The Aster flower meaning varies based on its myths, beliefs and symbolism.
There are nearly 200 species of cultivated Asters out of which 150 of them are native to North America.
Aster flower is from the Asteraceae family. In this blog we’ll explore different types of Asters and their meaning.
Lets get right into it.
What is the Aster Flower meaning?
The Aster flower symbolises afterthought, elegance and fidelity. It also helps with keeping evil spirits away and in other magical rituals. The Aster flower falls under the dominion of the planet Venus.
Why is it called an Aster?
The word derives from the Greek word Astḗr which translates to “a celestial body”. This was to describe the flower’s resemblance to a glowing star.
The name Aster was first coined by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753.
It was also due to their star like shape. Hence, in old English the name of the Aster flower would be Star-wort.
Aster flower Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology the gods and goddesses once lived on planet Earth during the Golden Age.
However, when the ages changed and people of Earth started to become more wicked and also evil, they left.
The last to leave Earth was the goddess Astraea. She was the goddess of innocence and justice. When she left she became the constellation of the Virgo.
She cried for humanity, her tears mixed with stardust fell back on Earth and thus they became the Asters shaped like a star.
In another version of the myth Earth was covered by a flood. Only two people were spared by Jupiter due to their loyalty.
The goddess Astrea looking down upon Earth was sadden that she was unable to see the stars.
And when she saw the two survivors stranded on a mountaintop with only mud surrounding them, she wept.
Her tears fell as stardust and when it hit Earth it immediately transformed into Asters.
In a third account, the aster flowers are said to have originated from King Aegeus.
King Aegeus mistakenly believed that his son Theseus was defeated and killed in his battle against the Minotaur.
He ended up killing himself and the blood that fell from his mortal wound transformed into purple asters.
China Aster flower meaning
The Chinese aster flower symbolises daintiness, gained wisdom and fortune and love. The single variety of Chinese Aster means I will think of it. While the double flower variety symbolises I partake in your sentiments.
Carl Linnaeus the Swiss botanist was that first to name the variety Aster Chinesis however, it was later changed to Callistephus Chinensis.
The name for Chinese Aster is Callistephus Chinenesis. The word was derived from the Greek words Kalistos translating to most beautiful and stephos a crown.
This variety of Aster is native to China however, small farmers in places like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Maharashtra in India also cultivate this variety of Aster.
The Aster flower is the third most important flower in China after Chrysanthemums and Marigolds.
Chinese Aster was introduced in Europe around 1731 by a French missionary. It has since then evolved from their original single flower type.
The freshness of the Chinese Aster made it a very popular cut for vases and floral decoration. In Karnataka they are also used for making garlands.
New England Aster flower meaning
The Novae-angliae or New England Aster symbolises afterthought, cheerfulness in old age and welcoming a stranger. It has protective powers against both ghosts and witches.
Cherokee myth of Aster flower
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae or New england Aster is native to North America and the Cherokee has their own myths surrounding the flower.
In a Cherokee myth from North America there was two warring tribes fighting to get hunting ground.
Their deathly battles resulted in only two sisters surviving. They both fled into the woods.
One of the sisters wore a doeskin dress dyed in the colour of lavender-blue. While the other sister would wear a bright yellow doeskin dress.
One night, a herb Woman would divine that they would be hunted down. Therefore, she sprinkled them with a magical brew and hid them with leaves.
The next morning there was two flowers that bloomed where the girls had slept. One was a lavender-blue Aster flower and the other one was a goldenrod.
Taurus and Libra birth flower
Although the goddess Astracea transforms into the constellation of Virgo, alchemist place the Aster flower under the dominion of the planet Venus. This makes it a great Taurus and Libra birth flower.
The association of the Aster flower under the dominion of Venus might come from either the Chinese aster or during the Victorian Era.
During the Victorian period sending a gift of Asters was a way to convey a message of love and also that of devotion.
A gift of a single Aster was given as some sort of “love charm” it was in hopes of eliciting the affection of the person receiving it.
Aster flower uses and beliefs
During the Roman period, the Aster flower adorned the wreaths of the gods and their altars.
It was believed that if you burn the roots of the Aster flower then it will drive away serpents.
In Germany, the flower was used as a love oracle. Lovers used it to decide whether their love was returned or not. The answer would depend on the last leaf that was plucked.
The French called the Aster “L’œil du Christ” and they called the China Aster “La Reine Marguerite”.
Aster flowers that were boiled in wine then placed near a beehive would improve the taste of the honey.
In China the aster wine was made by fermenting leaves and stems of the China Aster.
The Native Americans boiled and ate the leaves of the different species of asters. They would also make a tea out of the dried stems which they drank as a blood tonic.
The stems and flowers were also used in America to treat bites from rabid animals and snakes. Moreover, aster flowers were also used in cosmetics to improve complexion and aid in balding.
If you enjoyed our blog on Aster flower then make sure to check out other blogs on flower under the dominion of Venus.
References
Cumo, C. (Ed.). (2013). Encyclopedia of Cultivated Plants [3 volumes]: From Acacia to Zinnia. ABC-CLIO.
Dietz, S. T. (2022). The complete language of flowers the complete language of flowers: A definitive and illustrated history – pocket edition. Wellfleet Press.
Thiselton Dyer, T. F. (1994). Folklore of Plants. Llanerch Press.
Watts, D., & Watts, D. C. (2007). Dictionary of Plant Lore. Academic Press.
Deena Bsingh, a UK-born, Mauritius-raised content writer, is a dedicated explorer of the ancient world’s hidden treasures. Armed with classical studies knowledge and a decade of spiritual immersion, Deena delves deep into the wellspring of ancient wisdom. Her illuminating writings on flower meanings and culinary history are imbued with the profound insights she has gathered on her journey. Through her Medium articles, she guides readers on transformative journeys that bridge the gap between ancient cultures and contemporary consciousness, offering a rich tapestry of understanding that endures through time.
