In the drama “The Camellia Lady” by Alexandre Dumas the Younger, published in 1848, the camellia played a key role and made the exotic tea tree even better known in Europe. The camellia flower has a variety of meanings in the language of flowers, which we would like to go into in more detail in the following article.
What does the camellia symbolize in different cultures?
The meaning of camellia varies depending on color and culture: in Japan it symbolizes divinity, new beginnings, spring, purity and harmony, while in Europe red camellias represent true love and white camellias represent luxury, elegance and the woman for life.
Religious statement of the attractive flowers
In Japan, one of the home countries of camellias, the flower language (Hanakotoba) has a long tradition. The origin of using flowers to convey a message is also one of the Buddhist ideals and is therefore deeply rooted in customs. The ephemeral flowers therefore represent the short duration of many things that should be particularly valued.
Tsubaki, as the camellia is called in Japan, is a symbol of divinity in its Asian homeland. In addition, the Japanese rose, which blooms exactly when almost all other plants are in hibernation, stands for:
- New beginnings
- Spring,
- Purity,
- Harmony.
Without saying it directly, the Japanese use yellow camellias to reveal their longing for a loved one. The red-flowering Higo camellia was a symbol of the samurai warriors and represented the noble death of brave men.
The symbolism of the camellia flower colors
Red camellias
In contrast to roses, which are supposedly odorless, the flowers of the camellia in many films, plays and books represent a symbol of venal love, the demimonde and the red light district. That is why these were the only flowers with which the main female character in Duma's novel "The Lady of the Camellias", the most sought-after courtesan in Paris, was allowed to receive a gift.
At the same time, the beautiful, red camellia flowers in Europe also represent true love.
White camellias
The white camellia is considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. If a man gives you a bouquet of white camellias, he wants to express that he doesn't see you as a half-hearted affair, but as the woman for life.
Tip
Camellias have been cultivated in China for over 4,000 years. In the Middle Kingdom, the flowery beauties are a symbol of good luck for the New Year. The plants from whose leaves fermented black tea and the popular green tea are obtained represent long-lasting friendship and harmony.
