Meaning and symbolism of the honeysuckle flower

Honeysuckle is a flower that inspires many with its sweet fragrance, beautiful appearance, and overall toughness. Prized in both French and Chinese culture, this flower is known for its many different meanings, are you familiar with all of them?

If not, consider these many different honeysuckle flower meanings.

What does honeysuckle mean?

The scientific name for honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica, is derived from the name of the Renaissance botanist Adam Lonicer. Plain and simple, the name is a tribute to this man.

However, the plant's common name probably originates from the way hummingbirds and other pollinators "suck" on the plant's sweet flowers, hoping to extract some nectar.

What do honeysuckle flowers symbolize?

Although the honeysuckle flower has had many different meanings throughout history, today it is predominantly seen as a symbol of happiness. Because the honeysuckle vine is notoriously tough and challenging to kill once established, it can also often be used to symbolize devotion and eternal ties.

This flower has a simple meaning that is directly related to its sweet aroma. Hummingbirds love the flower, which is why it is so closely related to the meanings of happiness and affection.

Interestingly, however, the flower can also symbolize affection, especially in the form of a hug from a lover. This is likely due to the way the honeysuckle vine attaches itself to features in its environment, such as posts and walls.

Honeysuckle flowers can be found in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red, but the symbolism doesn't change much regardless of the colors of the flower.

What is the cultural significance of a honeysuckle?

Honeysuckle flowers were first recognized by the Druids, with the Ogham, an ancient Celtic alphabet, carved into stones. The honeysuckle character represented following one's path and standing firm, so to speak. It also represented attracting sweetness in all aspects of life.

The Chinese, on the other hand, relied on honeysuckle, or Jin Yin Hua, as a cure for many different ailments. Honeysuckle is a refreshing herb that can flush out toxins and give you positive feelings of nostalgia and comfort.

In French culture, the honeysuckle flower represented things like fidelity, love, devotion, and spiritual vision. It was included as an important symbol in the French book "Le Langage des Fleurs", written by Louise Cortambert, who wrote as Madame Charlotte de la Tour.

Honeysuckle flowers are often used as remedies for coughs and colds. In fact, many of today's herbal cough medications have bits and pieces of honeysuckle blossoms mixed in. The flowers can also be used to treat staph infections and other bacterial problems, as they are natural antibiotics.

What is the symbolism of a honeysuckle tattoo?

With over 180 different species of honeysuckle plants, there are so many potential interpretations for these flowers when used as tattoos as well. Honeysuckle tattoos are generally chosen to symbolize eternal love and passion.

When should you give someone a honeysuckle?

Honeysuckle is an appropriate flower to give to anyone on practically any occasion that comes to mind. It is the birth flower of the month of June, so it is also a good option for people who celebrate birthdays in this month.

Many believe that the honeysuckle vine can bring good luck and good fortune to your home, and that it can also protect you from evil.

Therefore, you may want to gift this plant to other people as a promise of good fortune, true love, and other positive news.