The meaning of the Cyclamen, spiritual and magical symbolism

Cyclamen is a beautiful plant with flowers reminiscent of butterflies. It is native to Europe and the countries near the Mediterranean and Iran. Also known by other names like Persian violet and sow bread, this plant has different meanings and symbolisms in different parts of the world.

Description of cyclamen flowers

Cyclamen is a perennial plant that belongs to the Primulaceae family, which also includes the shooting star and primrose. There are 23 species of cyclamen, all of which are perennial and differ in strength and appearance. Most of them form leaves in fall and bloom in winter, and the plant dies in spring. In summer it remains inactive and does not grow.

The roots and aerial parts of the cyclamen arise from a spherical part called the gland that stores food for the plant. It is a bulbous plant with a stem bent 150 to 180 degrees and petals that grow upward. Its flowers are solitary and upside down on high branches, which makes them unique. They are available in different colors, typically white, pink, purple, and red. In floriculture, cyclamen is considered a greenhouse flower, but some varieties can also be grown on grass or rocks.

Of the many different species of cyclamen, Cyclamen persicum it is the only one that has gained popularity as a houseplant. Its name is derived from the Latin word “cyclamnos”, which means “circular”, or from the Greek word “kuklos”, which means “circle”. This name is believed to refer to the way the cyclamen flower stem curves downward once the seeds are formed.

This species is native to Persia, what is now Iran. According to Plato, the plant already existed in the 4th century BC.

Interesting facts about cyclamen:

• Cyclamen is also called "bristle bread" because it was used to feed pigs to enhance the flavor of the pig.
• During the Renaissance, cyclamen flowers were believed to cure earache because the shape of the leaves was similar to that of the ears.
• The cyclamen is also native to western Asia and North Africa.
• Some cyclamen can grow to 6-10 inches.
• Cyclamen is used as an ingredient in many perfumes.
• According to some sources, the monks brought the Persian cyclamen to North Africa and to the Greek islands.

Meaning and symbolism of the cyclamen flower according to different cultures

The cyclamen flower has different meanings and symbolisms in various parts of the world. Let's look at some of the best known meanings:

Deep love

Due to its tuber, which allows the cyclamen plant to withstand even the most difficult conditions, the cyclamen flower is considered a symbol of deep love. Therefore, these flowers are a wonderful gift for Valentine's Day, along with roses. Giving a cyclamen is a way to express genuine love. In Japan, this flower is called the "Sacred Flower of Love" and is considered the son of Cupid's love. This is another reason why it is associated with Valentine's Day.

Since ancient times, cyclamen have been depicted in various paintings of lovers and were considered a flower of love. This flower has existed since ancient times in paintings that are drawn for two lovers. In the language of love, this flower expresses genuine feelings and sincerity.

Devotion and empathy

In Mediterranean culture, the cyclamen is considered a symbol of devotion and empathy. For this reason, the cyclamen can be seen planted in the courtyards of churches and in Islamic monasteries.

The virgin mary

The cyclamen flower is also associated with the Virgin Mary. In both Islam and Christianity, the Virgin Mary plays an important role. One of the connections between the Virgin Mary and the cyclamen is that when Mary accepted the mission of being a mother, it is said that the cyclamen flowers bowed down to her.

Hidden enemy

Certain parts of the cyclamen plant are toxic to both humans and animals. These hidden parts can cause death if ingested, which is why this flower represents a hidden enemy.

Cyclamen symbolism according to the color of the flower

As mentioned above, cyclamen flowers come in a range of colors and shades ranging from pure white to lavender, red, and purple. In the language of flowers, each color has its own meaning.

Red Cyclamen

All red flowers are generally considered symbols of love and passion. The same goes for the red cyclamen, which also symbolizes desire and seduction.

White Cyclamen

The white cyclamen flower symbolizes purity, innocence, perfection and elegance. It is also associated with the chastity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Beneath the white petals of the cyclamen flower you can see a dark reddish color that is believed to represent the blood of Jesus. White cyclamen is sometimes called "bleeding heart" and the fragrance of the Virgin Mary is said to settle on these flowers, giving them their delicious scent.

Purple Cyclamen

The purple cyclamen is a symbol of imagination, creativity, mystery, grace and charm. These flowers are said to be the ideal gift for anyone who is making a major transition in their life.

Cyclamen Pink

Pink cyclamen flowers represent love that is playful and full of possibilities. They are also considered symbols of femininity, thoughtfulness and spontaneity.

Superstitions about cyclamen

Throughout history, there have been many superstitions about the cyclamen flower due to its toxicity and beauty. Here are some of the most common:

A well-known superstition about the cyclamen flower, which appears to have originated in the 16th century, says that a pregnant woman who stepped on one or more of these flowers would have a miscarriage or premature delivery. It is a widely held belief that pregnant women should avoid anywhere where cyclamen flowers are grown and that they should not touch or go near the plant. However, it is also believed that labor will be quicker and much less painful if a woman in labor places a cyclamen flower on her shoulder or wears a necklace made from these flowers.

It was also a popular belief that cyclamen had the ability to help bald men regain their hair. However, for the flower to work, the bald man had to stick it up his nose and that would help his hair grow back.

Another superstition of the cyclamen flower is that whoever wanted to make someone fall in love could do so by giving them the flower. The couple would live happily ever after, but if the recipient of the flower realized that they fell in love because of the cyclamen, the giver would be doomed to live a sad life forever.

Uses of cyclamen flowers

The cyclamen first arrived in the gardens of Europe in the 17th century. In the 19th century, Victorians began to cultivate the plant for the various varieties known today. These beautiful "winter" flowers were used by Victorians for Christmas decorations and they became very popular for decorative purposes during the Christmas season.

The cyclamen flower has a long history of use in medicine, having been used for over 2000 years. Greek doctors and botanists discovered that the flower can be used to speed up labor, promote hair growth, heal wounds, pimples, and more.

A final word about cyclamen

Cyclamen flowers are historically important and valued for their beauty. They are often used in floral decorations and can sometimes be seen in bridal bouquets. Overall, these beautiful flowers symbolize love, sincerity, and innocence, and they make a great gift for the special people in your life. If you are thinking of giving someone a cyclamen flower, depending on the color you choose, you can make the gift special and more individual.