Join me in exploring the fascinating world of aster flowers and their rich meanings and symbolism. These humble yet captivating blooms have a story, from their association with Greek mythology to their role as birth flowers and symbols of love.
I associate asters with my grandmother’s garden. Although she primarily grew vegetables and had plenty of currant and gooseberry bushes, her garden was bursting with colors. Multicolored aster flowers would illuminate the flower beds and instantly bring smiles to people’s faces. We used to gather them and place them in a vase on our aunt’s grave as they had a long lifespan. Simple asters are incredibly undemanding to cultivate, and these charming flowers are quite appreciative.
Delving deeper, the history, meaning, and symbolism of asters unfold. I hope you will enjoy this article uncovering what individual colors mean and what symbols they carry for a long time.
Aster name meaning
Asters belong to the Asteraceae family, one of the largest plant families, including sunflowers, daisies, and dandelions. The name “aster” comes from the Greek word meaning “star,” which describes their star-like shape. Their distinctive shape and medicinal benefits earned them the name ‘starworts,’ with ‘wort’ referring to their medicinal and culinary uses.
Asters are also called “Michaelmas daisies” and refer to asters that bloom around the time of the feast of St. Michael and All Angels, also known as Michaelmas. This feast falls on September 29 and marks the beginning of autumn.
Flower facts
Aster plants are known for their late-season bloom, typically appearing in late summer to fall, which has led to them being designated as the official month of September birth flower. This means that people with a September birthday (Virgo is the 6th sign of the Zodiac and covers the dates August 23—September 22) often have asters as their designated birth flower.
In addition, asters are known as anniversary flowers. They are often given to couples celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, making it commonly referred to as the ‘Aster Anniversary.
The aster flower has a yellow center that looks like the sun, its petals branch out like rays. These petals come in different colors, including shades of white, pink, purple, blue, and even red. and have various symbolisms.
Many aster species are native wildflowers found in meadows and woodlands, which are crucial in providing nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Asters also have been used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. Native Americans used asters for their medicinal properties, such as treating respiratory issues and fevers. Some cultures also used the plants for their edible leaves and roots.
It’s estimated that there’s a wide selection of aster varieties (over 600 species included within the Aster genus). Some of the most popular species of asters include New England Aster, New York Aster, Michaelmas Daisy, and China Aster.
The Cultural Significance of Aster Flowers
Aster symbolism in Greek mythology
According to Greek mythology, aster was created from the tears of the Greek goddess Astraea. There are different versions of this story, but the most famous one says that Astraea felt sad because there weren’t many stars in the sky. She started crying, and aster flowers grew where her tears fell on the ground. The flower is called “aster,” which means “star.”
Another version of the story says that the world was in a bad state with only mud and slime. Astraea saw this and cried, and her tears turned into stardust. When this stardust landed on the ground, it transformed into aster flowers.
The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed that burning aster leaves would ward off evil spirits and burn them to repel serpents from their homes. It is a sacred flower in ancient Greek culture.
While there isn’t a direct mythological connection between the aster flower and the goddess of love, in Greek mythology, the Romans, who associated Venus with love and beauty, might have attributed symbolic significance to the aster in their own cultural context.
in Victorian era
During the Victorian era, flowers were often used as a form of non-verbal communication, allowing people to express sentiments and emotions through floral arrangements. Asters were associated with elegance and intricacy, and they held the symbolic meaning of returning affection.
Gifting asters conveyed the sentiment that the affection given was reciprocated.
The aster flower has indeed been connected to cultural movements and historical events.
Aster Revolution
The Aster Revolution took place in Hungary following World War I in October 1918, which led to the establishment a new government in Hungary. Supporters of the revolution, also known as the Aster Revolution, wore aster flowers in their hats to symbolize their movement. The aster became a visual representation of their aspirations for change and political transformation.
World War II
During World War II, asters took on a ceremonial role in France. These flowers were placed on the tombs of fallen French soldiers as a mark of remembrance and honor. This act paid tribute to the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives during the war. The use of asters in this context reflects their symbolic significance in commemorating lives lost during the conflict. A similar role had poppies during the First World War.
Aster flower meaning and symbolism
The aster flower carries an array of symbolism depending on cultural context, historical interpretations, and personal associations.
1. Patience.
Aster symbolizes patience. Their late-season blooming, when many other flowers have faded, represents patience and waiting for things to come to fruition. In the language of flowers, they can convey sentiments of patience and undying devotion.
2. Symbol of love and affection.
The aster’s late-season blooming, vibrant colors and long-lasting flowers have contributed to its interpretation as a symbol of enduring and everlasting love, like the bluebell. This symbolism suggests that just as the aster blooms in the later part of the year when many other flowers have faded, true love remains steadfast even in challenging times or as time passes.
3. Elegance and Daintiness
Asters are known for their delicate and graceful appearance. Their intricate petals and star-like shape can symbolize elegance and exquisiteness, making them a popular choice in floral arrangements, especially for more refined occasions.
4. Variety and Beauty.
The wide range of colors and forms that asters come in can symbolize diversity and variety. This diversity in appearance can be associated with the beauty of differences and the appreciation of unique qualities.
5. Remembrance
In some cultures, asters are associated with remembrance and honoring the memory of loved ones. They symbolize someone you love who may have passed away. They are sometimes used in funeral arrangements to symbolize eternal love and remembrance for the deceased.
6. Afterthought or Rebirth
In Greek mythology, asters were believed to have grown from the tears of the goddess Astraea, who wept upon seeing the lack of stars on Earth. This association with tears and rebirth can imbue asters with symbolism related to new beginnings and the cyclical nature of life.
7. Autumn and Transition
Asters are often associated with autumn and the transition from summer to fall due to their blooming season. Their appearance during this time can represent the changing of seasons and the life cycle.
8. Contentment.
Some interpretations link asters to feelings of contentment and positive emotions. Their cheerful appearance and vibrant colors can evoke a sense of happiness and joy.
9. Interconnectedness (Stardust).
Stardust is metaphorically linked to the interconnectedness of all living things and the universe, adding a sense of wonder and unity to the symbolism of asters.
8. Faith, friendship, and purity.
The aster flower means faith, friendship, and purity, embodying the qualities of steadfast belief, strong companionship, and untarnished innocence.
Petal Color meaning of aster
The meaning of the flower can vary depending on which color you’re looking at. Aster flowers come in various colors, and each hue carries its own unique symbolism and meaning, adding depth to the message it conveys.
White Aster
White aster flowers head, like many white flowers, symbolizes a new beginning, innocence, and purity. They represent starting afresh with a clean slate and embracing the potential for growth and positive change.
Yellow Aster
The yellow aster embodies positivity, happiness, and cheerful vibes. Its vibrant hue evokes joy and optimism, making it an excellent choice to convey sunny sentiments.
Blue Aster
Blue aster flowers are associated with calmness, tranquility, and serenity. The soothing shade of blue speaks to a sense of peacefulness and a serene state of mind.
Pink Aster
Pink asters represent love, kindness, affection, and sweetness. The gentle pink hue symbolizes admiration and gratitude, making it a fitting choice for expressing heartfelt emotions.
Red Aster
Red aster is considered a symbol of passion, devotion, deep love, and strong emotions. The rich red color ignites feelings of romance and intensity, making it an apt choice for conveying powerful affection.
Purple Aster
Purple asters symbolize enchantment, spirituality, and mysticism. The regal purple hue signifies elegance and creativity, making it a meaningful choice for conveying a touch of magic and wonder.
Purple color is also considered a royal color and a symbol of wisdom.
Aster flower tattoo
An aster flower tattoo is a popular choice for those seeking a meaningful and visually appealing design. The aster flower holds various symbolic meanings, so it can convey different emotions and sentiments.
Research the specific symbolism associated with the color of aster you’re considering for your tattoo. Each color carries its own message, allowing you to choose one that resonates with your personality or the message you want to convey.
If you were born in September or have a significant event related to this month, the aster flower tattoo can hold extra significance as the birth flower for September.
Asters in a bouquet
A bouquet featuring asters is a stunning and meaningful arrangement. Asters’ diverse colors and symbolic meanings can enhance the message you wish to convey through the bouquet.
Select asters in colors that align with the symbolism you want to convey. For example, white asters could represent purity and new beginnings, while pink asters could express affection and gratitude.
Combine asters with other flowers that complement their colors and meanings. For instance, pairing asters with roses can create a balance of emotions within the bouquet.
Choose asters in season, ensuring their freshness and longevity in the bouquet.
Incorporate different types of asters to add texture and depth to the bouquet. Combine large-petaled asters with smaller ones to create visual interest.
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