think of it as a floral representation of a sincere hug or a heartfelt "thank you." Its cheerful disposition makes it the perfect flower to give to friends, family members, or colleagues to show your appreciation.
Gifting a bouquet of calendulas says, "I'm grateful for you" and "you bring sunshine into my life" in a way that feels genuine and bright.
A Beacon of Healing and Comfort
For centuries, calendula has been associated with healing and well-being. In the language of flowers, this translates to a message of comfort and emotional restoration. When you send calendulas to someone going through a challenging period, you're sending more than just pretty petals.
You are sending a wish for recovery, a symbol of hope, and a reminder that brighter days are ahead. Its sunny face acts as a small beacon of light, offering comfort and lifting the spirits when it’s needed most.
A Wish for Prosperity and Success
The brilliant, golden-orange hue of calendula has long been linked to the colour of gold coins. This connection makes it a powerful symbol of prosperity, luck, and success.
It's an excellent choice for celebrating a new job, a graduation, a business opening, or moving into a new home. Giving calendulas on these occasions is a cheerful way to wish someone abundance and good fortune on their journey.
How to Care for Your Calendula Bouquet
What’s the best way to keep these sunny blooms looking their best? Keeping your calendulas vibrant is simpler than you might think. A few thoughtful steps will ensure you enjoy their sunny presence for as long as possible, turning your bouquet into a lasting source of joy.
Here is a simple, detailed guide to caring for your fresh calendula flowers:
- Give Them a Proper Trim: Upon receiving your bouquet, it’s important to trim about 2-3 cm from the bottom of each stem. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife to cut them at a 45-degree angle. This slanted cut creates a larger surface area, helping the stems absorb water more effectively and preventing them from sitting flat on the bottom of the vase.
- Choose a Sparkling Clean Vase: Before you do anything else, make sure your vase is thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Any lingering bacteria can contaminate the fresh water and clog the flower stems, causing them to wilt prematurely. A clean start is crucial for a long-lasting arrangement.
- Provide Fresh Water and Flower Food: Fill your clean vase about two-thirds full with fresh, room-temperature water. Stir in the sachet of flower food that comes with your bouquet. This food contains essential sugars to nourish the blooms and an antibacterial agent to keep the water clean and fresh.
- Remove All Lower Leaves: Gently pluck off any leaves on the stems that will fall below the waterline in the vase. This is a simple step, but it makes a huge difference. Leaves left underwater will quickly begin to decay, introducing bacteria that can harm your beautiful calendulas.
- Find the Perfect, Cool Spot: Your calendula bouquet will last longest in a cool room, away from sources of heat and direct sunlight. Also, try to keep them away from your fruit bowl. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that can cause flowers to age and wilt much faster.
A Pro-Tip for Lasting Beauty: To get the most out of your bouquet, re-trim the stems and completely change the water every two days. This simple routine is the single best thing you can do to keep your calendulas looking bright and lovely.
And for Preserved Calendula? If you have a preserved arrangement, the care is even easier! Simply find a nice spot for it away from direct sunlight and high humidity. There's no need for water, making it an effortlessly beautiful decoration that lasts.
Conclusion About the Meaning of Calendula
In essence, calendula is the ultimate feel-good flower. Its vibrant appearance and positive symbolism make it a wonderful choice for any occasion that calls for a splash of happiness.
Ready to bring some sunshine indoors? Let Windflower Florist brighten your day with our on-time same-day flower delivery in Singapore, or your order is free.
Contact us today to check out our collections!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Meaning of Calendula
What Do The Colours Of Calendula Symbolise?
Yellow calendulas strongly symbolise happiness, joy, and friendship. Orange calendulas often carry a meaning of passion, creativity, and success. Both colours share the overarching themes of warmth, optimism, and positive energy, making them cheerful additions to any bouquet.
Is Calendula Considered A Lucky Flower?
Yes, in many cultures, calendula is considered a flower of good fortune. Its golden petals are often associated with wealth and prosperity. It is sometimes used in celebrations or given as a gift to wish someone success and good luck in their future endeavours.
How Long Do Calendula Flowers Last In A Vase?
With proper care, a fresh bouquet of calendula can last for about 5 to 7 days in a vase. To maximise their lifespan, be sure to trim the stems, use flower food, change the water every two days, and keep them in a cool location away from direct sunlight.
Can You Give Calendula Flowers For A Birthday?
Absolutely! Calendula flowers are an excellent choice for a birthday gift. Their cheerful and sunny appearance perfectly captures the celebratory spirit of a birthday, and their symbolism of joy and happiness makes them a thoughtful way to send your best wishes.
What Is The Difference Between Calendula And Marigold?
While they look similar and are often both called marigolds, they are different plants. Calendula (or Pot Marigold) belongs to the Calendula genus, while French and African Marigolds belong to the Tagetes genus. Calendula flowers typically have simpler, daisy-like heads and are known for their use in skincare.
