Scilla Flower Meaning (Squill)

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The Scilla Flower meaning comes to us through its mythology and uses. It is also sometimes called Sea Onion or Squill.

It forms part of the Asparagaceae family and sub family of Scilloideae. The flowers are native to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

In this blog we will explore what the Scilla flower symbolises. We will also get into the zodiac sign associated with the flower and its uses.

What does a Scilla symbolise?

The Scilla or Squill flower meaning are constancy, fidelity and loyalty. Its possible powers are carnal desires, break hexes, accidents, protection, money and anger. Alchemist place the flower under the dominion of planet Mars and Saturn.

Scilla flower Zodiac sign

The Scilla flower comes under the dominion of the planet Mars and Saturn. The planet Mars rules the signs Aries and Scorpio. While the planet Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius. It makes it a birth flower for all four zodiacs.

In Greek mythology the god Pan was equated with the Capricorn Zodiac. This story tells that the god Pan jumped into a rivier in order to escape the monster Typhon.

Furthermore, he attempted to change himself into a fish. But he moved so quickly and when Typhon came only quarter of his body was changed into a fish while the other remained as a goat.

This also led to the celebrated battle between Zeus and Typhon. Eventually, Zeus would win and bury the monster under Mount Etna. However, before he could do so Typhon had pulled a muscle from Zeus leg.

Pan with the help of Hermes replaced them. And as a reward for this help Zeus made Pan as the Capricorn zodiac. The Scilla flower meaning fidelity and protection might also come from this myth.

Scilla flower symbolic meaning

How long do Scilla bloom

The plant is often associated with the spring season, however the plant reaches it peak during the months of July and August. They are known to come in bloom with the Snowdrops flowers.

Is Scilla Invasive

In North America the Siberian Squill or Scilla Siberica Iberian was introduced for ornamental purposes. However, it escaped cultivation and this led to the species to be considered as an invasive plant.

Scilla Flower Uses

Since the 5th century the Scilla flower was used in Greece for magical purposes.

If you wanted to attract money then you would place a Scilla flower in a jar with silver coins. This is where the Scilla flower meaning money comes from.

In order to break a hex you would carry or wear a Scilla flower. The Scilla flower meaning breaking hex likely comes from this use.

Squills were used to foretell harvest. If the flower was long and slender like a stick and it didn’t fall down then it would be good for crops.

The bulb of the Red Squill was powdered and used as rat poison in America. It was noted that rats liked them and would easily eat them.

In ancient Egyptian societies they would plant Squills in groves then hang them in their houses in order to protect them from evil spirits.

While in Greece, the Arkadians would go hunting and if they were successful then they would honour the god Pan. However, if they were unsuccessful then they would attack his statue with squills.

The bulb was prescribed for jaundice, epilepsy, headache, dizziness etc. However, it was mostly recognised as a remedy for oedema.

Moreover, it also aided with “water sickness” this was used by Egyptians. They named the affliction “Eye of Typhon.”

Scilla flower

References

Andrews, T. (2000). A dictionary of nature myths. Clarendon Press.

Folkard, R. (2013). Plant Lore, Legends and Lyrics. Theclassics.

Haussler, R., & Chiai, G. F. (2020). Sacred landscapes in antiquity: Creation, manipulation, transformation. Oxbow Books.

Watts, D. C. (2007). Dictionary of Plant Lore. Elsevier Science & Technology.


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