The coreopsis flower or Tickseed has captured many with its cheerful and bright blooms. However, there is more to this flower than meets the eye. The Coreopsis flower symbolism stems from its rich history, fascinating uses and folklore.
In this blog, we are going to explore the meaning of the coreopsis flower. We will get into its history, the folklore and its uses.
What does the Coreopsis flower symbolises?
The Coreopsis flower symbolises impatience of happiness, love at first sight and always cheerful. The possible power of the plant are protection, fertility and protection. The Native Americans believed the flower was associated with the sun.
The Coreposis flower under the dominion of the sun makes it a Leo birth flower.
Coreopsis flower colours
A yellow coreopsis flower means happiness, friendship and joy. Its warm and welcoming colour makes it a perfect gift to give to your friends or loved ones. It is believed that the yellow coreopsis will bring light and positivity to any situation.
Red coreopsis flower symbolises passion, romance and love. This would make a perfect gift to give to a lover as an expression of love. The deep red of the flower is compared to the depth of emotions.
The pink coreopsis flower signifies kindness, affection, and sweetness. This would make an excellent choice if you wish to express gratitude to someone. The delicate pink colour of the flower is a reminder of gentleness and tenderness.
Coreopsis flower symbolism through folklore and myths
The Native Americans believed in the spiritual properties of the Coreopsis flower. The Sioux tribe used the flower in their ceremonies. More specifically, sweat lodge ceremonies. The flower was burned as incense, the belief was that it would purify both the body and the mind.
One of the coreopsis flower symbolism is always cheerful. This association might have come from the Cherokee people. They used the flower in their Green Corn ceremony.
This was performed during late summer and it celebrated harvest as well as the sun as a life giver of energy. During this ceremony, Coreopsis was one of the sacred plants.
Another symbolism and symbolic power of the Coreopsis flower is fertility. This association might come from the Hopi’s sun worship rituals.
The Hopi performed Snake Dance as a ceremony to honour the sun. They would adorn their hair with coreopsis flowers in late summer. Furthermore, they would dance in honour of the sun and snakes. They believed that this ceremony would bring both fertility and rain.
Coreopsis flower symbolism history
The Coreopsis flower is native to both North and South America. Native Americans used them for medicinal purposes, as well as for spiritual purposes.
Coreopsis flowers were brought into Europe around the 18th century. It gained considerable popularity as an ornamental plant. By the 19th century, there were several varieties of coreopsis flowers and they grew in gardens across Europe.
As the flower resembles a bedbug, the name was chosen from the Greek words “koris” and “opsis,” which translate to “bedbug” and “like.”
Coreopsis flower uses
The Native Americans used the flower to treat several ailments such as fevers and stomach problems. In addition, they believed plants had spiritual power, so they used them in rituals and ceremonies.
Dye for fabrics is one usage of the plant. It is additionally used for herbal tea. Perhaps its most recognised use is for ornamental projects.
Coreopsis flower is a very popular choice in floral arrangements due to its long lasting blooms and bright colours. The flower is also durable which makes it suitable for landscaping projects too.
If you enjoyed learning about the Coreopsis flower’s meaning, be sure to check out our other blogs on flower symbolism and meaning for more information and inspiration.
References
Darcey, C. (2017). Flowerpaedia: 1,000 Flowers and their meanings. Rockpool Publishing.
Dietz, S. T. (2022). The complete language of flowers the complete language of flowers: A definitive and illustrated history – pocket edition. Wellfleet Press.
Diffenbaugh, V. (2016). The language of flowers. Picador.
Garrett, J. (n.d.). The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions.
Gray, S. (2015). The secret language of flowers. CICO Books.
Moerman, D. E. (1998). Native American Ethnobotany. Timber 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.
